NC technology - safety NC code macro

Have you ever been on a machining disaster? when the program "seems" at fault. The tool travel elsewhere and make dents, machining crash, tool breakage? The greatest majority of crashes are a result of improper programming or programming that could eliminate the chance of operators making mistakes. CNC programmers often forget about Modal M-codes. They are often left active and are not canceled within the program.

What happens if an operator punches a wrong code into MDI like G18 and then starts up the program? If there was no G17 in their program then they are in trouble. I have seen this happen many times.
Often times it is difficult to determine reasoning behind a crash. One reason is when a crash happens the machine is powered down until someone inspects and troubleshoots what has happened. If powered down however; all the modal M-codes are reset back to default settings on power up and is not easily traceable to the operator. I can not tell you how many times I have heard it just take off running a normal proven program. This safety code is likely the answer as long as your operator was not lying to you.
Read more

cutting tool technology - end mill

End mill is not something you can separate from CNC machining, especially when you're dealing with vertical machining centers (VMC). Basically there are some knowledge that an engineer should know before deciding on a process. A good tool selection will result in a better surface quality and the job might be done faster.
Read more

machining technology - jig & fixtures

In metalworking, a jig is a type of tool used to control the location and/or motion of another tool. A jig's primary purpose is to provide repeatability, accuracy, and interchangeability in the manufacturing of products. A jig's main function is to guide the tool during machining process. A jig is often confused with a fixture; a fixture holds the work in a fixed location. A device that does both functions (holding the work and guiding a tool) is called a jig.

As the CNC technology grows rapidly, with the ability to move according to exact path generated from NC code, the use of jigs is beginning to decrease. Nevertheless, the fixtures still greatly needed to set-up the workpiece faster.
Read more