5 Things a New Operator of a CNC Milling Machine Must be Aware Of

Dec 11
08:41

2015

Rosario Berry

Rosario Berry

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Computer Numerical Control or CNC milling is widely used across a number of mechanical business industries to create fabricated components from a selection of different materials. These machines have come in and replaced some of the more traditional methods of milling and have made the whole process a whole lot more efficient and effective. Through the use of a CNC, high speed live centers, and a human operator, components are now able to be fabricated with levels of accuracy that has never been seen before.

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There are a number of different things that an operator should be aware of before operating a CNC milling machine however:

 

Any operator will have to have a very good understanding of the G programming language. This is because most CNC machines are powered by integrated control software such as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). This is actually a compulsory skill for any operator to have before going near a CNC milling machine and training is usually offered to any employees that will be using a CNC by their companies.

 

A new operator will also have to be aware of how to prepare and handle any of the cutting tools,5 Things a New Operator of a CNC Milling Machine Must be Aware Of Articles and high speed live centers. This will include understanding the start-up and shutdown procedures for the machine. An example would be to know exactly where to place all of the cutting tools before starting up the machine. An operator would also have to monitor the whole process to ensure that the required precision is being delivered to the component.

 

Operators will also have to have skills related to the troubleshooting and rectification of any errors that they find. This could be the removal or changing of certain tools like the high speed live centers, tapers, and knobs. Any major issues that are found should be reported immediately to a supervisor if the operator is not skilled enough to rectify them. Certain tools like the high speed live centers offer extreme accuracy but they have to be set in the perfect position.

 

Finally, an operator will have to have good levels of understanding of each of the precision inspection equipment. All components that are produced will have to be in built to specific specifications and within a precision range, so knowledge of using calipers, optical comparators and the other types of precision inspection equipment is a must for every industry.

 

If an operator can safely say they are skilled enough in all of the above, they are probably about ready to become a CNC milling machine operator for the first time. However, they should always do their first assignments with a supervisor watching every move.