What is the definition of "part program"?
A series of numerical instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece.

Learn more about part program in the class Basics of the CNC Machining Center 130 below.


CNC Training


Class Information
Tooling U classes are offered at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The typical class consists of 12 to 25 lessons and will take approximately one hour to complete.
Class Name:Basics of the CNC Machining Center 130
Description:This class describes the basic components of the machining center as well as the devices used on this machine. Includes an Interactive Lab.
Prerequisites: none
Difficulty:Beginner
Number of Lessons:16
Language:English, Spanish, Chinese

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Below are all the competencies and job programs that contain the class Basics of the CNC Machining Center 130. Job programs are our traditional class lists organized according to common job functions. Competencies are our latest job-specific curricula that help tie online learning to practical, hands-on tasks.

Click on any title to view its details.

Class Outline
  • Objectives
  • What Is the Mill?
  • From Mill to Machining Center
  • Types of CNC Machining Centers
  • Basic Setup of the Machining Center
  • Control Devices of the Machining Center
  • How the Machining Center Cuts
  • Cutting Variables
  • Milling Cutters for the Machining Center
  • Milling Operations
  • Hole-Making Operations
  • Cutting Tool Materials
  • Toolholders for the Machining Center
  • Toolchangers for the Machining Center
  • Workholding for the Machining Center
  • Summary
  
Class Objectives
  • Describe the mill.
  • Describe the common mills.
  • Distinguish between the two types of CNC machining centers.
  • Identify components of the CNC machining center.
  • Describe components that control machining.
  • Explain how the machining center cuts parts.
  • Identify the variables that impact cutting.
  • Describe common milling cutters.
  • Describe common milling operations.
  • Describe hole-making capabilities of the machining center.
  • Describe cutting tool materials for the machining center.
  • Identify components of a standard toolholder used on the machining center.
  • Describe the purpose of a toolchanger on the machining center.
  • Identify workholders used on the machining center.

Class Vocabulary

Vocabulary TermDefinition
arbor A device used on a conventional milling machine to mount a mill horizontally.
ballscrew The threaded device that controls the precise movement of the various components of the mill.
boring The process of using a single-point tool to enlarge a preexisting hole.
carbide insert A cutting bit made of hard material that has multiple cutting edges. Once a cutting edge is excessively worn, it can be indexed to another edge, or the insert can be replaced.
CNC machining center A sophisticated CNC machine that can perform mulitiple machining operations in the same setup with a variety of tools.
column The vertical support, or backbone, of a milling machine.
column-and-knee milling machine A basic type of milling machine whose spindle is mounted in the column, and whose worktable rests on an adjustable knee.
contour A curved surface or dimension that is cut into a workpiece.
depth of cut The thickness of material removed by one pass of the cutting tool.
drilling The process of using a multi-point tool to penetrate the surface of a workpiece and make a round hole.
end mill A thin, tall mill cutter with cutting edges that wind up the sides. Both the bottom and side of the end mill are used during milling operations. End mills resemble drills.
face mill A flat mill cutter with multiple cutting teeth surrounding the tool. The bottom of the face mill is primarily used during milling operations.
face milling A milling operation in which the surface of the workpiece is perpendicular to the spindle axis.
feed The rate that the cutting tool travels along the surface of the workpiece.
fixture A customized device that is used to position and hold a workpiece in place. On a mill, fixtures are normally used to machine flat surfaces parallel to the table.
flange A ring or collar surrounding the toolholder that allows the tool to be grasped by the toolchanger.
high-speed steel A tool steel used to machine metals at high cutting speeds. High-speed steel stays hard at high temperatures and resists abrasion.
horizontal machining center A machining center with a spindle that is parallel to the ground floor.
indexed To rotate a carbide insert to present a new cutting edge.
interrupted cutting A cutting process in which the cutting edge of the tool is not in constant contact with the surface of the workpiece.
knee The device supported by the elevating screw that raises and lowers and guides the back and forth motion of the saddle.
machine control unit A small, powerful computer that controls and operates a CNC machine.
mill A multi-point tool that is used to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece.
milling machine A machine that uses a multi-point tool to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece.
multi-point tool A machining tool that has two or more cutting edges.
pallet An automatic moveable table that supports a workpiece and slides or pivots into and out of the machining center. Multiple pallets allow an operator to set up a part while another is being machined.
part program A series of numerical instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece.
peripheral milling A milling operation in which the cutting edge of the mill is parallel to the axis of spindle rotation.
pocket An interior recess that is cut into the surface of a workpiece.
pot One of the numerous slots of the toolchanger that holds a cutting tool in its toolholder.
reaming The process of using a cutting tool with straight cutting edges to enlarge or smooth holes that have been previously drilled.
retention knob An knob screwed into the end of the toolholder that locks the tool in place within the spindle.
servomotor A special motor used in CNC machines that turns the ballscrew to move parts with precision.
slot A narrow channel cut into the surface of a workpiece.
speed The rate at which the cutting edge of the tool moves past the workpiece surface at the point of contact. On a mill, speed determines how fast the spindle rotates.
spindle The rotating device that holds and spins the toolholder and cutting tool on the mill.
tapered shank The long, narrow portion of a toolholder that is typically shaped like a cone.
tapping The process of cutting internal threads in a workpiece with a multi-point tool.
toolchanger A device that arranges multiple cutting tools in order and then positions these cutting tools for replacement in the machining center.
toolholder The device used to rigidly hold a cutting tool in place. Toolholders are available in standardized sizes.
vertical machining center A machining center with a spindle that is perpendicular to the ground floor.
vise A workholding device with two jaws that grip and hold a workpiece in place.
workholder A device used to position and hold a workpiece in place.
workpiece A part that is being machined.
worktable The part of a machine tool that supports the workpiece and any workholding devices.