Carbide 3D NOMAD 3 User manual
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NOMAD
3
1
Table of Contents
Welcome and Congratulations............................................................................................................ 2
Important Safety Instructions............................................................................................................. 3
Parts of Nomad 3 ............................................................................................................................... 5
Step 1: Unpack Nomad 3 Box.............................................................................................................. 6
Step 2: Download and Install Software ............................................................................................... 9
Step 3: Connect and Home Nomad 3................................................................................................. 10
Step 4: Install the Wasteboard.......................................................................................................... 12
Step 5: Install the Collet and Nut ...................................................................................................... 13
Step 6: Install a Probing Pin .............................................................................................................. 15
Step 7: Run the Starter Project ......................................................................................................... 16
Next Steps........................................................................................................................................ 17
Which End Mills Can I Use?............................................................................................................... 18
Which Materials Can the Nomad 3 Cut?............................................................................................ 21
How Do I Install/Remove an End Mill?.............................................................................................. 22
How Do I Secure Material to the Nomad 3? ...................................................................................... 24
How Do I Set Job Zero?..................................................................................................................... 27
What Are Toolpaths and G-code? ..................................................................................................... 34
Where Can I Find Tutorials & Project Inspiration?..................................................................................... 36
Which Accessories Can I Use with Nomad 3? ........................................................................................ 38
What Maintenance Should I Do? ...................................................................................................... 39
Machine Operating Checklist............................................................................................................ 40
Glossary of Terms............................................................................................................................. 42
Machine Use and Maintenance Log .................................................................................................. 43
2
Welcome and Congratulations
You are now the proud owner of a Nomad 3, an incredibly powerful and easy-to-use CNC machine. In this guide we
will walk you through everything you need to know to get started using your Nomad 3.
Sign Up for an Onboarding Session
For those of you who are new to CNC machining, we recommend signing up for a short onboarding session. The
onboarding session will help you get started on your CNC journey. During the one-on-one session you can:
•Ask any questions you encounter as you go through this guide.
•Get step-by-step help walking through the Nomad 3 Starter Project, Step 7 in this guide.
•Ask specific questions about how to begin machining your dream project. How do I start engraving metal?
Which end mills can I use? Can I cut steel/brass/copper/acrylic/HDPE? (We’ll actually touch on all of these
in this guide, though you may have additional questions for our support team during your onboarding
session.)
Warranty
Visit our warranty site for Nomad 3 warranty details.
Glossary of Terms
As you’re following the setup process in this guide, you may run into CNC terminology you’re unfamiliar with.
Consult the Glossary of Terms at the end of this document for common CNC terms and definitions.
Important Call-Outs Used in This Guide
Throughout the guide, you will find information that we’ve called out for you to pay particular attention to. We use
three types of call-outs: Warnings, Notes, and Pro Tips:
WARNING: This is a warning. Information in these boxes is VERY important. Pay close attention.
NOTE: This is a note—information that points out critical steps or information for future reference.
PRO TIP: This is a Pro Tip. Anytime you see one of these, you will find helpful additional information.
PRO TIP: We’re here to help! If you encounter any issues setting up your Nomad 3, contact our Tech
3
Important Safety Instructions
Nomad 3 is a serious machine that should be treated like any other power tool. Always follow safe-machining
practices:
•Always wear safety glasses when your Nomad 3 is on.
•Always wear appropriate hearing protection. Hearing damage is cumulative and irreversible, so it is
important to always err on the side of caution.
•Always keep the protective door closed while your Nomad 3 is machining.
•Never leave your Nomad 3 unattended while it is machining.
•Never reach into the machine while it is running.
•End mills are sharp and should be handled with care.
•Always ensure the end mill is securely held by the collet before machining.
•Always use common sense.
In the event that you need to stop the machine right away, press the Power Switch to turn off the Nomad 3.
Additional Safety Recommendations
•Consider the possibility of a fire caused by friction from the spindle and take suitable fire prevention
precautions (e.g. having a fire extinguisher handy and other suitable precautions).
•Plug Nomad 3 into an outlet that has a dedicated on/off switch. Be sure this is accessible while the machine
is running, in case you should need to shut the machine off immediately.
•Recycle or safely dispose of milling debris and dust, keeping in mind flammability, (potential) spontaneous
combustion, and chemical considerations. Even natural materials can have surprising disposal implications.
