CNC PROGRAMMING & SET-UP WITH MASTERCAM
Course Description
CNC programming, setup, and machining require diverse skill sets. This course covers
setting up CNC lathes and CNC mills. Students also learn to write CNC code without
software.
Audience
This training program has been tailored to help CNC milling and turning machine operators or machinists develop confidence and new programming skills they can apply at the controller to modify existing NC code for jobs they are running or create new programs from scratch. Participants will leave with a successful first article, having produced four formal set-ups, two on the lathe and two on the mill.
Recommended Prerequisites
Some machine shop experience is needed for this course.
Topics and Course Content
CNC Milling and Turning Operations
- CNC Milling and Turning Processes and Functions
- CNC Machine Tool Systems and Design
- Machine Axis Designation and Direction Conventions
- CNC Positioning Systems
- Geometry and Trigonometry Application for CNC Programmers
- Selecting and Using Cutter Inserts and Holders
- Understanding and Calculating Speeds, Feeds, and Chip Load
- Developing a CNC Machining Operations Plan from Engineering Drawings and Specifications
- NC Code and Programming Functions
- Strategy for Developing Toolpath Coordinate Moves for Contour, Pocketing, and Turning Operations
- Advanced NC Programming Technique Using Canned Cycles, Positioning, and Sub-Programming
- CNC Programming at the Machine Using MDI
- CNC Milling and Turning Machine Controller Operations, and Program Loading
- Application Project
CNC Set-Up Techniques
- Develop tool lists
- Loading tools
- Establishing tool offsets and work coordinates
- Utilizing the controls graphics to test a program
- Perform safe dry runs
- Setting up first article pieces
Advanced NC Programming Practices
- Strategy and technique for incorporating entry and exit leads into toolpaths for turning and milling operations
- Applying canned cycles for drilling, tapping, circle milling and pocketing toolpaths
- Applying canned cycles for roughing, finishing, threading, and other turning operations
- Applying cutter diameter and tool nose compensation in the machine controller
- Advanced NC programming technique using coordinate positioning
- Strategy and technique for repetitive operations using sub programming
- Running the 1st article – program verification and editing techniques
- Application project
Using Mastercam To Create New Part Programs
- Creating the Part Geometry in Mastercam
- Selecting the Machine In Mastercam to Be Used for The Part
- Planning the Job in Mastercam and Setting the Work Offset\
- Building a Tool List for the Job in Mastercam
- Creating Toolpaths for Contouring, Pocketing, Drilling, Tapping, And Boring Operations
- Creating Lathe Toolpaths for Facing, OD Contouring, Boring, Drilling, and Threading
- Verifying and Posting Toolpaths to Create the NC Program
- Running the 1st Article – Program Verification and Editing Techniques
Learning Goals and Results
At the conclusion of the course, the participants will be able to:
- Program and operate the CNC mill and lathe
- Develop a CNC machining operation from engineering drawings and specifications
- Apply advanced NC programming techniques
- Properly load tools
- Use MasterCAM to create new part programs
- Run first articles to verify and edit programs
Time Investment
This class is 100 hours of classroom time taken in 4-hour sessions over the course of
25 consecutive weeks.
Please Note: Course content and time investment can also be customized to an
individual company’s needs