OBJECTIVES To know and learn how the CNC (computer numerical controlled) Milling machine operates To acknowledge the

the advantages and disadvantages of the CNC milling machine To know and learn the functions of every parts of the CNC Milling machine To improved our skills in programming the codes in order the machine to functions

INTRODUCTION Computer numerical control (CNC) refers to a computer controller which performs its operation through reading the G-code and M-code instructions and drives the machine tool. The machine is used to fabricate metal components by the selective removal of metal. The CNC milling machine performs its work by using coordinate system which is x-axis, yaxis, and z-axis. There are two reference points for the machine which are the machine datum and work piece datum. The cutting tool feed the work piece in one minute which is the feedrate of the machine is in meter per minute (m/min). (Tuti Yasmin) This machine is very useful because of its efficiency and good surface finished of the work piece besides it is a lot easier to handle.

APPARATUS/ MACHINES

CNC milling machine Milling tools A small piece of paper

PROCEDURE
1. Firstly, the demonstrator had explained to us the theory part of the CNC milling

machine, that is what is CNC, how does it works and its advantages and disadvantages.

2. Next, the demo had explained to us the general procedures in order the machine to

function.
3. After that he bought us to the machine to demonstrate the machine. Firstly, we were

asked to switch on the button. There are two starting button on this CNC milling machine. 4. There are five steps in the general procedure:
i) ii)

Setting/ positioning the reference point. Decide on the tool that we will be using during the process like the type and its diameter. Offset setting of the reference point. Insert the codes Run the program

iii) iv) v)

5. Lastly, the machine was switched off properly.

6. Then the demo asked us to create a program of codes to function the CNC milling

machine by using the general procedures he had explained earlier. 7. The results of the programming codes and drawing of the work piece is recorded.

RESULTS AND DRAWING Example for CNC milling program (demonstration)

DISCUSSIONS The CNC milling machine is widely used in the engineering industries in helping producing great work pieces. Furthermore, this machine has many advantages such as it save times. For example, in industries, we need to produce many products in short period of time. So, for mass production, this machine sure does save times as it is computerized which will give better surface finished, more accuracy in cutting dimensions, and of course more safety. For the disadvantages of using this machine is that since it is computerized, we cannot suddenly stop it if anything in dimensions or adjustments went wrong like the conventional milling machine. The conventional milling machine is manually adjustable, so we can adjust the coordinate of the tool and work piece manually. The other disadvantage is that the CNC milling machine cannot give the basic understanding of how the machine really works because the work is done by the machine. But this is a disadvantage only for the case of a student/ person who wants to learn thoroughly and not for the case of mass production. During the theory session, the demonstrator had explained that the CNC milling machine consists of several features for it to function. Firstly is that this machine has its feedrate

which is how much the tool cuts the work piece per minute. It is measured in mm/min. This feedrate is important so that the work piece would have better surface finish. Secondly, this machine has two reference points which is the machine tool datum and the work piece datum. Thirdly, this machine has three axes which are x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. These axes are important as it determines the path of the tool. Fourthly, this machine operates with the instruction G-codes and M-codes. Every code has different functions that need to be performed by the machine. Next, this machine operates with coordinate system either absolute or incremental coordinate system. In the demonstration that the demonstrator showed us, we use the absolute coordinate system.

Next is the programming code. This program consists of three parts:

Finally is the general procedure that we have discussed in the procedure. For the practical part, the demonstrator had demonstrated us how to use the CNC milling machine. When setting the reference point, the tool is set to have diameter 10 mm. Since we were using the G42 code which means cutter comp right, so the tool will start to cut through the middle of the work piece. Then we manually must set the coordinates of the reference point. To make sure of it, we must put the tool slightly close to the work piece. To make sure, we use a small piece of paper. After the codes were set up, we can test the program by pressing the draw button. An error would occur on the control panel to indicate that our codes are wrong.

SUGGESTIONS There are some precautions that we need to take while handling the machine.

i. ii.
iii.

Make sure that the transparent screen is always closed so that the sparkling of the work piece wont harm us. Make sure that after we finished using the machine, we must switch off the stop button. We can use oil to improve the cutting process so that both the work piece and the tool can have good surface finished and high efficiency.

To improve our skills in handling the CNC milling machine,

We should learn and read more information about how the machine works so that we

know beforehand what we are dealing with. Before we write the codes on the control panel, we should write it first on a sheet of paper and show the codes to the demonstrator so that he can checks for any errors.

QUESTIONS 1. List the steps of operating the machine starting with; i. ON/ OFF the machine -switch on the red button -switch on the black button -wait for further instruction on the control panel screen.

ii.

Reference set-up -set the x-axis, y-axis, z-axis coordinate.

-select the speed for the machine

iii.

Tool offset set-up -select the type of tool using -select the diameter of tool - Move the tool until the gap between the tool and the workpiece is about a piece of paper.

2. Write a program on facing process

3. Give 3 advantages of using CNC milling machine compare to conventional machine

i.

It has considerable improvements in consistency and quality. Save time in completing the work piece. Reduced the frequency errors and has more safety while handling the machine.

ii.
iii.

CONCLUSION Overall, after having about three hours of theory and practical sessions about the CNC milling, we get a clearer picture of what CNC milling is, how it functions, its advantages and disadvantages. This machine does come in handy when it involves the industries especially in producing work pieces. Sometimes, human need to lie on machines to do their job and make our lives easier.

REFERRENCE
1. MME 1103 WORKSHOP TECHNOLOGY manual

2. MME 1103 WORKSHOP TECHNOLOGY- notes