CNC Term Mastery | EAGLE MACHINE INC. Flashcards
What does CNC stand for?
CNC: Computer Numerical Control - A system for automating machine tools through software-driven commands to precisely control machining operations.
What is a Mill?
A machine tool used for removing material by advancing a cutter into a workpiece, creating flat, curved, or complex shapes.
What is G-Code?
A standardized programming language used in CNC to control the movement and operations of machine tools.
What is M-Code?
Machine-specific codes in CNC programming used for auxiliary functions like turning coolant on or off.
What is a Toolpath?
The programmed trajectory that a cutting tool follows during machining to achieve the desired geometry.
What is a Spindle?
The rotating axis in a CNC machine that holds and drives the cutting tool or workpiece.
What is an End Mill?
A versatile cutting tool with cutting edges on the sides and tip, commonly used in milling operations.
What is Face Milling?
A machining process that uses the face of a cutting tool to create a flat surface.
What is Profile Milling?
A process for cutting the outline or shape of a part, either externally or internally.
What is a Workpiece?
The raw material that is machined into a desired shape or finished product.
What is Fixturing?
The method or device used to secure a workpiece during machining to ensure accuracy and stability.
What does CAD stand for?
CAD: Computer-Aided Design - Software for creating 2D and 3D part designs for manufacturing.
What does CAM stand for?
CAM: Computer-Aided Manufacturing - Software that converts CAD models into machine instructions for CNC machines.
What is Feed Rate?
The speed at which the cutting tool or workpiece moves during machining, typically measured in inches per minute (IPM).
What does RPM stand for?
RPM: Revolutions Per Minute - The rotational speed of the spindle or cutting tool.
What is Chip Load?
The thickness of material removed by a cutting tool per cutting edge in one revolution.
What is Tapping?
The process of creating internal threads in a pre-drilled hole for screws or bolts.
What is Peck Drilling?
A drilling method where the tool is retracted periodically to remove chips and reduce heat.
What is Coolant?
A fluid used to reduce heat and friction during machining, improving tool life and surface finish.
What is an Axis in CNC?
A direction of movement in CNC machines, typically X, Y, and Z for linear motion, and A, B, and C for rotational.
What is 5-Axis Machining?
CNC machining with motion along three linear axes and two rotational axes, enabling complex parts.
What is Tolerance?
The allowable variation from specified dimensions in a machined part.
What is a Datum?
A reference point or surface used for measurements and machine setup.
What is Backlash?
The loss of motion or play between mechanical components in a CNC machine, affecting accuracy.
What is a Stepper Motor?
An electric motor that moves in discrete steps, enabling precise control in CNC machines.
What is a Servo Motor?
A motor used in CNC machines for high-precision movement with feedback control.
What is a Ball Screw?
A device that converts rotational motion into linear motion, used in CNC machines for precision.
What is a Fixture Plate?
A flat plate with pre-drilled holes used to secure workpieces and fixturing components.
What is a Tool Holder?
A device that secures the cutting tool in the spindle of a CNC machine.
What is a Collet?
A clamping device used to hold cutting tools or workpieces in place with high precision.
What is a Drawbar?
A mechanical component that holds tool holders in the spindle and allows tool changes.
What is a Linear Rail?
A guide system that ensures smooth and accurate linear motion in CNC machines.
What is Flood Coolant?
A method of applying coolant by continuously flooding the cutting area.
What is Mist Coolant?
A fine mist of coolant sprayed onto the cutting area to reduce heat and friction.
What is Dry Machining?
Machining without the use of coolant, relying on tool materials and coatings to dissipate heat.
What is Hard Milling?
A machining process for cutting materials that have been heat-treated to high hardness levels.
What is a Soft Jaw?
Customizable jaws used in vises or chucks to securely hold irregularly shaped workpieces.
What is a Hard Jaw?
Fixed jaws used in chucks or vises to hold workpieces securely during machining.
What is a Vise?
A clamping device used to hold a workpiece securely during machining.
What is a CNC Router?
A type of CNC machine used for cutting softer materials like wood, plastics, and composites.
What is Plunge Rate?
The speed at which a cutting tool moves vertically into the material.
What is Cutting Speed?
The speed at which the cutting edge of a tool moves relative to the workpiece, typically measured in surface feet per minute (SFM).
What is Surface Feet Per Minute (SFM)?
The speed of the cutting tool’s surface relative to the material being machined.
What is Climb Milling?
A milling method where the cutting tool moves in the same direction as the feed, providing a better surface finish.
What is Conventional Milling?
A milling method where the cutting tool moves against the direction of the feed, offering better control for certain materials.
What is Step Over?
The distance the cutting tool moves laterally between passes during machining.
