“Five Steps to Master CNC Machine Tools and Embark on the Road to Becoming a CNC Expert”
In today’s manufacturing industry, CNC machining technology holds a crucial position. No matter where you are, if you want to become a mid-to-high-level CNC talent, you must inevitably endure the test of time and continuously improve your work ability. In the CNC machining industry, if you want to become a CNC expert (in metal cutting), it takes at least six years or more from graduating from university and entering the factory, while also possessing the theoretical level of an engineer as well as the practical experience and hands-on ability of a technician. So, is it really not difficult to learn CNC machining well? Now, let the CNC machine tool manufacturer teach you five steps for CNC machine tool programming and take you on the journey to becoming a CNC expert.
I. Become an Excellent Process Technician
To become an outstanding process technician, first and foremost, you cannot do without the support and trust of employees. After a long period of learning and accumulation, you should reach a higher technical level and requirement. Process technicians play a key role in CNC machining. They are responsible for formulating processing technology plans to ensure product quality and production efficiency.
To become an outstanding process technician, first and foremost, you cannot do without the support and trust of employees. After a long period of learning and accumulation, you should reach a higher technical level and requirement. Process technicians play a key role in CNC machining. They are responsible for formulating processing technology plans to ensure product quality and production efficiency.
An excellent process technician needs to have capabilities in multiple aspects. Firstly, they need to have an in-depth understanding of processing materials, including material properties, hardness, cutting characteristics, and more. Different materials require different cutting tools, cutting parameters, and processing technologies during the processing process. For example, for materials with higher hardness, tools with higher hardness need to be selected and the cutting speed should be reduced to prevent excessive tool wear. For softer materials, the cutting speed can be appropriately increased to improve processing efficiency.
Secondly, process technicians need to be familiar with the performance and characteristics of various processing equipment. There are multiple types of CNC machine tools, and different machines have differences in processing accuracy, processing range, and cutting ability. Process technicians need to select the appropriate machine tool for processing according to product requirements and the characteristics of processing equipment. At the same time, they also need to understand the knowledge of machine tool maintenance to ensure the normal operation of the machine tool.
In addition, process technicians also need to master the optimization methods of processing technology. In actual production, by optimizing the processing technology, production efficiency can be improved, costs can be reduced, and product quality can be enhanced. For example, by reasonably arranging the processing sequence, processing time and the number of tool changes can be reduced. By optimizing cutting parameters, cutting efficiency can be increased and tool wear can be reduced.
To become an excellent process technician, continuous learning and practice are required. You can continuously improve your professional level by participating in training, reading professional books and papers, and communicating with peers. At the same time, actively participate in actual production, accumulate experience, and continuously improve your process plan. Only in this way can you play an important role in CNC machining and lay a solid foundation for becoming a CNC expert.
II. Master CNC Programming and the Application of Computer Software
CNC programming is the core link of CNC machining. Mastering CNC programming and the application of computer software is the key to becoming a CNC expert.
CNC programming is the core link of CNC machining. Mastering CNC programming and the application of computer software is the key to becoming a CNC expert.
In CNC programming, the fewer instructions in a program segment, the better. The purpose should be simplicity, practicality, and reliability. From the perspective of programming understanding of instructions, in fact, mainly it’s G00 and G01. Other instructions are mostly auxiliary instructions set up for the convenience of programming. The G00 instruction is used for rapid positioning, and the G01 instruction is used for linear interpolation. When programming, instructions should be reasonably selected according to processing requirements, and the number of instructions should be minimized to improve the execution efficiency of the program.
In addition to mastering the basic instructions of CNC programming, you also need to be familiar with the programming methods and characteristics of various CNC systems. Different CNC systems have differences in programming formats and instruction functions. You need to select and apply them according to the actual situation. At the same time, you also need to master the skills and methods of CNC programming, such as tool radius compensation, length compensation, macro programming, etc., to improve the efficiency and accuracy of programming.
Computer software also plays an important role in CNC programming. Currently, there are many CNC programming software on the market, such as MasterCAM, UG, Pro/E, etc. These software have powerful functions such as three-dimensional modeling, tool path generation, and simulation processing, which can greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of programming. When using these software for programming, first conduct three-dimensional modeling, then set processing parameters according to processing requirements and generate tool paths. Finally, convert the tool path into a machining program that can be recognized by the CNC system through a post-processing program.
To master CNC programming and the application of computer software, systematic learning and practice are required. You can participate in professional training courses to learn the basic knowledge and skills of CNC programming and software application. At the same time, do more actual programming exercises and continuously improve your programming ability through the training of actual projects. In addition, you can also refer to some excellent programming cases and tutorials to learn the experience and methods of others and continuously enrich your programming knowledge.
III. Skillfully Operate CNC Machine Tools
Skillfully operating CNC machine tools is an important link in becoming a CNC expert and requires 1 – 2 years of research and practice. Operating CNC machine tools requires keen touch and accurate operation ability, which may be a challenge for beginners, especially college students. Although they know what to do in their hearts, their hands often don’t listen.
