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What is the definition of cutter radius compensation?

An offset used on the machining center that accounts for variations in tool diameter. CRC is only necessary for tools that continuously cut along a horizontal plane.

Learn more about cutter radius compensation in the class "Milling Calculations 295" below.

Milling Calculations 295

CNC Department

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	Milling Calculations 295
Description	This class explains the common calculations necessary to plot the toolpaths for a basic milling program.
Prerequisites	300130 300140 800210
Difficulty	Intermediate
Number of Lessons	17

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Class Outline

Class Objectives

Objectives

The Purpose of Toolpath Calculations

Program Zero Location

Face Milling Calculations

The Face Milling Toolpath: Y-Axis

The Face Milling Toolpath: X-Axis

Pocket Milling Calculations

The Pocket Toolpath

Spot Drilling Calculations

The Spot Drill Toolpath

Drilling Calculations

The Drilling Toolpath

CRC on the Mill

Full-Circle Milling Calculations

The Full Circle Toolpath

The Bolt Hole Pattern

Summary

Describe the basic elements of a toolpath.

Identify the appropriate location for program zero on a part.

Explain the general rules that govern face milling calculations.

Calculate the Y-axis locations for a common face milling operation.

Calculate the X-axis locations for a common face milling operation.

Explain the general rules that govern pocket milling calculations.

Calculate the initial coordinates to begin a boxing routine for a rectangular pocket.

Explain the general rules that govern spot drilling calculations.

Calculate the depth required to leave a chamfer with a spot drill.

Explain the general rules that govern drilling calculations.

Calculate the depth required to completely drill a hole.

Explain a common method for removing ramping motions from a program’s toolpaths.

Explain the general rules that govern full-circle milling.

Calculate the starting locations for matching full radius and arc in motions.

Calculate the coordinate location of a hole in a bolt-hole pattern.

Class Vocabulary

Term	Definition
approach	A slight distance added to a toolpath at the beginning of a cut for safety reasons.
arc center method	A method for programming circular tool movements that requires an I code and J code to indicate the location of the arc's center along the X- and Y-axes. The arc center method is best used for full-arc motions.
arc-in motion	A partial-arc motion that leads into a larger arc motion. Arc in and arc out motions leave a smooth surface finish.
arc-out motion	A partial-arc motion that exits from a larger arc motion. Arc in and arc out motions leave a smooth surface finish.
bolt-hole pattern	A common specification on milled parts that requires a series of equally spaced holes around the circumference of a larger imaginary circle.
boxing routine	A series of increasingly larger rectangular toolpaths used to machine a rectangular pocket.
CAD/CAM	Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. CAD/CAM is the use of software to aid in the design and manufacturing of a part.
chamfer	A small, angled surface added to an edge of a workpiece. A chamfer removes the sharp edge and helps eliminate burrs.
clearance	Any useful space that is intentionally maintained between components.
contour feature	A part feature that is non-linear, or curved.
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. The coordinate system consists of the X-, Y-, and Z-axes.
cosine	In a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side adjacent to the angle divided by the hypotenuse.
cutter radius compensation	An offset used on the machining center that accounts for variations in tool diameter. CRC is only necessary for tools that continuously cut along a horizontal plane.
deflection	The unintended movement or repositioning of a component due to a mechanical force. Deflection of a cutting tool can cause poor surface finish and inaccurate dimensions.
end mill	A thin, tall mill cutter with a flat bottom and cutting edges that wind up the sides. Both the bottom and side of the end mill provide cutting surfaces during milling operations.
face mill	A flat mill cutter with multiple cutting teeth surrounding the tool. The bottom of the face mill is primarily the cutting surface during milling operations.
face milling	A milling operation in which the surface of the workpiece is perpendicular to the spindle axis. Face milling primarily is used to mill the top surface of the part.
finishing pass	A final cutting pass that produces the necessary surface finish and brings a feature to its proper size.
finishing stock	The small amount of material that is intentionally left for a finishing pass.
hypotenuse	In a right triangle, the side located opposite the right angle.
I code	For circular interpolation, the program code that indicates the location of the arc's center along the X-axis. I and J codes are used for the arc center method.
J code	For circular interpolation, the program code that indicates the location of the arc's center along the Y-axis. I and J codes are used for the arc center method.
length-to-diameter ratio	A ratio describing the length of a cylindrical tool or workpiece compared to its diameter. Higher length-to-diameter ratios offer less rigidity.
milling cutter	Any multi-point tool that is used to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece.
part program	A series of instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece.
pocket	An interior recess that is cut into the surface of a workpiece. Pockets may be round or rectangular.
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.
R code	For circular interpolation, the program code that indicates the length of the arc's radius. In certain canned cycles, an R code indicates the R level for tool return.
radius method	A method for programming circular tool movements that requires an R code to indicate the size of the arc's radius. The radius method is best used for partial-arc motions.
ramping motion	A linear motion of the tool that is required for a control to adjust for a particular tool offset.
sine	In a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle divided by the hypotenuse.
spot drill	A short, sturdy drill used to start a hole and accurately locate it. Most spot drills have a 90° tip.
step-over	The size of the cutter's diameter that is engaged in a cut. The step-over should be 75% to 80% of the cutter's diameter.
symmetrical part	A part that can be divided by a line into two equal halves, with identical features that are equal distances from the dividing line. Both sides appear as mirror images of each other.
tangent	In a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle divided by the adjacent side.
toolpath	The series of coordinate positions that determine the movement of a tool during a machining operation.
trigonometry	The branch of mathematics that addresses the measurements and relationships of a triangle and its parts.
wear offset	An offset used on a turning center and some machining centers that allows for the slight adjustment of tool tip location. Wear offsets account for part deflection, tool wear, etc.
X-axis	On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions along the longest distance parallel to the worktable.
Y-axis	On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions along the shortest distance parallel to the worktable.
Z-axis	On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions perpendicular to the worktable. The Z-axis is always parallel to the spindle.

What is the definition of cutter radius compensation?

An offset used on the machining center that accounts for variations in tool diameter. CRC is only necessary for tools that continuously cut along a horizontal plane.Learn more about cutter radius compensation in the class "Milling Calculations 295" below.

Milling Calculations 295

CNC Department

An offset used on the machining center that accounts for variations in tool diameter. CRC is only necessary for tools that continuously cut along a horizontal plane.

Learn more about cutter radius compensation in the class "Milling Calculations 295" below.