UMAC 150 - Introduction to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operations

Introduction to setup, operations, and programming procedures for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Mills and Lathes. Includes CNC machining system, positioning and coordinate systems used in CNC machining, part programming, diagnosis and correction of programming errors, and programming procedure.

Prerequisite(s): UMAC 100 Introduction to Machine Tool

Course Learning Outcomes:

Describe tool changers, tool storage, tool offsets, special tooling and fixturing.
Demonstrate the construction of a basic part program.
Pass the NIMS CNC Lathe Operations credential.
Demonstrate machine setup, tool setting, loading of the program, and machine of the part.
Pass the NIMS CNC Mill Operations credential.

Outline:

Numerical Control (NC) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Systems
- Introduction and safety procedures
- Description of NC/CNC machinery
- Objectives and application of NC/CNC
- Components and control systems
- Tool changers, tool storage, and special tooling/fixturing
Positioning and Coordinate Systems used in NC/CNC Programming
- Review the Cartesian coordinate system
- Description and use of datum and delta dimensioning
- Description and use of absolute and incremental positioning
- Plotting part coordinates
- Plotting cutter offsets
- Selecting order of operations needed for programming
- Developing a program
- Importance of program documentation
Part Programming
- Point to point programming
- Program formatting
- Description and use of Canned Cycles
- Trigonometry used in plotting intersections and tangent points
  - Plotting arc positions
  - Plotting angle positions
  - Plotting cutter offsets
- Arc programming
- Angular programming
Diagnosis and Correction of Programming Errors
- Operator error
- Dimensional error
  - Machine error
- Programming error
Machine Usage Procedures
- Set zero coordinates/tool length offset
- Load and edit program in machine
- Adjust speed and feeds
- Program Prove In
- Cutting tool setup