For example, walnut wood dust is allelopathic (it inhibits plant growth), an irritant to the skin and
respiratory tract, and potentially poisonous to some animals. All of these possible disposal implications are
in addition to the spontaneous combustion hazard posed by all types of sawdust.
4
Nomad 3 Interlock and Enclosure
Nomad 3 has an interlock. When the spindle is running, opening the door will trigger the interlock which causes the
project to pause, and the spindle to pause and move up to a parked position. When the interlock is triggered,
Carbide Motion will display the pause screen. Once the door is closed again, you’ll need to click the Resume button
on the pause screen to continue the job.
The enclosure and protective acrylic door are there for
two reasons: to contain the mess and to protect you
from broken cutters and flying stock.
•End mills, or cutters, are made of carbide, a
very hard, very brittle metal. When they break,
they snap suddenly and without warning. The
window will help protect you from any broken
cutters.
•Stock material can break away during cutting.
This can happen because you failed to use
enough double-sided tape, because the
material didn't adhere well enough using that
tape, or because you were cutting too fast.
If either of these happens during a job, power the
machine down (hit the emergency-stop if one is available on your setup) and fix the problem.
In summary, always close the door when the Nomad 3 is machining.
Door Error Messages
When the door is not fully closed, it cannot disengage
the interlock. If this happens, Carbide Motion will
prompt you to check the door. If you see a “Please
close machine door” or “Machine not idle” message, or
if the screen says “BUSY” for a long period of time,
make sure the door is appropriately closed.
Interlock Key
The interlock key is provided to allow you to set job
zero while the door is open (using the BitZero V2).
Place the key on the face of the interlock and the
interlock will disengage. Do NOT use the key to
override the interlock while machining. Always close
the door while the spindle is on.
NOTE: We also strongly recommend keeping the door closed when the machine is not in use. Leaving the
door open for long periods of time could weaken the door hinge.
6
Step 1: Unpack Nomad 3 Box
Unbox Your Nomad 3
Let’s begin by making sure that everything is accounted
for and free from any shipping damage. Open the
Nomad 3 box by cutting the tape across the top seam.
Take precautions to preserve the box while opening; if
your machine needs to be moved or shipped, the box is
the only way to ensure safe transport of the machine.
1. Once the shipping box is open, you’ll find a box
that contains the accessories and another that
contains the BitZero V2 (touch probe). Remove
both items from the main box.
2. The machine weighs approximately 70 lbs. With
two people, reach into the box and from the
bottom lift the machine up and out of the box
onto a table.
3. Remove the two foam panels from the outside of
the machine and place them back into the box
for future transport.
Remove Foam Padding
1. Tilt the machine onto its back or side so you can
access the undercarriage.
2. Clip the zip ties that are holding the foam
padding to the Y-Axis rail on the underside of the
machine. Be careful not to ding the Y-rail.
3. Remove the foam padding and put it in the main
box for future transport.
4. Return the machine to its upright position and
open the acrylic door.
5. Remove the foam padding from the X- and
Z-Axis. Use caution not to ding the rails while
clipping the zip ties.
6. Place all foam padding into the main box for
future transport.
NOTE: It is important the entire machine fits on
the table and that the table is sturdy.
7
Open the Nomad Accessory Kit
Open the accessory box and inspect its contents. This box should contain all of the items shown in the image below
and listed in the table on the next page.
PRO TIP: Your Nomad 3 kit was carefully packaged by hand. If, after completing your inventory, you find
that something is missing or damaged, contact us at su[email protected] and we’ll ship it to you ASAP.
8
Item
Description
Qty
A
Power Cord
1
B
Power Supply
1
C
USB Cable
1
D
8″× 8″× ½″MDF Wasteboard
1
E
6″× 7″× ½″Bamboo Plywood
1
F
2″× 3″× 1″Renshape
1
G
Double-Sided Tape
1
H
Wasteboard Hardware: M6 × 10mm SHCS
4
I
4mm Hex Key
1
J
17mm Collet Wrench
1
K
13mm Shaft Wrench
1
L
1
/8
″Collet and Nut
1
M
Chip Fan
1
N
#101 1
/8
″Ballnose End Mill
1
O
#102 1
/8
″Square End Mill
1
P
Interlock Key
1
Open the BitZero V2 Box
This box contains the BitZero V2 and two probing pins.
