In-Plant Training:

A manual programming course

It's likely that you have some CNC people that need to be upgraded. And many CNC setup people and operators aspire to become programmers. This course makes an excellent way for to people that have had some CNC experience to get to a higher level.

You may also have CNC people that have worked exclusively with computer aided manufacturing (CAM) systems to prepare programs. These systems, of course, create the same G-code level CNC programs that a manual programmer writes. If your CAM system programmers are to make the best use of your CNC machine tools, they must possess a knowledge of manual programming. This knowledge is required, for example, when programs must be modified at the machine during verification and optimizing. When production time is at a premium, it's usually best to prepare - or at least optimize - programs manually (most of the techniques we show in our setup and cycle time reduction courses require a firm understanding of manual programming).

In this course, students will learn the basics of manual programming. We'll use our proven key concepts approach, stressing the reasons why things are done as importantly as how they're done. We stress programming for three-axis vertical machining centers, but content can be expanded to include horizontal machining centers and rotary axes. Specific examples and techniques will be shown for the most popular control in the industry, the Fanuc control. Practice exercises and programming activities will confirm understanding. We'll even visually demonstrate program execution on a computer software based simulator for each program students write.

Though review periods will be limited during the course due to time constraints, the tutorial course manual provides an excellent way for students to review the course content during the course, and long after the course is completed. We also offer free phone assistance to any student having a question when the course is completed.

General:

• Course name: Machining Center Programming
• Machine types: Primarily three-axis machining centers (but we can also address horizontal machining centers and rotary axes)
• Prerequisites: An understanding of basic machining practices. Operation and/or setup experience a plus.
• Course length: two days (15 hours)
• Presented by: Mike Lynch
• Suggested course manual/s: Machining center manual
• Students should bring: Note taking materials and calculator
• Recommended class size: 2 - 20 students
• Recommended breaks: Five minute breaks each hour and a ten minute break in morning and afternoon

Topics:

1. Machine configurations and directions of motion
2. General flow of programming process
3. Visualizing program execution
4. Understanding program zero
5. Locating program zero on the machine
6. How to assign program zero
7. Introduction to programming words
8. Preparation for programming
9. Motion types (rapid, linear, circular)
10. Introduction to compensation
11. Tool length compensation
12. Cutter radius compensation
13. Fixture offsets
14. Introduction to program structuring
15. The four kinds of program format
16. Canned cycles
17. Sub programming techniques
18. Other special features of programming
19. Rotary tables (optional)
20. Tasks related to setup and operation
21. The control and machine panel
22. The three modes of operation
23. The key operation procedures
24. Program verification and optimizing

Remember, this is in-plant training - we can custom tailor the content to your liking.

Additional expenses (outside Chicago): Car (30 cents per mile) or airline & car rental, hotel, and meals.

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