CNC Controls: Mazak

Creating a Mazatrol Program for the Mill 288

This class covers the basics of creating a simple milling program on the Mazatrol Matrix Mill control. Topics include the basic units that comprise a Mazatrol program and the range of machining units available to make almost any milled part.

  • Difficulty Intermediate

  • Format Online

  • Number of Lessons 21

  • Language English

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Course Outline
  • Objectives
  • Introduction to Mazatrol
  • Basic Components of a Mazatrol Program
  • The Sample Part
  • The Program Display
  • The Common Unit
  • The Basic Coordinates Systems Unit (WPC)
  • Machining Units: Point
  • Machining Units: Line
  • Machining Units: Face
  • The Face Milling Unit
  • The Facing Unit Tool Sequence
  • The Facing Unit Shape Sequence
  • The Line Machining Unit
  • Line Out Tool Sequence
  • Line Out Shape Sequence
  • The Point Machining Unit
  • Drilling Unit Tool Sequence
  • Drilling Unit Shape Sequence
  • The End Unit
  • Summary
Objectives
  • Describe Mazatrol conversational programming.
  • Describe the basic components of a Mazatrol program.
  • Determine the major shapes that make up a part.
  • Explain how to access the program display and name a program.
  • Interpret data in a common unit.
  • Describe the basic coordinates systems unit.
  • Identify common point machining menu symbols.
  • Identify common line machining menu symbols.
  • Identify common face machining menu symbols.
  • Interpret the data in a face milling unit.
  • Interpret the data in a face milling tool sequence.
  • Interpret the data in a face milling shape sequence.
  • Interpret the data in a line machining unit.
  • Interpret the data in a line out tool sequence.
  • Interpret the data in a line out shape sequence.
  • Interpret the data in a point machining unit.
  • Interpret the data in a drilling unit tool sequence.
  • Interpret the data in a drilling unit shape sequence.
  • Describe the end unit.
Glossary
Vocabulary Term
Definition

APRCH-X

The X-axis coordinate of the position at which a tool is to approach the part.

APRCH-Y

The Y-axis coordinate of the position at which a tool is to approach the part.

ATC MODE

Common unit data used to specify the mode of tool movement from the initial point to the automatic tool change position at the time of tool change.

back boring unit

A point machining unit that specifies the enlargement of the bottom portion of a drilled hole.

basic coordinates system unit

The portion of a Mazatrol program that specifies the workpiece zero point coordinates within the machine coordinates system.

bidirectional

A type of machining characterized by the tool engaging in cutting in two directions instead of one.

boring unit

A point machining unit that specifies one of four types of boring. Boring is a method of enlarging a drilled hole with a single-point tool.

center drill

A type of drill with a wide shank and a 60 degree angle tip. The center drill is used to start a hole before drilling to ensure that the hole is machined on centerline.

central linear machining unit

A line machining unit that programs the tool centerline to move along the line of a form.

circular milling unit

A point machining unit that specifies the machining of a hole with an end mill.

common data

Data specified in the common unit. Common data specifies basic elements of the part, such as workpiece material, the type of tool movement during tool change, and the Z-axis location where tool movement is free from potential collisions with the part or fixtures.

common unit

The portion of a Mazatrol program that defines basic elements of the part, such as workpiece material, the type of tool movement during tool change, and the Z-axis location where tool movement is free from potential collisions with the part or fixtures.

counterbore

A cutting tool used to enlarge the end of an existing hole. A counterbore adds a larger diameter at a hole opening, providing a space for the head of a bolt or other type of fastener.

counterbore tapping unit

A point machining unit that specifies the machining of a tapped hole with a counterbore.

creating mode

The mode of the Mazatrol control in which programs are created and edited.

C-SP

The desired surface speed of the tool where it meets the workpiece surface. C-SP data is specified in surface feet per minute (sfm).