9
Step 2: Download and Install Software
Carbide Motion
Carbide Motion is the machine control software for your Nomad 3 CNC machine. Carbide Motion lets you control
your machine by jogging it around, setting zeroes, and loading and running G-code. You’ll need to install this
software in order to operate the machine. Download and install the latest version of Carbide Motion:
1. Download Carbide Motion (Windows and Mac OS X available).
2. Once the download completes, double-click the file and follow the instructions to install the software to
your computer.
3. After Carbide Motion installs, it is a good idea to drag the icon onto your Windows Taskbar (or Dock on a
Mac) so you can easily access the program.
Check out the Carbide Motion User Guide on the Carbide 3D docs site.
MeshCAM
MeshCAM is 3D CAM software that can convert 3D models such as STL files, into G-code for your Nomad 3.
MeshCAM saves a proprietary G-code for Nomad machines, so no additional license code is required to use it with
Nomad 3, but it will not generate G-code for other CNC machines. Download and install the latest version of
MeshCAM:
1. Download MeshCAM (Windows and Mac OS X available). You’ll need to download V7 or later. We
recommend using the latest version, MeshCAM V8.
2. Once the download completes, double-click the file and follow the instructions to install the software.
3. After MeshCAM installs, drag the icon onto your Windows Taskbar (or Dock on a Mac).
Carbide Create
Carbide Create is a cross-platform 2D CAD/CAM software package made by Carbide 3D. This software is ideal for
designing 2D and 2.5D parts, has built in 3D previews and works flawlessly with your machine. You’ll use Carbide
Create to create 2D and 2.5D designs, generate toolpaths, and export G-code which you will run in Carbide Motion
to machine your part. Download and install the latest version of Carbide Create:
1. Download Carbide Create (Windows and Mac OS X available).
2. Once the download completes, double-click the file and follow the instructions to install the software.
3. After Carbide Create installs, drag the icon onto your Windows Taskbar (or Dock on a Mac).
Check out the Carbide Create Video Tutorial Series on the Carbide 3D docs site.
Alibre Workshop
Alibre Workshop is a 3D CAD/CAM program. With Alibre Workshop, you can design from scratch, import 2D and 3D
formats, or create toolpaths from images. You will receive a license and download link for Alibre Workshop directly
from Carbide 3D.
10
Step 3: Connect and Home Nomad 3
Plug in the Cables
1. Plug the power cable into the bottom
connector on the outside of the machine
enclosure. The flat side of the power
connector faces right (toward the rear of the
machine).
2. Plug the USB cable into the middle connector.
The small end of the cable plugs into the
connector. The larger USB end will plug into a
USB port your computer.
3. Plug the BitZero V2 into the top connector
with the small black release button facing up.
Connect to Nomad 3
Nomad 3 is controlled by Carbide Motion. To connect your machine to Carbide Motion:
1. Power up your computer.
2. Connect the USB cable to your computer.
3. Start Carbide Motion on your computer.
4. Press the Power switch on the front of Nomad 3 to power it on.
5. In Carbide Motion, click the Connect to Cutter button.
11
Home Your Nomad 3
Now that you are connected to your Nomad 3, it’s time to home it. Homing your CNC machine is the process of
sending it to a known, fixed, repeatable location. This means that every time you home the machine, it will move to
EXACTLY the same position. Every. Single. Time. This allows you to move your machine to ANOTHER position,
relative to the home position, with great precision. On your Nomad 3, the home is position is the back-right corner.
To home your Nomad 3:
1. Click the Initialize Machine button.When homing is complete, your spindle will be in the back-right corner and
the table will be at the front of the machine.
PRO TIP: Sometimes, later on in a project you will want to home the machine again. To do so, click MDI in
the top menu bar to open the MDI screen. Enter $H into the text field and click the Send button. This will
re-home the machine.
12
Step 4: Install the Wasteboard
Now that the homing sequence has moved the table to the front of the machine, it’s time to install the wasteboard.
The wasteboard protects the machine’s aluminum table from damage. While you can attach stock material directly
to the table, chances are high that you’ll accidently cut through the material and into the table at some point, so
we highly recommend using the wasteboard.
