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What is the definition of common unit?

In Mazatrol programming, a unit of information that must be entered first, such as the workpiece material, the number of parts, etc.
Learn more about common unit in the class "Mazak Lathe: First Part Runs 325" below.

Mazak Lathe: First Part Runs 325

CNC Controls: Mazak Training

Class Information

ToolingU.com 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:	Mazak Lathe: First Part Runs 325
Description:	This class describes how to verify the accuracy of a program and make minor editing changes on the Mazak Mazatrol Matrix Lathe control to ensure part quality.
Prerequisites:	none
Difficulty:	Advanced
Number of Lessons:	16
Language:	English

Below are all the competencies and job programs that contain the class Mazak Lathe: First Part Runs 325. 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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Class Outline
Objectives Part Program Errors Proving Out a Part Program Prove-Out Methods Proving Out a Program with Cycle Start Dry Run Operation Single Step Program Protection Background Edit Mode SEARCH Function SEARCH Function Options INSERT Function ERASE Function COPY Function Graphics Display Summary

Class Objectives

Distinguish between the different types of part program errors.
Describe proving out.
Describe prove-out methods.
Describe methods of proving out a program with cycle start.
Explain how to dry run a program.
Explain how to single step through a program.
Describe methods of protecting a program.
Describe background edit mode.
Describe the SEARCH function.
Describe the SEARCH function options.
List the steps for inserting program data using the INSERT function.
List the steps for deleting program data using the ERASE function.
List the steps for copying program data using the COPY function.
Describe methods of showing a graphics display of a program.

