CNC Tech Talks
The Final CNC Tech Talk Column
Mike Lynch signs off on his CNC Tech Talk column after 35 years.
Mike Lynch
Founder and President, CNC Concepts Inc.
How to Determine the Currently Active Work Offset Number
Determining the currently active work offset number is practical when the program zero point is changing between workpieces in a production run.
Read More2 Applications When Using Incremental Mode is Better
Incremental mode can be more advantageous when programming sculptured surfaces or for certain hole-machining canned cycle applications.
Read More4 Commonly Misapplied CNC Features
Misapplication of these important CNC features will result in wasted time, wasted or duplicated effort and/or wasted material.
Read MoreA User-Created Canned Cycle for Porting Tools
FANUC’s version of parametric programming, Custom Macro, enables you to create your own canned cycles tailored to whatever the application requires.
Read MoreStrange But True: Odd Things That Happen With CNCs
These oddities in the way a CNC naturally behaves can help explain some rather unusual situations that may occur during machining.
Read MoreObscure CNC Features That Can Help (or Hurt) You
You cannot begin to take advantage of an available feature if you do not know it exists. Conversely, you will not know how to avoid CNC features that may be detrimental to your process.
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3 Task Simplifications That Reduce Production Time
A little ingenuity goes a long way toward improving machine utilization.
Mike Lynch
Founder and President, CNC Concepts Inc.
4 Reasons to Use Safety Commands
Safety commands help safeguard CNC applications from common programming or operation errors.
Read More6 Variations That Kill Productivity
The act of qualifying CNC programs is largely related to eliminating variations, which can be a daunting task when you consider how many things can change from one time a job is run to the next.
Read More6 Ways to Streamline the Setup Process
The primary goal of a setup reduction program must be to keep setup people working at the machine during the entire setup process.
Read MoreAutomatic Sizing Adjustments for High-Volume Lathe Work
Keeping operators from having to manually make sizing adjustments will free them up to do other things for as long as each finishing tool will last, regardless of how many sizing adjustments it requires.
Read MoreCombining Functions With User-Defined G & M Codes
CNC programmers gain flexibility when using custom macros to define G and M codes themselves.
Read More4 Ways to Stop a Cycle to Allow Operator Intervention
Completely automatic operation should always be the goal, but there are situations that require operator intervention during the CNC cycle.
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2 Secondary Coordinate Systems You Should Know
Coordinate systems tell a CNC machine where to position the cutting tool during the program’s execution for any purpose that requires the cutting tool to move.
Mike Lynch
Founder and President, CNC Concepts Inc.
Troubleshooting Differences in Programming Methods, Machine Usage
Regardless of the level of consistency among machines owned by your company, you probably have experienced consistency-related issues. Here are some tips to help solve them.
Read MoreTips for Designing CNC Programs That Help Operators
The way a G-code program is formatted directly affects the productivity of the CNC people who use them. Design CNC programs that make CNC setup people and operators’ jobs easier.
Read MoreCNC-Related Features of Custom Macro
CNC-related features of custom macro are separated into two topics: system variables and user-defined G and M codes. This column explores both.
Read MoreComputer Programming-Related Features of Custom Macro
Custom macro is an interpreter-based language, meaning that all CNC G code and custom macro commands are executed as the CNC comes across them.
Read More5 Reasons Why You Should Know How to Write Custom Macros
Custom macros enhance what can be done in G-code programs, giving users the ability to code operations that were previously not possible.
Read MoreHelp Operators Understand Sizing Adjustments
Even when CNCs are equipped with automatic post-process gaging systems, there are always a few important adjustments that must be done manually. Don’t take operators understanding these adjustments for granted.
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A Balancing Act for Differential Gaging
Differential gaging measures using two devices, which has advantages over standard, comparative measurements using a single sensing head. These include the ability to measure size without regard to position.
George Schuetz
Director of Precision Gages, Mahr Inc.
The Best Point of Reference for Program Zero Assignment Entries
Correctly specified program zero assignment and coordinate position values enable the CNC to determine how far to move the cutting tool during each positioning motion.
Read MoreA Higbee Thread Milling Custom Macro
Higbee threads provide a full thread form at the very start of the thread. The sharp edge is removed during the machining process.
Read More3 Mistakes That Cause CNC Programs to Fail
Despite enhancements to manufacturing technology, there are still issues today that can cause programs to fail. These failures can cause lost time, scrapped parts, damaged machines and even injured operators.
Read MoreA Spiral Milling Custom Macro Using Constant Contouring Feedrate
Helical milling or “spiral” milling are helpful when machining a circular pocket that is much larger than the milling cutter diameter.
Read MoreImprove CNC Productivity by Addressing Three Production Issues
To boost a CNC machine’s productivity, prioritize improvements to machine setup time and production runtime.
Read More7 CNC Parameters You Should Know
Parameters tell the CNC every little detail about the specific machine tool being used, and how all CNC features and functions are to be utilized.
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