CNC lathes require a program to maximize the machine’s capabilities. Creating a CNC program is only performed after a careful planning stage to determine exactly what machining operations and which part dimensions the CNC lathe will need to machine.

Learning Objectives

  • Define a CNC program
  • Define the steps in CNC programming
  • Understand the importance of thoroughly planning the creation of a CNC program
  • Define program zero
  • Distinguish between machine zero and program zero
  • List common points used as a program zero
  • List methods of creating a CNC program

Language: English
Estimate Time (Hrs.): 1.2

A CNC lathe program is required to be organized in a specific manner for the controller to understand the instructions within the program. Each instruction must also be organized.

Learning Objectives

  • Define a stop code
  • Define an end of block symbol
  • Understand the use of parentheses in a CNC program
  • List the two sections of a CNC lathe program
  • Distinguish between a block and a word
  • Understand the purpose of the program end function
Language: English
Estimate Time (Hrs.): 1

The address of a word in a CNC program defines the meaning of the word. Understanding the meaning of common words in a CNC program is important to recognize what actions the CNC machine tool will perform.

Learning Objectives

  • Define the purpose of G codes
  • Define the purpose of S, T, and M words
  • Understand the importance of G code groups
  • Define the meaning of common G codes
  • Define the meaning of common M words
  • Understand the numeric value of a T word
  • Understand the importance of the format of the numeric data in a word
Language: English
Estimate Time (Hrs.): 2.1

The instructions written in G code programming that produce an action by a CNC lathe are called commands. A command may require a single word, a block, or multiple blocks.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the requirements to command a spindle function
  • Understand the requirements to command a linear movement
  • Understand the requirements to command a circular movement
Language: English
Estimate Time (Hrs.): 1

Building a CNC lathe program that is versatile requires organizing sections into an order that will safely produce a part that meets all of the required specifications. 

Learning Objectives

  • List common commands used in each section of the body of a CNC program
  • Define a safe start block
Language: English
Estimate Time (Hrs.): 0.8