Services and Facilities

CNC Milling

CNC Milling (Computer Numerical Control Milling) is a highly precise machining process that uses computer-controlled rotary cutters to remove material from a solid block (called a workpiece) to create custom parts and components. Unlike traditional manual milling, CNC milling is fully automated. The machine follows exact digital instructions (G-code) from a CAD/CAM file, allowing it to produce complex shapes with incredible accuracy and repeatability.

It is ideal for creating detailed parts from materials like wood, plastic, composites, and soft metals. It can be used for prototyping, engraving, custom part production, and learning digital fabrication. Its main appeal lies in balancing precision, accessibility, and convenience.

The milling machine can provide the following features:

• 3-axis CNC machining system: Designed for precise cutting, carving, drilling, and engraving across a range of small-format projects.
• High-speed spindle: Built for detailed machining and smooth material removal, suitable for wood, plastics, PCB-related work, and selected soft metals.
• Material versatility: Compatible with wood, acrylic, plastic, carbon fiber, PCB material, and soft metals such as aluminum, depending on tooling and setup.
• Smart workflow integration: Engineered to work with digital design and CAM workflows, helping users move efficiently from CAD files to finished parts.

Eligible Users

All CityUHK students, staff of programmes leading to CityUHK awards including associate degree, bachelor's degree and postgraduate degree.

Material Prices

* Material sold by the Library should be used for CNC Milling only.

How to Milling

• Book the CNC Milling service via Resource Booker.
• Each new eligible user MUST undertake a CREATE! CNC Milling Basic Training before operating the machine.
• The user should only milling with the Wood material. The user should not milling other material without prior approval.
• During the CNC milling session:
  1. Bring your CityUHK ID card to IT Help Desk for approval.
  2. Fill in and submit the CNC milling request form.
  3. If you need material provided by the Library, specify in the request form and pay the charge at the Circulation Counter.
  4. We are using Makera CAM for CNC machine.
  5. Import your data file into the Makera CAM on the laptop.
  6. Check the user guide for details procedure.
• You must wear laser goggles for extra protection of your eyes.
• While the machine is operating, be aware of its status and you must not leave it unattended.

Usage Guidelines & Policies

• CNC Milling is free for use by all CityUHK students, staff of programmes leading to CityUHK awards including associate degree, bachelor's degree and postgraduate degree.
• Each eligible user MUST undertake a CREATE! CNC Milling Basic Training before operating the machine.
• Time slots from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. are available Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
• The machine operation MUST not last longer than 30 minutes.
• The user should only use the material provided by the Library. The user should not use other material without prior approval.
• Please note the booking quota of each service in CREATE!
• You are required to show up within the first 15 minutes for the session you have booked. Your reservation will be expired and automatically cancelled after 15 minutes.
• The check-out operation also includes the use of powerful laptops.
• Reservations are limited to a maximum of 8 hours per week.
• Bookings can be made up to 5 days in advance.
• To ensure fair access to all eligible users, the facilities are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The facilities are used only for lawful purposes. No one will be permitted to use the facilities to cut objects that are against the law, obscene, in violation of another’s intellectual property rights.
• Any unsafe and dangerous operation with the machine are strictly prohibited.
• In case of accidents, user should report to the Library staff immediately.
• All booking requests are subject to approval based on scheduling and availability. The Library reserves the right to refuse any requests for any reason.

CREATE! CNC Milling Basic Training

Enquiries

Technical support session

For setting up a technical support session, patrons can either send an email message to libemt@cityu.edu.hk at least 3 working days in advance, or go to IT Help Desk in-person to schedule a technical support session.

Technical support session Hours

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (except public and University holidays)