JONAH FLINT
Graduating June 2023, Summa Cum Laude
Phone:
​
2022 Recipient of the National DAR Good Citizenship Award
(chosen by peers and faculty)
Email:
Address:
32 Central Street
Sunapee, NH 03782
Every student graduating from Sunapee Middle High School must complete a capstone project called the Senior Project. The duration of the project must be at least 40 hours, and the purpose is to gain new knowledge and skills on a topic of our choosing with the support of an experienced mentor. The project concludes on Senior Project Night when seniors present projects to the community through a visual gallery and a lecture-style presentation.
​
My project involves designing, building, and testing a CNC router. This has required me to gather information by studying CNC technology and touring industry-leading companies such as Moore Nanotech, where I saw state-of-the-art CNC technology (air-bearing spindles, and hydrostatic slideways that held angstram-level tolerances). I then began to design and model my machine using Autodesk Fusion 360. I am currently using off-the-shelf axes with NEMA 23 stepper motors and a section of aluminum extrusion to build the frame of the router. I plan on controlling the machine with an Arduino Uno R3 and a set of stepper motor drivers.
​
Once the machine is operational, I plan on measuring the tolerances it can hold (possibly using an optical comparator or CMM if I can gain access to one). The final product will include knowledge of state-of-the-art CNC technologies, CNC programming experience, and a functional CNC router.
Prior Experience:
CAD 3D Modeling
I have worked with CAD for about four years doing various projects including 3D printing and modeling projects for my woodshop. I primarily use Autodesk Fusion 360, although I do have some experience using SketchUp.
Earlier this year, I did a job shadow at Corning Incorporated, where I was exposed to the engineering and design elements of Electro-Optical and Infrared Imaging technologies, as well as the extreme precision manufacturing technologies of CNC Single Point Diamond Turning. This technology is used to produce optical-grade surfaces for precision telescope lenses and other camera systems (for a number of wavelengths).
Last summer, I spent two weeks as an intern at IMA where I saw CNC technology in action. Although the tolerances held at IMA were not as precise as the optical technologies at Corning, I gained significant experience working with a number of CNC systems.
I have enjoyed woodworking most of my life. Over the past five years, I have built up a significant workshop in our barn from which I have sold a number of products to local clients. I'm interested to see how my woodworking skills apply to my interest in CNC technology.
Senior Project Elements:
The final product will include new knowledge of state-of-the-art CNC technology, CNC programming experience, and a working CNC machining center.
Understanding CNC Mechanics
Learning about today's precision tolerances, and the technologies used to hold them.
Touring Moore Nanotech
Moore Nanotech in Keene, NH, produces the world's most precise CNC Single Point Diamond Turning machine tool centers.
Software/Programing Components
Using software I am familiar with (e.g. Autodesk Fusion 360) along with programs I have never used to program and control my machine.
Material Science
Learning about stress tolerances, elastic vs plastic deformation of materials, and thermal expansion of materials affect CNC precision.
Electronic systems
Understanding the purpose and operating principles of the many electronic components within my machine.
CNC Motor technology
Learning about the applications of different types of motors, such as stepper motors, servo motors, and standard DC motors.