What is Depth of Cut?
The vertical distance the cutting tool penetrates into the material during machining.
What is Helical Milling?
A machining process involving the cutting tool moving in a helical path, often used for hole-making operations.
What is Thread Milling?
A machining process for cutting threads using a tool that moves in a helical pattern.
What is Reaming?
A process used to enlarge and finish a pre-drilled hole to a precise size and smooth finish.
What is Countersinking?
A process for creating a conical hole to allow screws or bolts to sit flush with or below the surface.
What is Counterboring?
A process for creating a cylindrical recess to allow a bolt head or fastener to sit flush with the surface.
What is Boring?
A machining process used to enlarge an existing hole to achieve greater accuracy or smoothness.
What is Pocketing?
A milling operation that removes material from a specified area, creating a cavity or pocket.
What is Slotting?
A machining operation used to cut slots or grooves into a workpiece.
What is a Keyway?
A slot or groove machined into a workpiece to accommodate a key for rotational alignment.
What is Roughing?
A machining process that removes large amounts of material quickly, preparing the workpiece for finishing.
What is Finishing?
A machining process that removes minimal material to achieve the final dimensions and surface finish.
What is Chamfering?
A process for creating a beveled edge on a workpiece to remove sharp edges or facilitate assembly.
What is Deburring?
The process of removing sharp edges or burrs from a machined part to improve safety and functionality.
What is Center Drilling?
A drilling operation used to create a pilot hole for accurate positioning of subsequent drilling or machining.
What is Spot Drilling?
A drilling operation used to create a shallow hole that guides the main drill and prevents wandering.
What is a T-Slot Cutter?
A specialized cutting tool used to create T-shaped slots in a workpiece, often for fixturing purposes.
What is a Fly Cutter?
A single-point cutting tool used for creating flat surfaces during milling operations.
What is a Face Mill Cutter?
A multi-insert tool used for high-efficiency face milling operations.
What is an Indexable Insert?
A replaceable cutting edge used in tools to minimize downtime and reduce cost.
What is Carbide?
A material used for cutting tools, known for its hardness and heat resistance.
What is High-Speed Steel (HSS)?
A tool material offering good toughness and wear resistance, commonly used for drills and taps.
What is Cermet?
A composite material made of ceramic and metallic components, offering high wear resistance.
What is Ceramic?
A non-metallic cutting tool material known for its ability to withstand high temperatures.
What is a Coated Tool?
A cutting tool with a protective coating, such as TiN or TiAlN, to enhance performance and tool life.
What is an Uncoated Tool?
A cutting tool without protective coatings, suitable for specific machining applications.
What is Tool Life?
The duration a cutting tool can perform effectively before requiring replacement.
What is a Cutting Edge?
The part of a tool that comes into direct contact with the material being machined.
What is Insert Grade?
The classification of cutting tool inserts based on material properties and machining application.
What is Tool Wear?
The gradual deterioration of a cutting tool due to friction, heat, and machining forces.
What is Runout?
The deviation of a rotating cutting tool from its true axis, affecting machining accuracy.
What is Tool Balancing?
The process of ensuring a cutting tool is evenly weighted to minimize vibration and improve accuracy.
What is a Dovetail Cutter?
A specialized cutting tool used to create dovetail slots in a workpiece.
What is a Ball End Mill?
A cutting tool with a rounded end, used for machining 3D contours and complex surfaces.
What is a Corner Radius Tool?
A cutting tool with a rounded edge to reduce stress concentration and improve tool life.
What is an Engraving Tool?
A fine cutting tool used for precision marking or engraving on workpieces.
What is Micro Milling?
A machining process using very small tools and high precision to produce miniature parts.
What is Ultrasonic Machining?
A process using high-frequency vibrations to remove material with abrasive particles.
What is High-Speed Machining?
A machining process that uses high cutting speeds and light depths of cut for efficiency.
What is Adaptive Machining?
A strategy where the toolpath dynamically adjusts based on material conditions or feedback.
What is Dynamic Milling?
A high-efficiency milling technique that uses constant cutter engagement for faster machining.
What is Trochoidal Milling?
A machining technique involving a circular toolpath to reduce tool stress and improve efficiency.
What is Circular Interpolation?
A CNC motion control method for cutting arcs or circles.
What is Linear Interpolation?
A method for moving the cutting tool in a straight line between two points.
What is Machine Zero?
The fixed reference point on a CNC machine used for axis calibration.
What is Part Zero?
The user-defined reference point on a workpiece used for machining operations.
What is Absolute Programming?
A CNC programming mode where all coordinates are referenced from a single fixed point.
What is Incremental Programming?
A CNC programming mode where each coordinate is based on the previous position.
