CNC Coordinates 140

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 typically requires at least two hours of instruction time.

Class Name:	CNC Coordinates 140
Description:	This class explains the arrangement and orientation of the basic axes on a common CNC lathe and both a vertical and horizontal CNC mill. Includes an Interactive Lab.
Prerequisites:	none
Difficulty:	Beginner
Number of Lessons:	16

Below are all the competencies and job programs that contain the class CNC Coordinates 140. Job programs are our traditional class lists organized according to common job functions. Competences are our latest job-specific curricula that help tie online learning to practical, hands-on tasks.

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Competencies	Show All
CNC Lathe Operator CNC Mill Operator Maintenance Electrician

Job Programs	Show All
Job: CNC Operator: Mill Job: CNC Operator: Lathe Job: CNC Programmer

Class Outline

Objectives
CNC Coordinates
The Axes and Origin
Positive and Negative Directions
Coordinates in Blueprints
Incremental Coordinates
Absolute Coordinates
Rotational Axes
Contouring
Coordinate Standards for Machines
Standard Axes Locations
Coordinates for the Vertical Milling Machine
Coordinates for the Horizontal Milling Machine
Coordinates for the Turning Center
Machine Zero and Program Zero
Summary

Class Objectives

Describe the role of coordinates in CNC.
Identify the three axes of the Cartesian coordinate system.
Identify positive and negative directions along axes.
Describe the relationship between measurements on the drawing and coordinates.
Define incremental coordinates.
Define absolute coordinates.
Describe the rotational axes.
Describe contouring.
Describe the importance of coordinates for CNC machines.
Identify the general rules for axis location.
Identify the axes for the vertical milling machine.
Identify the axes for the horizontal milling machine.
Identify the axes for the turning center.
Define machine zero.
Define program zero.

Class Vocabulary
A-axis		A rotational axis that describes motion around the X-axis.
absolute coordinates		A series of numerical positions that are calculated from a fixed point of origin.
axes		An imaginary line that passes through the center of an object. Axes are used to measure the distances of objects in the Cartesian coordinate system.
B-axis		A rotational axis that describes motion around the Y-axis.
Cartesian coordinate system		The numerical system that describes the location of an object by numerically expressing its distance from a fixed position along three linear axes.
C-axis		A rotational axis that describes motion around the Z-axis.
computer numerical control		A type of programmable control system, directed by mathematical data, which uses microcomputers to carry out various machining operations.
contouring		Tool movement along two or more axes at the same time to generate curved, non-linear features.
Electronics Industries Association		An organization that sets standards for technology industries.
horizontal milling machine		A milling machine with a spindle that is parallel to the ground and a worktable that is positioned vertically.
incremental coordinates		A series of numerical positions that use the previous position as the point of origin.
linear interpolation		A movement along two or more axes simultaneously that creates a straight line.
machine zero		The position located at the farthest possible distance in a positive direction along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. This position is permanently set for each particular CNC machine.
machining center		A sophisticated CNC mill that can perform multiple machining operations in the same setup with a variety of tools.
origin		The fixed, central point in the Cartesian coordinate system. The origin has a numerical value of zero.
part program		A series of numerical instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece.
program zero		The position that acts as the origin for the part program of a particular workpiece. This position is unique to each workpiece design, and it is selected by the part programmer.
right angle		An angle formed by two lines that are perpendicular to one another. The corner of a piece of paper forms a right angle.
right-hand rule		A quick reference that shows the location of the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. A person displays his or her right hand, and the first three fingers from the right each represent the X-, Y-, and Z-axis in order.
rotational axes		The axes that describe turning or rotation around the linear axes.
spindle		The main component of the machine tool that rotates. On the machining center, the spindle holds a cutting tool. On the turning center, the spindle holds the workpiece.
turning center		A sophisticated CNC lathe that specializes in turning, boring, drilling, and threading operations, all at the same location.
vertical milling machine		A milling machine with a worktable that is parallel to the ground and a spindle that is positioned vertically.
workpiece		A part that is being worked on. It may be subject to cutting, welding, forming, or other operations.
worktable		The table that supports a workpiece during a manufacturing operation.
X-axis		The linear axis representing motions and positions that travel the longest distance parallel to the worktable.
Y-axis		The linear axis representing motions and positions that travel the shortest distance parallel to the worktable.
Z-axis		The linear axis that represents motions and positions perpendicular to the worktable. The Z-axis is always parallel to the spindle.