Skillfully operating CNC machine tools is an important link in becoming a CNC expert and requires 1 – 2 years of research and practice. Operating CNC machine tools requires keen touch and accurate operation ability, which may be a challenge for beginners, especially college students. Although they know what to do in their hearts, their hands often don’t listen.
When operating a CNC machine tool, first, you need to be familiar with the operation panel of the machine tool and the functions of various buttons. The operation panel of a CNC machine tool has many buttons and knobs for controlling the movement of the machine tool, cutting parameters, tool changes, and more. To master the functions and operation methods of these buttons, you need to carefully read the operation manual of the machine tool and conduct actual operation exercises.
Secondly, you need to master the manual operation and automatic operation methods of the machine tool. Manual operation is mainly used for machine tool debugging and tool setting operations. You need to manually control the axis movement of the machine tool to adjust the tool position and cutting parameters. Automatic operation is when after programming is completed, the machine tool automatically executes the machining program to process parts. During automatic operation, pay attention to observing the running state of the machine tool and deal with emerging problems in time.
In addition, you also need to master the knowledge of machine tool maintenance. CNC machine tools are high-precision processing equipment and need regular maintenance to ensure the accuracy and performance of the machine tool. Maintenance content includes cleaning the machine tool, adding lubricating oil, checking tool wear, and more. Only by doing a good job in machine tool maintenance can the normal operation of the machine tool be ensured and processing quality and efficiency be improved.
Operation practice requires astuteness. Sometimes there is an artistic conception of “understanding it in a leisurely way, but the wonderfulness is hard to explain to others.” In the CNC machine tool workshop, calm down, practice seriously, and continuously improve your operation level. Generally speaking, the process from processing the first part to achieving qualified processing accuracy requires CNC programming technicians to complete. If you are not proficient in operating the machine tool, this hurdle cannot be overcome.
IV. Have a Good Foundation in Tooling Fixtures and Measurement Technology Levels
In CNC machining, a good foundation in tooling fixtures and measurement technology levels is an important factor in ensuring processing quality.
In CNC machining, a good foundation in tooling fixtures and measurement technology levels is an important factor in ensuring processing quality.
The difficulty in analyzing the reasons for fixtures lies in that it can only be qualitative and it is difficult to be quantitative. If you have no experience in fixture design and part clamping, then the difficulty will be great. For learning in this aspect, it is recommended to consult technicians who make fine coordinate boring machines. The design of fixtures should be reasonably designed according to factors such as the shape, size, and processing requirements of parts to ensure that the parts can be stably fixed during processing without displacement and deformation. At the same time, the convenience of fixture installation and removal should also be considered to improve production efficiency.
Measurement technology is one of the basic skills in mechanical processing. You need to be proficient in using measuring tools such as vernier calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, inside diameter dial gauges, and calipers to accurately measure the size and accuracy of parts. During the processing process, measure in time to ensure that the part size meets the requirements. Sometimes when processing parts, you can’t rely on a three-coordinate measuring instrument. In this case, you need to rely on traditional measuring tools and methods for accurate measurement.
To have a good foundation in tooling fixtures and measurement technology levels, continuous learning and practice are required. You can continuously improve your professional level by participating in training, reading professional books and papers, and consulting experienced technicians. At the same time, actively participate in actual production, accumulate experience, and continuously improve your fixture design and measurement methods.
V. Be Familiar with CNC Machine Tools and Master the Maintenance of CNC Machine Tools
Being familiar with CNC machine tools and mastering the maintenance of CNC machine tools is an important guarantee for becoming a CNC expert. Without more than three years of training, it may be difficult to meet the requirements of the above items. Moreover, many companies do not have learning conditions. It is recommended to consult masters in the equipment maintenance department.
Being familiar with CNC machine tools and mastering the maintenance of CNC machine tools is an important guarantee for becoming a CNC expert. Without more than three years of training, it may be difficult to meet the requirements of the above items. Moreover, many companies do not have learning conditions. It is recommended to consult masters in the equipment maintenance department.
CNC machine tools are high-precision and highly automated processing equipment and need regular maintenance to ensure the accuracy and performance of the machine tools. Maintenance content includes cleaning the machine tool, adding lubricating oil, checking the electrical system, replacing wearing parts, and more. You need to be familiar with the structure and working principle of CNC machine tools, master the methods and skills of maintenance, and detect and deal with problems that occur in the machine tool in a timely manner.
At the same time, you also need to understand the fault diagnosis and troubleshooting methods of CNC machine tools. When a machine tool malfunctions, you need to be able to quickly and accurately judge the cause of the fault and take effective measures to troubleshoot it. You can learn the fault diagnosis and troubleshooting methods of CNC machine tools by reading the machine tool’s maintenance manual, participating in training, and consulting masters in the equipment maintenance department.
In conclusion, learning CNC machining well is not difficult. As long as you follow the above five steps, continuously learn and practice, you can become an excellent CNC expert. In this process, a lot of time and energy need to be invested. At the same time, maintain a humble attitude, continuously learn from others, and continuously improve your professional level. I believe that as long as you persevere in your efforts, you will definitely achieve excellent results in the field of CNC machining.
Well, that’s all for today’s sharing. See you next time. Please continue to pay attention.