To install the wasteboard:
1. Remove the wasteboard, M6 × 10mm SHCS, and 4mm hex key from the accessory box.
2. Place the wasteboard on the table with the countersunk holes facing up, and the middle-countersunk hole
positioned just right of center.
3. Line up the countersunk holes with the holes in the table.
4. Use the 4mm hex key and the five (5) M6 × 10mm screws to secure the wasteboard. While tightening,
ensure your MDF wasteboard stays square with the aluminum table.
13
Step 5: Install the Collet and Nut
What Is a Collet?
A collet is used to secure an end mill in the spindle. A collet is sized to hold one diameter of cutter. Your Nomad 3
comes with a 1
/8
″ER-11 collet which is capable of holding any 1
/8
″diameter cutter, even if you did not buy it from
Carbide 3D. You can buy additional ER-11 collets to hold different diameter cutters from Carbide 3D or other
vendors.
The collet (1) holds the end mill (3) when the collet nut (2) is tightened in a spindle.
14
How to Install the Collet and Nut
To install the collet and nut:
1. Snap the collet into the collet nut:
a. Set the collet nut on the table
with the threads facing up.
b. Use your thumb to press the
collet into the nut until you hear
a “click.”Once the collet is
clicked into the nut it is secured
in place.
2. Insert the collet into the shaft of the
spindle and loosely thread the nut onto
the spindle shaft. Do not use the collet
wrenches to tighten the collet nut at this
time.
WARNING: Never fully tighten the collet nut without first inserting a tool or the collet could break.
15
Step 6: Install a Probing Pin
After connecting and homing the machine, you will be prompted to insert a tool. At this time, you can either install
a probing pin (to use the BitZero V2 to find job zero) or you can install an end mill. Typically, you will install an end
mill only after finding job zero.
To get ready to find job zero in the first project, the Nomad 3 Starter Project, you’ll need to install the probing pin:
1. Insert the 1
/8
″probing pin, included in the BitZero V2 kit, into the loose collet a minimum of 0.75″(20mm)
—the entire length of the collet and nut.
2. Hold the shaft of the spindle (above the threads) with one hand, while holding the probing pin in position
and tightening the collet nut with your other hand.
3. Tighten the collet nut with your fingers, just until the probing pin will not fall out.
4. Use the 13mm shaft wrench to hold the shaft of the spindle in place, while using the 17mm collet wrench
to tighten the collet nut and secure the probing pin.
5. In Carbide Motion, hit the Resume button. The spindle will position above the BitSetter and will
automatically measure the length of the probing pin.
WARNING: You can damage a collet if you compress it without support from the inside. This is also why
you should never tighten the collet nut without first inserting a tool, as you can damage the collet.
NOTE: BitSetter is an automatic tool offset probe, which measures the length of each tool. BitSetter makes
it easy to run jobs using multiple tools without the need to stop and re-zero your Z-Axis manually. This
makes tool changes with the Nomad 3 simple and straight forward.
16
Step 7: Run the Starter Project
Congratulations! Your Nomad 3 is now set up and you are ready to run your first project. The Nomad 3 Starter
Project on the Carbide 3D website will walk you through the steps to create a tool organizer tray which can hold all
of your Nomad 3 accessories, such as end mills, ER-11 collets, and wrenches. The tutorial uses the 6″× 7″× ½″
piece of bamboo plywood included in your Nomad 3 kit. Everything you need to know is covered in the tutorial,
including:
•How to create toolpaths in Carbide Create.
•How to export G-code (the code that tells
your Nomad 3 how to machine the part).
•How to secure the bamboo plywood to
your wasteboard.
•How to install an end mill.
•How to use BitZero V2 to set job zero for
the project.
•How to import G-code into Carbide Motion
to begin machining.
17
Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
On the following pages, you’ll find detailed answers to Nomad 3 frequently asked questions:
Which End Mills Can I Use?
Which Materials Can the Nomad 3 Cut?
How Do I Install/Remove an End Mill?
How Do I Secure Material to the Nomad 3?
How Do I Set Job Zero?
What Are Toolpaths and G-code?
Where Can I Find Tutorials and Project Inspiration?
Which Accessories Can I Use with Nomad 3?
What Maintenance Should I Do?