DEP-Z

A field in the tool sequence that indicates the depth of cut for each tool pass.

diagonal point

The point in the opposite corner from the start point in a square pattern.

display select key

A key on the lower left of the Matrix display that toggles between available displays and their particular menu keys. The display select key is sometimes called the chapter left key.

drilling unit

A point machining unit that specifies the drilling of holes. Data fields in the drilling unit include the diameter of the drill and the depth of the hole.

EIA/ISO

Electronics Industry Association/International Organization for Standardization. Two separate organizations that recommend standards for the transmission of data between devices. EIA/ISO, or "G-code," programming is a means of programming CNC machines that is standardized for use with various controllers.

end mill

A milling cutter that performs a mix of peripheral and face milling with its bottom and side cutting edges. End mills can be used to machine grooves, slots, circular slots, and pockets, among other features.

end milling-slot unit

A face machining unit that specifies milling a slot with an end mill.

end milling-step unit

A face machining unit that specifies machining a flat surface on a workpiece with an end mill, leaving relief.

end milling-top unit

A face machining unit that specifies machining a flat surface on a workpiece with an end mill.

end unit

The portion of a Mazatrol program that specifies program execution and machine behavior at the completion of machining.

F2

A finishing tool. Data for the finishing tool is specified in the tool sequence of a machining unit.

face machining unit

A type of machining unit that allows the programming of both flat areas and basic forms. Face milling, pocket milling, and slot milling are types of face machining.

face mill

A cutting tool used to cut a flat surface at a right angle to the cutter.

face milling unit

A face machining unit that specifies machining a flat surface with a face mill.

facing

Creating a flat surface on the top of the workpiece by removing material via one or more tool passes. Facing assures accurate dimensions and surface quality.

finishing allowance

A small amount of material to be cut by the finishing tool. The finishing allowance is left over from roughing and allows the finishing tool to achieve a particular surface quality.

FIN-R

The radial distance in either the X- or Y-axes that the finishing tool is to cut.

FIN-Z

The data field for the finishing allowance, the small amount of material left over to be cut by the finishing tool.

FR

The rate of tool travel through the workpiece per unit of time, generally expressed in inch per revolution (turning) or inch per tooth (milling).

initial point

A tool location in the Z-axis where workpiece or fixture interference is not possible with X- or Y-axis movement. The initial point is defined in the common unit.

INITIAL-Z

Common unit data used to specify a tool location in the Z-axis where workpiece or fixture interference is not possible with X- or Y-axis movement.

inside chamfering unit

A line machining unit that adds a chamfer to the interior of a form.

inside linear machining unit

A line machining unit that programs the tool to move around the interior of a form.

left-hand chamfering unit

A line machining unit that programs the tool to chamfer the left side of a form.

left-hand linear machining unit

A line machining unit that programs the tool to move on the left side of a form.

line machining unit

A type of machining unit that allows the programming of linear machining in specified tool orientations.

machine coordinates system

A fixed coordinates system with the machine zero point as its origin. The machine coordinates system covers the entire range of movement in the machine's work area and is the basis for the other coordinates systems.

machining units

The elements of a Mazatrol program that specify data-driven commands required for milling a part. Each machining unit includes unit data, a tool sequence, and a shape sequence.

material

The first data field in the common unit. The menu for material, or workpiece composition, includes cast iron, ductile iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, among several others.

Mazatrol

A computer numerical control developed by Mazak that features conversational programming.

M-code

An EIA/ISO program code used to signal an action from a miscellaneous group of commands. M codes change cutting tools, turn on or turn off the coolant, spindle, or workpiece clamps, among other tasks.

menu select key

Key on the lower right of the Matrix display that can be used to cycle through menu options.

multi flag

A field in the common unit that specifies the execution or non-execution for each workpiece when multi mode is ON.

multi mode

A field in the common unit that specifies the machining of several workpieces in the same setup.

nominal diameter

The stated diameter of a tool as intended during the tool's manufacture.

non-through hole boring

A point machining unit that specifies enlarging the diameter of a hole that does not reach through the workpiece.

outside chamfering unit

A line machining unit that adds a chamfer to the outside of a form.

outside linear machining unit

A line machining unit that programs the tool to move along the perimeter of a form.

