What is the definition of "machine control unit"?
A small, powerful computer that controls and operates a CNC machine.

Learn more about machine control unit in the class Basics of the CNC Swiss-Type Lathe 135 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 Swiss-Type Lathe 135
Description:This class describes the basic components of the Swiss-type lathe, as well as common tooling and machining operations.
Prerequisites: none
Difficulty:Beginner
Number of Lessons:19
Language:English, Spanish, Chinese

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Below are all the competencies and job programs that contain the class Basics of the CNC Swiss-Type Lathe 135. 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.

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Competencies


Class Outline
  • Objectives
  • What Is the CNC Swiss-Type Lathe?
  • Types of Lathes
  • Cams vs. CNC Controls
  • Advantages of the Swiss-Type Lathe
  • Common Swiss-Type Parts
  • Swiss-Type Technology
  • Components That Hold Parts
  • Components That Hold Cutting Tools
  • Machine Axes
  • Cutting Variables
  • Sample Swiss-Type Machining Cycle
  • Outer-Diameter Operations
  • Inner-Diameter Operations
  • Live Tooling
  • Secondary Operations
  • Swiss-Type Toolholders
  • Swiss-Type Workholders
  • Summary
  
Class Objectives
  • Define the CNC Swiss-type lathe.
  • List common types of lathes.
  • Compare cam-driven screw machines to CNC Swiss-type lathes.
  • Describe the advantages of the CNC Swiss-type lathe.
  • Describe common types of parts made on the CNC Swiss-type lathe.
  • Define Swiss-type technology.
  • Identify the components that hold parts.
  • Identify the components that hold tools.
  • Identify the location of axes on the CNC Swiss-type lathe.
  • Identify the variables that impact cutting.
  • Describe the typical CNC Swiss-type lathe cycle.
  • Identify common outer-diameter operations.
  • Identify common inner-diameter operations.
  • Describe live tooling.
  • Identify common secondary operations.
  • Identify toolholders used on the CNC Swiss-type lathe.
  • Identify workholders used on the CNC Swiss-type lathe.

