Mike Lynch Founder and President

1 Feb 2006

Dealing With Multiple Start Threads On Turning Centers

Multiple start threads combine the close fit of a fine thread with the quick axial motion of a coarse thread. Any time a design engineer needs a fine fit combined with fast motion, it is likely that he or she will use a multiple start thread.

1 Jan 2006

Online Resources For CNC Users

Every so often, I like to present some of the Web sites I’ve come across. Many have been submitted to me for placement on the CNC links page of my company’s Web site—www.

2 Dec 2005

Accurately Mounting Jaws On Three-Jaw Chucks

The most common workholding device for turning centers is the three-jaw chuck. Setup people remove and replace top tooling (jaws) during every setup, and this task can be relatively simple if quick-change chucks are used.

1 Nov 2005

Running Programs With Direct Numerical Control

When programs are too long to fit within a CNC control’s memory, one alternative is to use a direct numerical control system. This kind of system is called a DNC system, but must not be confused with a distributive numerical control system (also called a DNC system) that simply transfers programs to and from the CNC machine.

1 Oct 2005

The Point Of Reference For Fixture Offset Entries

Almost all current model machining center controls use fixture offsets for program zero assignment. With most, the distance from the machine's reference position (commonly called the zero return position) to the program zero point must be determined for each axis.

2 Sep 2005

Another Use For The Program Check Page

All current CNC controls have a special program verification display screen page that shows a few upcoming commands in the CNC program, the current absolute position, the distance-to-go and currently instated G and M codes. Many control manufacturers refer to this display screen page as the program check page.

2 Aug 2005

Program Offset Entries Whenever Possible

Entering data at the machine is usually tedious. Although control manufacturers provide full access to any data that must be entered or modified by the setup person or operator, many do not make it convenient to do so.

2 Jul 2005

Verifying CNC Program Correctness: Step 3

In my last two columns, we covered steps one and two of verifying CNC programs. Now, let's move on to step three: verifying the correctness of the first workpiece.

8 Jun 2005

Verifying CNC Program Correctness: Step 2

In last month's column, we explored the first step of verifying CNC programs. Now we begin a new chapter: step two.

2 May 2005

Verify CNC Program Correctness

All CNC programs must be verified. While new programs present more challenges than proven programs, operators must be careful and alert during every step of a program's verification.

2 Apr 2005

Which Offset Should You Adjust?

Companies vary when it comes to how they use CNC people. In some companies, such as contract shops, one person is responsible for the entire CNC job, including programming the job, setting it up and running production.

2 Mar 2005

What Dimension Are You Shooting For?

Every dimension specified on a workpiece drawing has a tolerance—either explicitly specified with a tolerance band or implied in some manner. Explicit tolerances are specified in different ways (plus or minus a value, plus one value or minus another, or high limit and low limit).

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