Class Vocabulary
background edit mode		A mode of the control that allows an operator to create or edit a program in memory while another program is being run. The background edit mode offers six editing functions.
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.
chapter left		Key on the lower left of the Matrix display that toggles between available displays and their particular menu keys. Chapter left is sometimes called the display select key.
chapter right		Key on the lower right of the Matrix display that can be used to cycle through menu options. Also may be called menu select.
common unit		In Mazatrol programming, a unit of information that must be entered first, such as the workpiece material, the number of parts, etc.
COPY function		One of the six editing functions for the Mazak lathe, the feature that enables the operator to replicate a part program, unit, or shape.
cursor		A blinking character on a display screen that indicates the current input location.
cursor key		The area of the control keypad that allows an operator to move through various screens and fields in the control, edit and search for CNC programs, and move the cursor up, down, left, and right through the program or screen options.
cycle start		The control button used to begin a program or continue a program that has been previously stopped. The cycle start button is the most accurate method of proving out a part program on the Mazak lathe.
display select key		Key on the lower left of the Matrix display that toggles between available displays and their particular menu keys. The display select key is sometimes called the chapter left key.
dry run		A prove-out method that executes a part program without any parts or cutting fluid. On the Mazak lathe, dry running is done in rapid mode.
editing functions		Six functions provided by the Mazak control that enable editing of a current program or a program in memory while another program is running.The editing functions are accessed via the background edit mode.
END OF PROGRAM function		One of the six editing functions for the Mazak lathe, the feature that creates the end unit for a program.
end unit		The code created by the operator of the Mazak lathe that contains the data that completes the program. The creation of an end unit enables the operator to exit background editing mode.
ERASE function		One of the six editing functions for the Mazak lathe, the feature that enables the operator to delete a unit, tool sequence, or shape sequence from a program.
feed hold button		A button on many CNC controls used to pause a program. Also known as slide hold and cycle stop, feed hold pauses tool feed but does not stop spindle movement.
feed rate		The rate at which the cutting tool and the workpiece move in relation to one another. On the Mazak lathe, dry running does not check for accurate feed rates.
first part run		The first successful execution of a part program that produces the first good part. A first part run is done after proving out a program to verify the accuracy of the part program.
flash memory card		A small, portable memory card that can be used to store data, such as Matrix programs. Flash memory cards connect to the Matrix through a USB port.
floppy disk		A 3.5 inch plastic device that stores programs and computer information magnetically. Standard removable floppy disks hold only 1.44MB of data and have widely been replaced.
G code		A code that determines the type of operation performed on the machine. G codes select the type of motion, speed or feed mode, etc.
G52		A G code used with dry running a program with cycle start. G52 creates a temporary work offset.
graphics display		A function of the Mazak control that allows an operator to view a part program's toolpath before actual machining. A graphics display is a visual dry run of a part program.
HELP function		One of the six editing functions for the Mazak lathe, the feature that enables the operator to view a graphics display of certain tool movements on the tool screen without initiating any actual tool movements on the machine.
illegal character		A part programming character that does not conform to the syntax, or programming format, of a CNC control. The control is not able to read or execute an illegal character.
input key		A key located near the numeric keypad that allows you to enter data. The input key clears alarm lights once the cause of the alarm has been identified and the problem has been fixed.
INSERT function		One of the six editing functions for the Mazak lathe, the feature that enables the operator to add a unit, tool sequence, or shape sequence to a program.
jog		To move a machine component manually via the machine controls. When proving out a program in G code programming on the Mazak lathe, the turret is placed five inches away from the part.
legitimate character		A part program character that conforms to the syntax, or programming format, of a CNC control.
logical error		A part program mistake that occurs when an unintended legitimate character or value appears in a part program in place of the intended character or value. Logical errors are read and accepted "as is," making them very serious.
machining unit		The third of four Mazatrol programming units. The machining unit specifies the machining method and type.
manual pulse generator		A circular handwheel on a CNC machine that can move a tool incrementally along an axis.
Mazatrol		A computer numerical control developed by Mazak that features conversational programming.
modal data		Information displayed regarding the mode of the machine control. Dry running a program on the Mazak lathe does not check the program's modal data.
program edit menu key		A menu key that allows you to edit program information.
program edit switch		Also called the program lock switch, a lockable switch on the standard controls section of the Matrix that when enabled, allows the operator to make changes to the current program.
program error		A part program mistake that either disrupts the machining process or renders a part program useless.
program listing mode		The mode of the Mazatrol control in which programs are listed for viewing only. Programs cannot be created or edited while in listing mode.
program lock switch		Also called the program edit switch, a lockable switch on the standard controls section of the Matrix that when enabled, allows the operator to make changes to the current program.
program menu key		A menu key that accesses and enables editing of program information. The program menu key accesses the background edit mode.
program zero		The origin of both the workpiece coordinates system and the part program for a particular workpiece. G52 is used to create a temporary work offset, which can be used to move the turret away from the part for proving out a program.
proving out		Performing a series of steps to verify the accuracy of a part program. Operators use graphic displays, dry runs, and single blocking to check a program for errors.
rapid mode		The mode that allows for the manual movement of machine components at high rates of travel. On the Mazak lathe, dry running is done in rapid mode.
SEARCH function		One of the six editing functions for the Mazak lathe, the feature that displays a specified machining unit or tool sequence.
setup		All the necessary preparation of tooling and fixturing that occurs on the machine before a part program can be executed. Proving out a program involves checking machine setup for errors.
shape sequence		Specified in the machining unit data, the information containing the part dimensions.
single block key		A key that activates the single block feature on the Matrix control. The single block function runs the program one block at a time to prove out the program.
single block key		A key that activates the single block feature on the Matrix control. The single block function runs the program one block at a time to prove out the program.
single blocking		A prove-out method that executes a part program one step or block at a time at reduced feeds. Single blocking is also called single stepping.
single stepping		A prove-out method that executes a part program one step or block at a time at reduced feeds. Single stepping is also called single blocking.
speed		The rate at which a cutting edge of the tool moves past the workpiece surface at the point of contact. On the Mazak lathe, dry running does not check for accurate speeds.
syntax		The programming format of a CNC control. Syntax errors in a part program can have serious consequences.
syntax error		A part program mistake that occurs when an illegal character appears in a program.
tolerance		An unwanted but acceptable deviation from a given dimension. Checking for accurate part tolerances is done after a successful first part run.
tool sequence		Specified in the machining unit data, the information containing the name and path of the tool.
toolpath		A series of program blocks that describes the movements of a single cutting tool. When using G code programming on the Mazak lathe, the operator can view program blocks showing the toolpath.
work number		The number that identifies the part program the operator wishes to display or edit.
work offset		An offset used to adjust the location of every tool loaded in the machine. On the lathe, the work offset changes the position of the turret in the Z-axis.
workpiece coordinate		WPC. A set of values used to define workpiece zero. These basic coordinates are specified after the common unit in Mazatrol programming.
WPC		Workpiece coordinates. A set of values used to define workpiece zero. These basic coordinates are specified after the common unit in Mazatrol programming.
X-axis		The linear axis on a lathe perpendicular to the Z-axis that indicates distances from the part's centerline.
Z-axis		The linear axis that is always parallel to a lathe's main spindle.