Suggested topics for CNC syllabus

Introduction to CNC machines

Computer Numerical Control- Features of CNC, difference between manual machines,
fixed automation (automats, transfer lines) and CNC, introduction to types of CNC
machines – lathe, machining center, laser cut, waterjet cutting, EDM, press brake, turret
punch press.

Construction of CNC machines

Guide ways – sliding and Linear motion, Ball screws, Spindle and spindle bearings,
Console, Feedback system, open and closed loop control, Spindle motor, Axes servo
motors, PLC, Spindle rating – power, torque, Speed-torque curve of spindle motor,
Encoders – rotary and linear
Construction of lathes: Bed – slant and flat beds, Chuck, Chuck jaws – hard and soft jaws,
Tailstock, Steady rest, Turret and linear tool change
Construction of machining centers: Rotary table, Automatic tool changer (ATC), Automatic
pallet changer (APC), Hydraulic lubrication system, Coolant system, Chip conveyor, Axes
convention on Lathes and Machining centers.

Machining operations
Operations in milling: Face milling, profiling, pocket milling, drilling, peck drilling, reaming,
tapping, back spot facing, rough & finish boring.
Operations in turning: Internal and external operations- Rough & finish turning and facing,
threading, radial & face grooving, parting.

Cutting tools, cutting parameters

Cutting tool materials, cutting tool geometry – insert types, holders types on lathes, holder
types on machining centers, holder tapers on machining centers, insert cutting edge
geometry, ISO nomenclature for turning tools, boring tools, inserts. Cutting parameters -
cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, Constant surface speed and limiting spindle speed
on lathes, basics of quick change and modular tooling. Tool selection, cutting parameters
selection from cutting tool catalogs.

Work holding
Types of work holding on lathes – chuck, fixtures, basics of work holding on vertical and
horizontal machining centers.
Deciding work holding decisions based on L/D ratio of part – chucking, between centers,
using steady rest.

CNC programming
Process planning. Introduction to Part Programming, Coordinate systems, Absolute and
Incremental programming, Tool change, Axes nomenclature, Machine zero, Work piece
zero, Structure of CNC program, Basic motion commands, Tool radius compensation,
Subroutines, Canned cycles, Programming using CAM software.

Machine operation

CNC syllabus – suggested topics Page 1 of 2

Operation of CNC lathe and machining center : Modes of operation - Jog, Single block,
Memory, MDI, Edit, Program entry and editing, Feed rate and spindle speed override,
Reset, Feed hold, Emergency stop, determination and entry of work and tool offsets, entry
of tool nose radius and orientation on lathes, program checking in single block and dry run
modes, cutting in automatic mode.

Machining economics
Cycle time, Down time, Economics of machining, Machine hour rate, Overheads – labour,
indirect labour, space, power, transport, cost of down time, cost of consumables.
Calculating machining cost, downtime cost.

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