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approach
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A slight distance added to a toolpath at the beginning of a cut for safety reasons.
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arc center method
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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.
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arc-in motion
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A partial-arc motion that leads into a larger arc motion. Arc in and arc out motions leave a smooth surface finish.
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arc-out motion
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A partial-arc motion that exits from a larger arc motion. Arc in and arc out motions leave a smooth surface finish.
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bolt-hole pattern
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A common specification on milled parts that requires a series of equally spaced holes around the circumference of a larger imaginary circle.
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boxing routine
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A series of increasingly larger rectangular toolpaths used to machine a rectangular pocket.
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CAD/CAM
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Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. CAD/CAM is the use of software to aid in the design and manufacturing of a part.
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chamfer
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A small, angled surface added to an edge of a workpiece. A chamfer removes the sharp edge and helps eliminate burrs.
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clearance
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Any useful space that is intentionally maintained between components.
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contour feature
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A part feature that is non-linear, or curved.
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coordinate system
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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.
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cosine
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In a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side adjacent to the angle divided by the hypotenuse.
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cutter radius compensation
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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.
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deflection
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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.
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end mill
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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.
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face mill
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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.
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face milling
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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.
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finishing pass
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A final cutting pass that produces the necessary surface finish and brings a feature to its proper size.
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finishing stock
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The small amount of material that is intentionally left for a finishing pass.
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hypotenuse
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In a right triangle, the side located opposite the right angle.
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I code
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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.
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J code
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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.
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length-to-diameter ratio
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A ratio describing the length of a cylindrical tool or workpiece compared to its diameter. Higher length-to-diameter ratios offer less rigidity.
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milling cutter
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Any multi-point tool that is used to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece.
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part program
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A series of instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece.
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pocket
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An interior recess that is cut into the surface of a workpiece. Pockets may be round or rectangular.
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program zero
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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.
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R code
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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.
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radius method
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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.
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ramping motion
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A linear motion of the tool that is required for a control to adjust for a particular tool offset.
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sine
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In a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle divided by the hypotenuse.
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spot drill
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A short, sturdy drill used to start a hole and accurately locate it. Most spot drills have a 90° tip.
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step-over
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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.
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symmetrical part
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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.
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tangent
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In a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle divided by the adjacent side.
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toolpath
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The series of coordinate positions that determine the movement of a tool during a machining operation.
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trigonometry
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The branch of mathematics that addresses the measurements and relationships of a triangle and its parts.
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wear offset
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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.
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X-axis
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On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions along the longest distance parallel to the worktable.
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Y-axis
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On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions along the shortest distance parallel to the worktable.
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Z-axis
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On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions perpendicular to the worktable. The Z-axis is always parallel to the spindle.
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