This course will help you master what it takes to program, setup, and run a CNC machining center.   We begin in a basic manner - assuming you have no previous CNC experience.  We do, however, assume you understand basic machining practices as they apply to machining centers.  (you understand milling operations and the cutting tools that perform them)  While we begin in a basic manner, we will continue to build upon previously presented information.  By the time you’re finished, you’ll know what it takes to utilize a machining center, and you will have worked on several practice programs.

​

There are ten Key Concepts which are further divided into twenty-four lessons:

​

Key Concept 1: Know your machine from a programmer's viewpoint

• 1: Machine configurations

• 2: General flow of the CNC process

• 3: Visualizing program execution

• 4: Program zero and the rectangular coordinate system

• 5: Measuring program zero assignment values

• 6: Assigning program zero at the machine

• 7: Introduction to programming words

 

Key Concept 2: You must prepare to write programs

• 8: Preparation steps for programming

 

Key Concept 3: Understand the motion types

• 9: Programming the three most basic motion types

 

Key Concept 4: Know the compensation types

• 10: Introduction to compensation

• 11: Tool length compensation

• 12: Cutter radius compensation

• 13: Fixture offsets  

 

Key Concept 5: You must provide structure to your CNC programs

• 14: Introduction to program structure

• 15: Four types of program format

 

Key Concept 6: Special features that help with programming

• 16: Hole-machining canned cycles

• 17: Sub-programming techniques

• 18: Other special programming features

• 19: Programming rotary devices

 

Key Concept 7: Know your machine from an operator's viewpoint

• 20: Tasks related to setting up and completing a production run

• 21: Buttons and switches on the operation panels

 

Key Concept 8: Know the operation modes

• 22: The three most basic modes of operation

 

Key Concept 9: Know how to perform the most often-used procedures

• 23: Procedures required to run a CNC machining center

 

Key Concept 10: Know how to safely verify CNC programs

• 24: Program verification techniques

 

Each lesson includes a presentation, reading material (a portion of the manual, and a test that will be graded.  Many lessons include other assignments as well (coordinate sheet exercises and programming activities, for example).  If you have questions during a lesson, answers are just an email away.

​

When you complete this class, you'll know what it takes to program a CNC machining center at G code level.  You will also know what is involved with setting up and running a CNC machining center.  While you will still need hands-on practice with an actual machine (practice you'll get from your employer), you will understand the concepts needed to utilize a machine.

​

Qualify for the student discount for NCPlot;

NCPlot is a great tool path verification tool.  I use it to grade the programming activities done in this class.  If you register for this class, you'll be eligible to purchase NCPlot for the student price ($99.00). 

​

• Get more information about NCPlot

 

Though it is not a requirement for taking this class, NCPlot is a very helpful programmer's tool.  With NCPlot, you will be able to see the tool path for programs you work on during this class.

​

​

Pricing:

OLC-MCPO ~ Machining Center Programming, Setup, & Oper. On-Line Class ~ $299.00