P1X/CX

A field in the shape sequence that specifies the X coordinate of the start point.

P1Y/CY

A field in the shape sequence that specifies the Y coordinate of the start point.

P3X/R

A field in the shape sequence that specifies the X coordinate of the diagonal point.

P3Y

A field in the shape sequence that specifies the Y coordinate of the diagonal point.

pitch X

A field in the common unit that specifes the X-axis location of each workpiece relative to the reference workpiece when multi mode is ON.

pitch Y

A field in the common unit that specifes the Y-axis location of each workpiece relative to the reference workpiece when multi mode is ON.

pocket milling unit

A face machining unit that specifies milling a pocket with an end mill.

pocket milling-mountain unit

A face machining unit that specifies milling a pocket with an end mill, leaving relief.

pocket milling-valley unit

A face machining unit that specifies pocket milling a valley with an end mill.

point machining unit

A type of machining unit that allows the programming of machined holes. Drilling, reaming, tapping, and boring are types of point machining units.

program complete menu key

A menu key that signals the completion of entering a program manually.

program display

A screen that shows all the information contained in a Mazatrol program. The program display is accessed by pressing the program menu key.

program edit menu key

A menu key that allows you to edit program information.

program menu key

A soft key at the bottom of the display that accesses the program display. The program display reveals all information contained in a Mazatrol program.

PTN

A field in the shape sequence that specifies the general pattern of the cut. Common patterns include arc, circle, and square.

R1

A roughing tool. Data for the roughing tool is specified in the tool sequence of a machining unit.

reaming unit

A point machining unit that specifies finishing of a hole with a reamer.

RGH BCB machining unit

A point machining unit that specifies the machining of a counterbore on the opposite end of the hole. The counterbore is typically performed with a back facing tool.

RGH CBOR machining unit

A point machining unit that specifies the machining of a hole with a counterbore, or "face hole." The counterbore is typically performed with an end mill with a larger diameter than the drilled hole.

right-hand chamfering unit

A line machining unit that programs the tool to chamfer the right side of a form.

right-hand linear machining unit

A line machining unit that programs the tool to move on the right side of a form.

shape sequence

One of the three components of a Mazatrol machining unit. The shape sequence specifies data associated with the machining dimensions shown in a part drawing and includes starting and end point coordinates and surface roughness.

SRV-R

The radial distance in either the X- or Y-axes that the end mill is to cut.

SRV-Z

The portion of the distance from workpiece zero to the top of the part in the Z-axis that actually involves cutting.

stepped non-through hole boring

A point machining unit that specifies enlarging a portion or portions of a drilled hole that does not reach through the workpiece.

stepped through hole boring

A point machining unit that specifies enlarging only a portion or portions of a drilled hole that extends "through" the workpiece. Each "step" represents a larger diameter than the original drilled hole.

surface speed

The speed of the rotating tool at the point of contact on the workpiece. This measurement accounts for the distance the mill cutter rotates where it meets the surface of the workpiece.

tapping unit

A point machining unit that specifies the addition of threads to a drilled hole via a tapping tool.

through hole boring

A point machining unit that specifies enlarging the entire length of a hole drilled "through" the workpiece.

tool sequence

One of the three components of a Mazatrol machining unit. The tool sequence is associated with the tool operation and includes data such as surface speed and feed per revolution.

unidirectional

A type of machining characterized by the tool engaging in cutting in one direction instead of two.

WID-R

A field in the tool sequence that indicates the maximum radial cutting depth.

work number

The unique identifying number for a Mazatrol program. Work numbers may consist of any combination of the 32 alphanumeric characters and certain symbols.

Work number menu key

A soft key at the bottom of the display that accesses a list of work numbers of the programs that have already been entered into the control memory. The work number menu key appears at the bottom of the screen in the program display.

workpiece zero point

The origin of both the workpiece coordinates system and the part program for a particular workpiece. Workpiece zero, commonly called program zero, is unique to each workpiece design and is selected by a part programmer.