DIY CNC Custom Ornament/Photo Frame!

BUILD MY DIY CUSTOM ORNAMENTS!

Hello! I'm Dylan, a Grade 9 student.

I recently saw a CNC contest for students - and saw there weren't many entries. My little sister also really wanted a photo frame for any of her artworks. (the photo is actually a little cut-out from a draft of her art) So I present my custom ornament, the completely CNC or 3D Printed ornament casing for any photo or graphic you want! While I was a little late to Christmas, this also works well as a photo frame, making it perfect for any occasion.

With it, you can display a tiny 7 cm wide round photo, which is a great size for your bedside table.

Maker's Notes:

-The ornaments have been fully designed in FUSION 360, an excellent program for both experts and TinkerCAD users who want to up their experience and skill in 3D modeling. With it, you can do anything from making basic CNC files like mine to building incredible concept designs of skyscrapers. Plus, it's COMPLETELY FREE for students. If you are interested, check it out here!

-Since there isn't much to it, this build is very easy to make. There are only a few steps to the project, and it only requires a few materials. I built this ornament for small photos, with a 7 cm diameter.

-These ornaments represent some of my interests - 3D Printing, Woodworking, and, well, the Holidays!

-I used a 3D Printer for my build - but it works either way, 3D printing was simply a better option for me.

-For the contest, I am attending Lockview High School, based in Fall River, NS, Canada.

Hope you enjoy this project!

FOR A PHOTO FRAME YOU NEED THESE MATERIALS:

• Gcode CNC Router or 3D Printer
• Sanded-down wood or 3D filament (wood should be at least 20CMx12CMx3CM in length, width, and height)
• Computer
• 7cm (3 in.) round photo
• 7cm (3 in.) round plastic piece (any scrap piece from something like a strawberry container will work)
• Post-it note

AS WELL, YOU NEED THESE MATERIALS FOR AN ORNAMENT:

• A Tree... duh
• 12cm (5 in.) String

Here's a basic overview of my design in Fusion 360. If you want to start building, skip to the next step. I didn't go too in-depth for this overview, as I want you to be able to get printing right away!

The design was very easy to make, even though I was a beginner with no experience. I loved that about Fusion 360, the fact that you can start designing instantly without the help of any guide or expert. I was able to complete the basic design without any prior experience, video tutorials, or documentation. I just had to experiment with the options!

So I started by using a measuring tape to find a good diameter for this ornament, which was 7cm. Then, I simply created a circle with the "create sketch" tool, measured it, then pulled it up to make it 3D. I made a hole with the "hole" tool, put a hole in the circle to create an insert, and then made a smaller hole for the opening.

After that, I built the cover by using the built-in measuring tape to find the correct dimensions for the hole. Then I just made a circle with the same diameter of the outside of the case, and pulled it up about 1cm, and finally, built another circle with the diameter of the inside of the case, but slightly less to allow some room.`

I didn't go too in-depth for the CNC, as different machines require different settings.

For CNC (recommended)

1. USE MeshCAM to convert the STL file to a g-code file for CNC machines.
2. Download and run the MeshCAM installer from here: MeshCAM - CNC Software - CAD/CAM Software (grzsoftware.com)
3. You will get an E-Mail with a product key. Enter this key in the software prompt. In the software, there will be a prompt asking whether you want the free or pro version. Click free.
4. Import the STL file below and make adjustments to fit your CNC machine.
5. Set up your machine in "load" and export the file to your machine!
6. Set up your wood as necessary and Cut!
7. Note: MeshCAM uses different tools for CNC slicing than Fusion 360. If you prefer to slice with Fusion 360, go ahead!

For 3D Printing

1. Use your preferred slicer (I'm using Cura) to convert the STL into a G-Code.
2. Import the file below into the slicer.
3. Make necessary adjustments (for weight reduction I am only using 10 percent infill)
4. Export and print!

Unless you plan on splitting the file in two, you need a 3D Printer or CNC machine with at least 220x220 bed size.

1. Place the plastic the case first, like a photo frame.
2. Place your photo in the frame face-down. Make sure it isn't turned the wrong way!
3. Cut the corners of the Post-it note as shown. Place it on top of the frame.
4. Grab the lid and place it into the frame. It should be arranged as shown in the photo!
5. Make Adjustments so the photo is arranged right.

Simple yet intuitive! I had to get around a CNC machine not being able to cut things like screws so I designed a hardware-less alternative, with the post-it note keeping the cover in place.

If you are using the frame as an ornament, follow this step.

Tie your string to the ornament, leaving a loop for hanging the ornament to the tree.

That's all there is to it! Now simply put your photo on display and Enjoy :)

Thank you for building the project - I enjoyed using Fusion 360 for the first time, and hope to see more Fusion 360 contests like this soon! Post your make so I can see it, and provide feedback on what could be done better.

Consider voting for me in the competition, as the prize helps fund my future instructable projects! :)

Excellent work today, and Merry (very late) Christmas.