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Mike Lynch Founder and President
Minimizing Operator Calculations Prior To Offset (Revisited)
In a previous CNC Tech Talk, we described a method of offset entry that allows the operator to simply enter a measured dimension when an offset adjustment is required (as opposed to calculating the actual amount of needed offset adjustment). The column met with rave reviews and is still available on the Web at
Read MoreCNC Training On The Internet
In most companies, the largest productivity gain can be achieved by improving the proficiency of people. This is true for just about any task to be performed, but here we’re talking about CNC machine tool use.
Read MoreSimulating Multiple Block Delete Functions
With block delete, a slash code (/) in the program works with an on/off switch on the control panel. If the switch is on, the control will ignore programming words to the right of slash codes.
Read MoreHandling Raw Material Z Surface Variations
You know that to truly qualify a program (keep it from ever having to be changed in the future), you must eliminate those things that change from one time the job is run to the next. But certain variables may be beyond the control of CNC people.
Read MoreThe Bottom Line In Your CNC Environment
The following are important time-related definitions presented in past columns. Setup time: The time it takes to go from making the last workpiece in the most recent production run to efficiently making the first good workpiece in the next production run.
Read MoreA Custom Macro For Tool Change Format
Much of CNC manual programming is redundant. Similar commands must be repeated on a fairly regular basis, especially when tool changes must be made.
Read MoreCan You Safely Reduce Air Cutting Time?
In the May Tech Talk column, I discussed a method of determining cutting motion time in a program. A certain amount of cutting motion time is air cutting time.
Read MoreHow Consistent Are Your Inserts?
The actual act of replacing dull cutting tools on turning centers is usually pretty simple. Most cutting tools use carbide inserts, which, aside from requiring an awkward position of the CNC operator, can be removed, indexed and replaced with relative ease.
Read MoreReducing Program Execution Time
How much cutting motion time is in your program? If you’re interested in reducing program execution time, it is helpful to determine how much of the program’s execution time is related to cutting motions (G01, G02, G03 and so on) and how much is related to non-cutting motions including rapid motions, tool changes and miscellaneous functions. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of program execution time is cutting motion time? This is not possible—but unless you know how much of a program’s execution is made up of non-cutting motion time, you’ll never consider improving it.
Read MoreCreating Your Own Coordinate Manipulation Features
As you know, computer numerical controls have a series of coordinate manipulation features such as mirror image, coordinate rotation, scaling and axis inversion. But with some control manufacturers, these features are options that you must pay extra to get.
Read MoreManagers Must Understand CNC Responsibilities!
It should go without saying that CNC people directly affect the productivity of the machine or machines on which they work. Because a company’s productivity is directly related to the productivity of its CNC machine tools, CNC people should be considered among the most important people in a company.
Read MoreProgramming Feed Rate in Degrees Per Minute
Feed rate for all linear axes can be specified in per-minute fashion (either inches or millimeters per minute). For many machines, feed rate can also be specified in per-revolution fashion (either inches or millimeters per revolution).
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