How to Operate a

CNC Machine

Before operation, comes preparation. Let’s outline

three easy steps to prepare the machine you are

going to operate.

Follow all the safety procedures

Fit the tools and install the workplace

Load the computer based programs and key in the required activities

on the control panel of the CNC machine

Brief introduction to each of these steps

Follow all the safety procedures: Follow the CNC manual and make sure you always wear the correct

protective clothing. Carry out work safely in accordance with schedules and

manufacturer’s specifications.

Fit the tools and install the workplace: Make sure that each tool is installed at its correct location. The tool sequence

must follow the machine’s program.

Load the computer based programs: This is the final step in the process and once you load the program, you are

ready to go.

Operating a CNC Machine

Now that you know how to set up a CNC machine, you now need to know

how to operate the machine. The process will be relatively simple, but

you must follow a few steps to ensure a good performance. These are :-

Choose the right tool

Check and adjust worn or damaged tooling

Troubleshoot common machine fault/s

Remove and measure machines

Complete and process CNC machine records

Clean the machine

Selecting the Right Tool

Select the tools for a particular job, based on the following criteria:

The amount of material that must be removed from the work piece

The cutting speeds you require

The production rates required or the number of work pieces that can

be produced per minute

Check and Replace Worn or

Damaged Tooling

All tool holders, cutting tips and drill bits are subject to wear and tear.

This is usually caused by :-

Misalignment of the tips in the tool holder

Misalignment of the tool holder in the CNC machine spindle

Inappropriate feed rates, speeds and work piece material, and;

Inappropriate coolant and coolant flow

Therefore, inspect all tools regularly, measure them in terms of angles

and depth, and compare them against the standard measurements and

replace them, as needed.

Troubleshoot common machine faults

The material will burn out if the tool is blunt

The work piece will be very rough and have cutter marks, if the

machine travels too fast in terms of speed

Slightly worn tools will cause incorrect dimensions

If the tool data has been set up incorrectly, then the finished

component will not be in correct size or requirements

When you notice any of these faults, you must take action to rectify

the problem immediately.

Remove and Measure Machine Components

Measuring and removing machine components is standard

machine shop practice. The removal process depends on the

clamping methods used

Consult the work piece drawings to verify the actual

measurements, when compared with the specified tolerances on

the drawing

Complete and process CNC machine records

All the info such as inspection report, the production drawing and

any faults that are encountered, must be reported

The amount of material and the number of tool tips and other

consumables used must be written in a report

Once the report is complete, give it to the relevant dept.

Clean the Machine

Remove all waste material from the bin, including swarf.

Be careful when you handle swarf as it can be very sharp and can

cause severe cuts

Separate wastes that can be recycled such as brass and copper, from

non-recyclable waste and follow your company procedure for recycling

Follow the company procedure for disposing of non-recyclable waste

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