Many people completing our basic programming courses stated (in the course
evaluation) that they would like to see us provide an on-line Advanced CNC
Techniques course. Well, here it is! It is the next logical progression from
our basic courses. We define an advanced technique as any technique that
is not commonly presented in a basic CNC class. Many of the techniques we show
are quite easy to understand - they're just not among the first things you
learn. Additionally, we say an advanced technique is any technique that you
don't currently know about that can help you. Indeed, even many experience
CNC people will probably discover techniques that they have not been exposed
to.
Benefits that can be achieved by applying the techniques we show include
reducing setup time, reducing cycle time, improving workpiece quality,
shortening programs, making machines easier to run, improving your company's
CNC environment, and in general, improving your knowledge of CNC. Indeed, given
the high costs associated with running CNC machine tools (and the low price of
this course), it's likely you'll pay for the cost of this course with the first
technique you apply!
This course addresses both machining centers and turning centers
We present many techniques for the two most popular forms of CNC metal
cutting equipment. For each topic, we'll begin by showing techniques that these
two machine types share in common. Next, and when applicable, we'll show
machining center-related techniques. Finally, we'll show turning center-related
techniques. While this class will be of most value to people that work with
both machining and turning centers, even people that work with but one or the
other should find plenty of techniques that will help them. (Though it never
fails - people that work with only one type of machine will commonly say we
spent too much time on the other machine type!)
In each topic, we begin by reviewing key points that are commonly made in
basic courses, along with a quick example. Then we'll list the more advanced
topics that are not commonly talked about in basic courses. And finally, one by
one, we'll present the advanced implications of the feature. Here is a sample
slide showing what we do for block delete (the slash code):
Under "Not always taught in basic courses:", notice
the list of topics. As we do for each CNC feature, upcoming slides in the
PowerPoint presentation and text in the printable manual will explain each one
in detail.
Examples shown in Fanuc format
Note that most of the techniques we show can be applied to any control type.
But as we do in our basic programming courses, all specific examples are shown
in Fanuc format. And remember, many control manufacturers claim to be
Fanuc-compatible. Programming techniques are always shown at G code level,
meaning a good understanding of G code level (manual) programming is a
prerequisite for this course.
20 Lessons:
You'll find plenty to do in this class! Lessons vary in length from those
that you can complete in under fifteen minutes to those that may take more than
an hour to complete. Each lesson includes printable lesson text in Adobe
Acrobat (pdf) format, a PowerPoint presentation, and a test (tests range from
three to ten questions). Some lessons also include a class poll (to have you
relate how you handle certain CNC features to others in the class - and to see
what others do) and an assignment.
Lesson twenty: T code techniques for turning centers
Prerequisites
Again, we assume you have some practical experience working with CNC
machining centers and/or turning centers. We also assume that you understand G
code level (manual) programming - as is taught in our basic CNC programming
classes. Generally speaking, anyone who has about six months of experience with
the machine/s should be ready for this class.
Presentation method
While each individual presentation is quite tutorial in nature, the order of
the presentation isn't as logical as you would find in a basic course. Here is
the general "flow" of presentations.
Techniques with messages
Techniques with block delete
Techniques with sequence numbers
Techniques with G codes (in G code number order)
Techniques with other CNC words
While most lessons will apply to both machining and turning centers, some
lessons do apply to but one machine type. If you work with both kinds of
machine tools, you'll surely gain a great deal from this class. But if you have
but one type or the other, you may feel we spend too much time on the
"other" machine type. Keep in mind that the day may come when you do
have to work with both types of machine tools - so save this material (lesson
text) for that day.
Again, some of the lessons do apply strictly to one kind of machine or the
other. And we still provide tests and (in some cases) assignments for those
lessons. If you have little interest in these materials, we simply ask that you
do your best with the material.
One more point. As compared to our on-line programming classes, this class
tends to be more "informational" in nature. With our programming
classes, the tests and assignments are extremely important to confirm your
understanding of the related material. In fact, we ask students not to continue
with the next lesson in those courses until the current lesson is fully mastered
- and getting a good grade for each lesson is about the only way to confirm
your understanding. But with this class, a good grade may be important - but of
greater importance is learning techniques that will help you improve your
company's CNC environment. Again, some techniques we show may not be important
to you - others will. What is more important is that you recognize and
master those techniques that can help your company - and stick with the
material until you do.