Class Vocabulary

Vocabulary TermDefinition
A-axis A rotational axis that describes motion around the X-axis.
accuracy The exactness of a measurement compared to the desired result.
automatic magazine bar feeder A chamber that allows the feeding of bar stock, one at a time, into a machine.
axes An imaginary line used to measure the distances of objects in the Cartesian coordinate system.
axial approach A tool approach that runs parallel to the axis of a cylindrical workpiece. Also called the parallel orientation.
backworking tool station A toolholding station that is located opposite the sub spindle and is used to machine the back end of parts.
bar stock Raw material purchased from metal manufacturers in the form of long bars. Bar stock may be round, square, or hexagonal.
B-axis A rotational axis that describes motion around the Y-axis.
blueprint A document containing all the instructions necessary to manufacture a part. The key sections of a blueprint are the drawing, dimensions, and notes.
boring The process of using a single-point tool to enlarge a preexisting hole.
cam A circular or cylindrical machine component that converts rotational movement into linear movement. A cam controls the feed rate and depth of cut of cutting tools on the automatic bar machine.
Cartesian coordinate system The system that describes the location of an object by numerically expressing its distance from a fixed position along three imaginary linear axes.
C-axis A rotational axis that describes motion around the Z-axis.
chatter The occasional vibration between a workpiece and a cutting tool. Chatter decreases machining productivity, negatively impacts surface quality, and increases tool wear.
chuck A device that holds a workpiece in place as it rotates. The chuck commonly has three or four jaws that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of parts.
CNC Swiss-type lathe A sophisticated CNC machine with a sliding headstock and fixed bushing that enables the creation of small, complex, cylindrical parts in one cycle.
CNC turning center A sophisticated CNC lathe that specializes in turning, boring, drilling, and threading operations, all at the same location.
collet A slitted device that holds a workpiece in place as it rotates. A collet has a hole through which the workpiece passes, and it is designed to hold specific dimensions. Collets can also be used to hold cutting tools.
computer numerical control The use of a computer and special programs to carry out various machining operations. The turning center and CNC Swiss-type lathe are examples of lathes equipped with computer numerical control.
contour turning An operation performed on a lathe that feeds a tool along a curved line in order to create curved, cylindrical shapes.
conveyor The belt that carries finished parts to a parts bucket.
cutoff An operation performed on the lathe that uses a cutting tool to separate a part from the rest of the stock.
cutting tool A device with sharp edges used to cut metal. Cutting tools are either single-point or multi-point tools.
cycle The time during which a machine works on a single part.
deflection The vibration or shift in position of a workpiece due to a lack of support. Deflection often causes incorrect measurements.
depth of cut The amount of material that is removed with one pass of a cutting tool.
dimension The desired measurement of a feature on a part.
drilling The process of using a multi-point tool to penetrate the surface of a workpiece and make a round hole.
dry run A trial run of the part program without any parts or cutting fluid.
engine lathe The original and most basic type of lathe.
facing An operation performed on a lathe that feeds a single-point tool into the end of a cylindrical workpiece to create a flat surface.
feed The linear movement of a cutting tool into a part to remove material.
fixed automation A process using mechanized machinery to perform fixed and repetitive operations in order to produce a high volume of similar parts.
fixed bushing A hollow, cylindrical guide for bar stock on Swiss-type lathes that enables the creation of very small parts with excellent tolerances.
gang tool post A component that holds several cutting tools in a row. On the CNC Swiss-type lathe, the gang tool post is located above the bushing and approaches the workpiece from the radial orientation.
ID grooving The process of cutting an internal channel or passageway into a drilled hole.
indexing The changing of machine components to a different fixed position.
inner-diameter operation Cutting operations that take place on the interior surface of a workpiece on a lathe.
lathe A machine tool commonly used to create cylindrical forms. A lathe holds a cylindrical workpiece on one or both ends. The cutting tool is gradually passed along the surface of the rotating part.
length-to-diameter ratio The measurement relationship between the length and diameter of a part. If a part has a 4:1 length-to-diameter ratio, then the part's length is 4 times the measurement of the diameter.
linear axes The axes that describe movement along a straight line.
live tool A cutting tool mounted in its own powered spindle on a CNC lathe. Live tooling allows tools to cut off center, perform milling operations, or create holes on the part's outer diameter while the part is held in the spindle.
machine control unit A small, powerful computer that controls and operates a CNC machine.
milling A machining operation that uses a multi-point horizontal or vertical cutter to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece.
multi-point cutting tool A machining tool that has two or more cutting edges.
OD chamfering An operation performed on a lathe that feeds a tool to create an angled edge on the workpiece.
OD threading An operation performed on a lathe that creates a long, spiraling ridge down the outer surface of a workpiece.
off center Any location on a part that deviates from the part's centerline.
on center The location on a part that is aligned with the part's centerline.
operator The person responsible for running the CNC machine on the shop floor.
opposite tool post A toolholding station that is located opposite the fixed bushing on a CNC Swiss-type lathe.
outer-diameter operation Cutting operations that take place on the outer surface of a workpiece on a lathe.
part program A series of numerical instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece.
part programmer The person responsible for the creation of a part program. The part programmer translates the workpiece design into program instructions for the CNC machine.
precision The degree to which an instrument will repeat the same measurement over a period of time.
primary operation One of the main machining operations that contributes to the completion of a part.
radial approach A tool approach that runs perpendicular to the axis of a cylindrical workpiece. Also called the perpendicular orientation.
reaming The process of using a multi-point tool to smooth the interior surface of a hole.
rigidity The quality of a workpiece characterized by being stiff and inflexible. A setup with good rigidity reduces vibration or wobble.
rotational axes An axis that describes turning or rotational movement around a linear axis.
screw machine An automated turning machine that continuously creates a number of finished parts from bar stock. Bar stock advances through the spindle and is held by a collet. It is also commonly called a bar machine.
secondary operation An additional operation required to finish a part that is performed on a separate machine from the machine that made the primary cuts.
sliding headstock The end of a Swiss-type lathe that contains the spindle and the drive that rotates the workpiece. The headstock also provides feed for the workpiece as well.
slotting A milling operation that cuts a long groove in the surface of a workpiece.
speed The rate of rotational movement of a workpiece. Speeds are measured in revolutions per minute or surface feet per minute.
spindle The component of a machine that spins. On a lathe, the spindle is located in the headstock and houses the workholder.
sub spindle The source of workpiece rotation that is found opposite the main spindle and fixed bushing. The sub spindle is also called the pick off or back spindle.
Swiss-type screw machine A modified automated turret lathe distinguished by a sliding headstock and fixed bushing. Swiss-type machines are capable of creating very small parts with excellent tolerances.
tailstock The component located at the end of a lathe opposite the headstock that supports the end of longer workpieces.
taper turning An operation performed on a lathe that feeds a tool at an angle to the length of the workpiece in order to create a conical shape.
tapping The process of cutting internal threads in a workpiece with a multi-point tool.
tolerance An unwanted but acceptable deviation from a given dimension. Tolerances indicate the allowable difference between a physical feature and its intended design.
turret The component of a lathe that holds a number of cutting tools. The turret rotates to place tools in the cutting position.
turret lathe A lathe with a mounted device that holds multiple cutting tools. The turret rotates to position one specific cutting tool in place after another.
workholder A device used to position and hold a workpiece in place.
workpiece A part that is being worked on. It may be subject to grinding, cutting, welding, forming, or other operations.
X-axis The linear axis on a lathe perpendicular to the Z-axis that indicates distances from the part's centerline.
Y-axis The linear axis that is always perpendicular to both the X- and Z-axis. Unlike most lathes, CNC Swiss-type lathes may have component motions along a Y-axis.
Z-axis The linear axis that is always parallel to a lathe's main spindle.