Standard

Rev.08/01/03

MCA 211 – CNC Fundamentals

Course Description

Provides a comprehensive introduction to computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining processes. Topics include: math review, safety, jigs and fixtures, tooling and tool holders, reference points, tool offset, program loading and editing, and safety.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Jigs and Fixtures

Class

6

Tooling and Tool Holders

D. Lab

0

Reference Points

P. Lab/O.B.I.

3

Tool Offset

Credit

7

Program Loading and Editing

 

 

Safety

 

 

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

MCH 116

Corequisite:

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

JIGS AND FIXTURES

 

 

 

Theory

Explain the differences between jigs and fixtures, list the advantages of each, and define the basic function of each.

 

 

 

 

Explain the qualities and features of a good fixture.

 

 

 

Design

Design a jig or fixture for a variety of parts, and complete a dimension sketch for each.

 

 

 

 

Include type of holding device used to secure the jig or fixture to the table and the workpiece to the jig of fixture.

 

 

 

 

List the type of milling operation that is to be completed on each part.

 

 

 

Application

Build a simple jig or fixture to hold a workpiece to mill a single feature.

 

 

 

TOOLING AND TOOL HOLDERS

 

 

 

 

Make a list of sound tooling practices which take into consideration cost of tools, speed and feeds, production time, surface quality and geometry of the tool.

 

 

 

 

Describe the overall impact of proper tooling on NC/CNC machines.

 

 

 

 

Explain how correct use of cutting tools and tool holders affects overall machine performance and productivity levels.

 

 

 

REFERENCE POINTS

 

 

 

Theory

Explain the Cartesian coordinate system.

 

 

 

 

Define absolute and incremental dimensioning and control systems.

 

 

 

 

Explain how fixed and full floating zero systems work.

 

 

 

Programming

Write simple CNC programs using both systems of dimensioning.

 

 

 

TOOL OFFSET

 

 

 

Theory

Define tool offset and the relationship between ID and OD operations.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the primary differences between random and sequential tooling.

 

 

 

 

Explain how tool offset is set on CNC machines.

 

 

 

 

Explain how varying differences in cutter diameters are compensated and programmed.

 

 

 

 

Determine how a turret machine with multiple cutting tools and operations can be programmed to compensate for various sized cutters.

 

 

 

Programming

Write a program with a tool part that uses the center line aligned with the center of the cutter, left and right side of the cutter.

 

 

 

PROGRAM LOADING AND EDITING

 

 

 

Theory and procedures

Demonstrate loading tape programs, floppy disks and direct programming into the computer.

 

 

 

 

Explain the use of plotters to check and edit programs.

 

 

 

Program loading

Load a program into a plotter and graph the movements of the plotter point. Check the measurements to determine the accuracy of the program.

 

 

 

 

Load a program into a CNC machine and use a pen and paper to check machine table movements.

 

 

 

 

Load a program by hand directly into the computer. Check by using the pen and pencil to check table movements.

 

 

 

SAFETY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Books

 

Baril, R. (1987). Modern machining technology. Albany, NY: Delmar.

Luggen, W. W. (1986). Introduction to NC-CNC operation. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Machining metals handbook. (1989). Materials Park, OH: ASM International.

McMcGeough, J. A. (1988). Advanced methods of machining. New York: Routledge Chapman & Hall.

Rizzo, L. (1985). CNC lathe. Garden City, NY: Bergwall.

Smith, G. T. (1989). Advanced machining. New York: Springer-Verlag.

Walker, J. R. (1989). Machining fundamentals. South Holland, IL: Goodheart.