What does HSK stand for?
HSK: A tool holder interface standard known for its high rigidity and accuracy.
What does BT40 refer to?
A widely used tool holder taper standard in CNC milling.
What does ATC stand for?
ATC: Automatic Tool Changer - A system that automatically swaps tools in the spindle during machining.
What is Swarf?
Chips or shavings produced during machining.
What is Chip Evacuation?
The process of removing chips from the cutting area to prevent tool damage and maintain machining efficiency.
What is Overtravel?
When a CNC machine axis moves beyond its programmed limit, potentially causing errors or damage.
What is a Fixture?
A custom tool or device used to securely hold a workpiece during machining.
What is a Tool Crib?
A storage area where cutting tools, tool holders, and other machining accessories are kept.
What is Machine Calibration?
The process of checking and adjusting a machine’s accuracy and performance to ensure precision.
What is Cycle Time?
The total time required to complete a machining operation or produce a part.
What is Material Removal Rate (MRR)?
The volume of material removed per unit of time during machining.
What is Preventive Maintenance?
Regularly scheduled maintenance tasks performed to prevent machine failures and downtime.
What is Vibration Dampening?
Techniques or devices used to reduce vibrations in CNC machines, improving accuracy and tool life.
What is Back Plot?
A feature in CNC software that visualizes the toolpath to ensure accuracy before running the program.
What is a Post Processor?
Software that translates CAM output into machine-specific code for CNC execution.
What is a DRO (Digital Readout)?
A display system that shows the position of machine axes for manual and CNC operations.
What is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)?
A device used to control various machine operations, such as tool changes and coolant flow.
What is an Emergency Stop (E-Stop)?
A safety feature that immediately halts all machine operations in case of an emergency.
What are Error Codes?
Diagnostic messages displayed by CNC machines to indicate issues or malfunctions.
What is a Chip Conveyor?
A mechanical system that removes chips and debris from the machine during operation.
What is a Parts Catcher?
A device in CNC lathes used to catch and retrieve finished parts from the machine.
What is a Bar Feeder?
An accessory that automatically feeds material bars into a CNC lathe for continuous machining.
What is Live Tooling?
A feature in CNC lathes that allows rotating tools, such as drills or end mills, to perform milling and drilling operations.
What is a Y-Axis Lathe?
A CNC lathe with an additional Y-axis for off-center machining capabilities.
What is a Multi-Tasking Machine?
A CNC machine that combines milling, turning, and other operations into a single setup.
What is a Turn-Mill?
A machine capable of performing both turning and milling operations in one setup.
What is a Horizontal Machining Center (HMC)?
A CNC milling machine with a horizontally oriented spindle, ideal for heavy workpieces.
What is a Vertical Machining Center (VMC)?
A CNC milling machine with a vertically oriented spindle, commonly used for precision machining.
What is a Bridge Mill?
A type of machining center with a large gantry structure for machining large parts.
What is a Double Column Mill?
A CNC machine with two vertical columns, offering high rigidity for heavy-duty machining.
What is a Portal Mill?
A type of CNC mill where the cutting tool moves along a gantry, suitable for large-scale machining.
What is a Tool Presetter?
A device used to measure and set cutting tool dimensions before installing them in the machine.
What is a Spindle Nose?
The end of the spindle where the tool holder or workpiece is mounted.
What does BT30 refer to?
A taper standard for small to medium-sized CNC machine tool holders.
What is Cutter Compensation?
A CNC feature that adjusts the toolpath to account for tool radius or diameter.
What is Wear Offset?
A parameter used in CNC machines to compensate for tool wear during machining.
What is Fixture Offset?
A CNC setting used to adjust the position of the workpiece or fixture relative to the machine’s coordinates.
What is Dynamic Milling?
A high-efficiency milling strategy that maintains consistent cutting engagement for faster, more efficient machining.
What is Ra Value?
A measure of surface roughness, indicating the average deviation from a nominal surface.
What is True Position?
A GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) term describing the exact location of a feature.
What is Flatness?
A GD&T term defining how flat a surface must be within specified limits.
What is Parallelism?
A GD&T term defining the allowable deviation between two surfaces that should remain parallel.
What is Perpendicularity?
A GD&T term defining the allowable deviation for two surfaces that should remain perpendicular.
What is Concentricity?
A GD&T term describing the condition where the central axes of two or more features coincide.
What is Cylindricity?
A GD&T term defining the allowable deviation from a perfectly cylindrical surface.
What is Datum Shift?
The movement or adjustment of the datum reference to accommodate changes in part setup.
What are Carbide Inserts?
Replaceable cutting edges made of carbide, commonly used for turning, milling, and drilling.
