50-420-745CNC Programming and Operations 1 for Machine Trades Apprentices
Course Information
Description
Apprentices will examine CNC related operations and safety. Course competencies include classifying types of equipment, comparing CNC tooling, setup, and work holding operations and CNC controls.
Total Credits
1
Course Competencies
  1. Determine safe operations for computer numeric controlled equipment
    Assessment Strategies
    Demonstration
    Criteria
    Demonstrate proper lockout/tagout procedures for CNC equipment before maintenance or troubleshooting
    Identify and explain required personal protective equipment (PPE) for specific CNC operations
    Execute proper emergency stop procedures in simulated hazardous situations

  2. Classify CNC equipment and machines according to their function
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Differentiate between 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machines and their applications
    Compare and contrast the capabilities of CNC mills, lathes, and routers
    Categorize CNC machines based on their control systems (open-loop vs. closed-loop)

  3. Explore CNC tools
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Identify appropriate cutting tools for specific CNC applications based on material and desired finish
    Evaluate tool wear patterns and determine when replacement is necessary
    Select optimal tool holders based on machine specifications and cutting requirements

  4. Determine CNC machine set-up
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Establish proper machine home positions and work coordinate systems
    Calibrate tool offsets using appropriate measurement devices
    Configure machine parameters according to manufacturer specifications for different materials

  5. Identify workholding devices
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Select appropriate fixtures and clamps based on workpiece geometry and cutting forces
    Demonstrate proper installation and alignment of vises, chucks, and custom fixturing
    Design workholding solutions that minimize vibration while maintaining adequate access for tool paths

  6. Compute cartesian coordinates
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Convert engineering drawings into X, Y, and Z coordinate points for CNC programming
    Calculate coordinate transformations for different work offset positions
    Troubleshoot coordinate errors in existing programs

  7. Compare CNC controls
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Distinguish between the user interfaces of major CNC control manufacturers (Fanuc, Haas, Siemens)
    Identify which control features are best suited for specific manufacturing applications
    Demonstrate the ability to navigate and operate at least two different CNC control systems

  8. Write programs including G-codes and M-codes
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    Create complete CNC programs with proper structure including setup and tool change commands
    Implement canned cycles to increase programming efficiency
    Modify existing G-code programs to optimize operation

  9. Simulate tool paths
    Assessment Strategies
    Demonstration
    Criteria
    Verify tool paths using CNC simulation software to identify potential collisions
    Analyze simulated cutting operations to optimize cycle time
    Generate performance reports based on simulation data

  10. Relate feeds and speeds to CNC operations and machines
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Calculate appropriate cutting speeds and feed rates based on material properties and tool specifications
    Adjust feeds and speeds to achieve specified surface finishes
    Diagnose to resolve issues related to improper feed and speed settings