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2026-2027 College Catalog

MAC 261 - Computer Aided Machining (CAM) Programming - Multi-Axis Lathe

7 Contact Hours, 4 Credits
1 lecture period 6 lab periods


Advanced use of the Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) environment used for programming for multi-axis CNC lathes. Creation and use of 2-axis, Y/C-axis, and radial/axial milling cutting applications for lathes. Includes continued implementation of shop safety, CNC operations, and adapting basic 2.5D and 3D CAM functions for lathes.

Prerequisite(s): MAC 160  and MAC 258  
Information: Students with industry experience should see a Machining faculty member for more information about the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.
Button linking to AZ Transfer course equivalency guide   

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Program 2-axis operations on a lathe using a CAM system.
  2. Program multi-axis operations utilizing live tooling on a lathe.
  3. Create lathe processes that incorporate sub-spindle operations.
  4. Evaluate programs by utilizing simulation software.
  5. Produce parts on multi-axis lathe utilizing live tooling and part transfer.
Outline:
  1. Foundational Review and Setup
    1. Review of CAM I and CAM II concepts
    2. Safety procedures
    3. Review of controller vocabulary
    4. Order of operations and documentation (focus on turning sequence and mill-turn sequence)
    5. 3D drafting language and 3D geometric construction
  2. Introduction to CAM for Multi-Axis Lathe
    1. Introduction to CAM Environment for Multi-Axis Lathe (Turn-Mill)
    2. Overview of multi-Axis CAM icons for Turn-Mill specific features
    3. Absolute vs. Incremental in C/Y-Axis Programming
  3. 3-Axis/C-Axis Programming on the Lathe
    1. The common 3-axis capability (X, Z, and C/Live Tooling) of a standard Turn-Mill machine.
    2. Rough Turning Strategies
    3. Finishing Turning Strategies
    4. C-Axis Live Tooling Strategies (Drilling and Tapping): Programming features on the face or OD using the C-Axis to orient the spindle.
    5. Avoiding collisions
    6. Part-Off, and Part Catching Setup
    7. Cutting Strategy selection for both Turning and Milling
    8. Geometry creation for C-Axis operations
    9. Work Holding Considerations
    10. Tool and Live Tool Holder Considerations
  4. Advanced Multi-Axis Lathe Programming
    1. This section addresses the higher-level complexity of machines with Y-axes or sub-spindles.
    2. Sub-Spindle and Part Transfer Programming
    3. Y-Axis Programming
    4. Cutting Strategy selection (Balancing Turning vs. Milling Time)
    5. Tool Axis Control Options
    6. Work Holding Considerations (Sub-Spindle/Secondary Operations)
    7. Tool and Tool Holder Considerations (Back-side tooling and dedicated tools)
  5. Code Generation and Verification
    1. Code Generation
    2. Machine Definition and Post-Processor Selection
    3. Code Optimization with Arc Filtering
    4. Posting code for different machining centers
    5. CAM Process analysis and verification before going to the machine
    6. Code Simulation
    7. Setup and Use of CAM Internal code simulation tools
    8. Setup and Use of External code simulation tools
  6. Practical Application
    1. Machining Part
    2. Relating programming decisions made in CAM to program responses in the machines
    3. Use of DNC functionality to run larger programs
    4. Identifying differences between manually generated G/M Code (simple turning) and CAM generated G/M Code (complex Mill-Turn)