What is Composite Machining?
The process of machining composite materials.
What is the GD&T term defining the allowable deviation for two surfaces that should remain perpendicular?
Perpendicularity
What does concentricity refer to in GD&T?
A GD&T term describing the condition where the central axes of two or more features coincide.
What is cylindricity in GD&T?
A GD&T term defining the allowable deviation from a perfectly cylindrical surface.
What is datum shift?
The movement or adjustment of the datum reference to accommodate changes in part setup.
What are carbide inserts?
Replaceable cutting edges made of carbide, commonly used for turning, milling, and drilling.
What is composite machining?
The process of machining composite materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, or Kevlar.
What is smart machining?
The integration of sensors and data analytics to optimize machining processes in real-time.
What does spindle load refer to?
The amount of force or torque applied to the spindle during machining, often monitored to avoid damage.
What is high-efficiency milling (HEM)?
A milling strategy that uses optimized toolpaths and light radial engagement to improve material removal rates and tool life.
What is helical interpolation?
A machining method where the tool moves in a spiral pattern, often used for machining holes or threads.
What is cycle time optimization?
The process of minimizing machining time while maintaining quality and precision.
What is a machine enclosure?
The protective housing surrounding a CNC machine to contain chips, coolant, and noise.
What is a chip breaker?
A feature on cutting tools designed to break chips into smaller, more manageable pieces during machining.
What is chip thinning?
A cutting strategy that reduces the thickness of chips by optimizing feed rates and tool engagement.
What is tool deflection?
The bending or displacement of a cutting tool due to machining forces, which can affect accuracy.
What is part deflection?
The bending or deformation of the workpiece under machining forces, often requiring compensation.
What is vibration analysis?
The process of monitoring and reducing vibrations during machining to improve surface finish and tool life.
What is resonance in machining?
A condition where machine vibrations match the natural frequency of components, causing instability.
What is a safety interlock?
A safety feature that prevents machine operation when protective covers or doors are open.
What is a manual pulse generator (MPG)?
A handheld device used to manually control CNC machine axes for precise positioning.
What are error logs?
Recorded data about machine errors, used for troubleshooting and maintenance.
What is tool change time?
The time required to swap one tool for another during a machining cycle.
What is preventive tool maintenance?
Regular inspection and care of cutting tools to extend their lifespan and maintain performance.
What is cutting fluid?
A liquid applied during machining to reduce friction, cool the tool, and improve surface finish.
What is a dry run?
A machine test where the toolpaths are executed without cutting material to ensure program accuracy.
What is fixture alignment?
The process of positioning and securing a fixture on the machine to ensure proper machining.
What are gauge blocks?
Precision tools used for calibrating and verifying machine accuracy.
What is a roughness tester?
A device used to measure the surface finish of machined parts.
What is hardness testing?
The process of determining a material’s resistance to deformation, often using Rockwell or Brinell scales.
What is material toughness?
A measure of a material’s ability to absorb energy and resist fracture.
What is ductility?
The ability of a material to deform under tensile stress without breaking.
What is heat treatment?
A process of heating and cooling materials to alter their physical or mechanical properties.
What is stress relief?
A heat treatment process used to reduce internal stresses in a material after machining or welding.
What is cutter engagement?
The portion of the tool in contact with the material, which affects cutting forces and heat generation.
What is work offset?
A CNC setting used to define the position of the workpiece relative to the machine’s coordinate system.
What is tool offset?
A parameter used to adjust the position of the tool relative to the spindle or workpiece.
What is rapid traverse rate?
The speed at which the machine moves its axes when not cutting, for fast positioning.
What is error compensation?
Adjustments made in CNC programming to correct for machine inaccuracies or environmental factors.
What is spindle speed override?
A control feature that allows real-time adjustment of spindle speed during machining.
What is feed rate override?
A control feature that allows real-time adjustment of feed rates during machining.
What is part probing?
The use of a probe to measure features on a workpiece for setup or quality control.
What is a calibration fixture?
A specialized tool used to calibrate CNC machine components for precision.
What is automation integration?
The incorporation of robotic systems or conveyors to enhance CNC machine efficiency.
What is lights-out machining?
The ability of CNC machines to operate unattended during non-working hours.
What is IoT-enabled CNC?
CNC machines connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) for remote monitoring and analytics.
What is predictive maintenance?
The use of data and sensors to anticipate and prevent machine failures.
What is CNC simulation software?
Software that provides a virtual representation of CNC operations to detect errors before production.
What does GD&T stand for?
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing - A standardized system for defining part features and tolerances.
What is profile tolerance in GD&T?
A GD&T term defining the allowable deviation of a surface from its designed shape.