| block |
A single line of a part program. |
| cursor keys |
The up and down arrow keys located on the MDI keypad that allow an operator to move through various screens and fields in the control, edit and search for CNC programs, and move the cursor through the program or screen options. |
| G41 |
A G code in a part program that commands a CNC control to move the tool to the left of the contouring direction during tool offset compensation. |
| G42 |
A G code in a part program that commands a CNC control to move the tool to the right of the contouring direction during tool offset compensation. |
| geometry offset |
Any offset that adjusts machine components to compensate for the unique shape of a particular cutting tool. On the lathe, the geometry offsets are tool length and tool nose radius and tip compensation. |
| indexing |
The changing of machine tools to a different fixed position. |
| inner diameter |
The interior surface of a hole or cylindrical feature. |
| job sheet |
A document that includes all manufacturing specifications for a lot of parts. |
| lot |
The number of similar parts made with a particular tooling setup. |
| machine zero |
The position located at the farthest possible distance in a positive direction along the machine axes. This position is permanently set for each particular CNC machine. |
| nose radius compensation |
An offset feature used on a turning center that slightly shifts the toolpath for the rounded tip of an insert during contouring, chamfering, and other multi-axis operations. |
| offset |
A numerical value stored in the CNC control that repositions machine components. Offsets are used to adjust for differences in tool geometry, part size, tool wear, etc. |
| offset register |
Area of the machine control that holds tool geometry, wear, and work offset settings. |
| OFSET key |
A function key on the MDI keypad that allows an operator to view and adjust tool geometry, wear, or workshift offsets. |
| outer diameter |
The exterior surface of a cylindrical feature. |
| page keys |
The up and down arrow keys located on the MDI keypad that allow an operator to move through various screens and fields one page at a time. |
| 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. |
| radius offset |
An offset used on the lathe that slightly adjusts the tool to compensate for the rounded tip of an insert during contouring, chamfering, and other multi-axis operations. |
| soft keys |
Keys located directly below the display screen that have different purposes depending on which function key has been chosen. The function of each soft key is visible on the display screen between brackets. |
| T code |
A program code used to indicate the specific tool for a tool change. |
| tip offset |
An offset used on the lathe that indicates one of nine possible orientations for a particular tool. Tip offsets are used in conjunction with radius offsets. |
| tolerance |
An unwanted but acceptable deviation from a given dimension. Tolerances indicate the allowable difference between a physical feature and its intended design. |
| tool geometry |
The collective angles formed by the dimensions of a cutting tool that make a tool unique. |
| tool nose radius |
The rounded tip on the cutting edge of a single-point tool. The greater the nose radius, the greater the degree of roundness at the tip. |
| tool pre-setter |
A device on the lathe used to quickly determine tool geometry offsets on the X- and Z-axis. The tool tip contacts surfaces on the sensor, which instantly records the turret position in the offset screen. |
| turret |
The component of a lathe that holds a number of cutting tools. The turret rotates to place tools in the cutting position. |
| wear offset |
An offset that allows for the slight adjustment of the tool location. Wear offsets account for part deflection, tool wear, etc. |
| 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 spindle in both the X- and Z-axes. |
| workshift 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 spindle in both the X- and Z-axes. Workshift offsets are also sometimes referred to as work offsets. |