Additional Information
Finally, at the end of the document, you will find:
Machine Operating Checklist
CNC Glossary
Machine Use and Maintenance Log
18
Which End Mills Can I Use?
Nomad 3 uses a spindle with an ER-11 collet system. The machine ships with a 1
/8
″ collet and nut, which allows you
to use any end mill, also known as a cutter, that has an 1
/8
″diameter shank. The shank diameter determines what
size collet should be used to hold the cutter in the spindle.
Where Can I Purchase Additional End Mills?
Browse through the end mills on our Cutters page in the Carbide 3D store. Our #100 series and our #501 and #502
cutters are all 1
/8
″end mills.
Nomad End Mill Starter Pack
If you’re not quite sure which endmills you should get to start working
on those projects you've got lined up for your Nomad 3, the Nomad End
Mill Starter Pack is a great choice! This starter pack has a collection of
the most popular endmills to get you milling in no time. All end mills in
the kit fit the 1
/8
″collet and nut that comes with your Nomad 3. Each
Nomad Cutter Starter Pack contains the following:
Which End Mills Can I Use for Engraving?
If want to do engraving on metal or very fine lettering or detail work,
check out our engraving end mills: #501 - 60° Tip Engraver and #502 -
40° Tip Engraver (both have a 1
/8
″shank). What’s the difference
between the two? A smaller angle tip means a smaller cutting width,
and therefore, finer engraving.
You may also be interested in our Amana AMS-114-K 3 Piece CNC
Signmaking and Engraving Pack, it includes a ¼″2-flute spiral down-
cut cutter, a ¼″2-flute compression cutter, and a 30° engraver. This
kit requires a ¼″collet.
What if I Want to Use Larger End Mills?
Because the spindle uses the ER-11 collet system, if you'd like to use a
larger tool with your Nomad 3, you can purchase a ¼″ER-11 Collet
and Nut. This will allow you to use cutters with ¼″shank for use in
appropriate materials. The kit includes an extra collet nut so you can
quickly switch between collets without having to remove them from
•2 ea - #101 .125″ Ball Endmill
•2 ea - #102 .125″ Flat Endmill
•2 ea - #111 .0625″ Ball Endmill
•2 ea - #112 .0625″ Flat Endmill
•1 ea - #121 .0312″ Ball Endmill
•1 ea - #122 .0312″ Flat Cutter
•1 ea - #501 60° PCB Engraver
•1 ea - #502 40° PCB Engraver
19
the collet nut. The maximum end mill diameter that you can use with your Nomad 3 is 7mm (0.275″); make sure to
purchase an appropriately sized collet.
What if I Want to Use Smaller End Mills?
In the Carbide 3D Shop, we offer several small cutting-diameter end mills: 1
/16″(0.0625″), 1
/32″(0.0312″), and 2mm
single flute (0.078″) end mills. Because they all have a 1
/8
″shank, they can be used with your 1
/8
″collet.
You can also purchase smaller ER-11 collets if you decide you want to purchase end mills with shank smaller than
1
/8
″. You just need to make sure that the collet is appropriately sized for the end mill you want to use. For example,
you’ll need a 1
/16″collet for an end mill with a 1
/16″shank and a 1
/32″collet for an end mill with a 1
/32″shank.
What are the Parts of an End Mill?
Shank: The diameter of the
non-cutting end of the
cutter.
Overall Length (OAL): The
total length of the cutter
(measured from tip to tip).
Length of Cut (LOC): The
total length of the cutting surface of the cutter. If this dimension is less than the dimension of the shank, the LOC is
effectively how far down the cutter can plunge (total) into the material.
Flutes: The number of cutting surfaces found on the cutter. For example, a 2-flute cutter has two cutting edges, a
3-flute cutter has three cutting edges.
Cutting Diameter: The diameter of the cutting area of the end mill (can be different from the shank size).
What Are Common End Mill
Varieties?
End mills generally come in two
varieties: square (right) and ballnose
(left) end mills. Watch the How to Pick
an End Mill for Your Project Video.
Aside from the shape of the end mill,
the tip geometry also varies between
types, determining the way the chips
are ejected and effecting the
smoothness of the finish.
NOTE: The Nomad 3 does not use a proprietary system for end mills. That means that any end mill, from any
vendor will work. Just make sure you get the correct shank size for your collet.
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