CNC Programmer Training Course

Lesson 1 • Coordinate Systems and Work Offsets

Introduces absolute vs. incremental positioning and machine vs. work coordinate systems. Students set work offsets to locate parts accurately on the table.

Lesson 2 • CNC Machine Types and Applications

Covers mills, lathes, routers, and EDM machines and their industrial roles. Establishes context for all subsequent programming decisions.

Lesson 3 • Machine Axes and Motion Systems

Explains linear and rotary axes, axis labeling conventions, and how servo and stepper motors produce controlled motion. Connects hardware to programmed commands.

Lesson 4 • Speeds, Feeds, and Material Basics

Teaches spindle speed, feed rate, and depth-of-cut calculations for common materials. These values are embedded directly into CNC programs as F and S words.

Lesson 1 • Plane Selection and Units

Explains G17/G18/G19 plane selection and G20/G21 unit switching. Correct plane and unit settings prevent dimensional errors in arcs and canned cycles.

Lesson 2 • Tool Length and Diameter Offsets

Teaches G43/G44 tool length compensation and G41/G42 cutter radius compensation. Offsets decouple programmed geometry from physical tool dimensions.

Lesson 3 • Program Structure and Syntax

Defines program number, sequence numbers, word addresses, and end-of-block characters. A correct syntax foundation prevents controller alarms and parsing errors.

Lesson 4 • M-Codes for Machine Functions

Introduces spindle start/stop, coolant, tool change, and program stop M-codes. M-codes control auxiliary machine functions that G-codes alone cannot address.

Lesson 1 • Canned Cycle Modality and Cancellation

Explains how canned cycles remain active across multiple hole locations and how G80 cancels them. Mismanaging cycle modality is a common source of crashes.

Lesson 2 • Drilling and Boring Canned Cycles

Covers G81 through G89 cycles for drilling, reaming, boring, and back-boring. Each cycle automates the retract and feed sequence, eliminating repetitive block writing.

Lesson 3 • Bolt-Hole Patterns and Polar Coordinates

Programs circular bolt-hole patterns using polar coordinate input or parametric loops. Combines canned cycles with pattern logic for efficient hole-array programming.

Lesson 4 • Local and Global Subroutines

Introduces M98/M99 subroutine calls and embedded local subroutines within a main program. Subroutines eliminate duplicate code for repeated geometry.

Lesson 1 • Threading and Live-Tool Operations

Covers single-point threading with G32/G92 and introduces C-axis milling with live tooling. Live-tool capability turns a lathe into a mill-turn machining center.

Lesson 2 • Turning Canned Cycles G70–G76

Uses roughing cycle G71, finishing cycle G70, and threading cycle G76 to automate multi-pass operations. These cycles dramatically shorten lathe program length.

Lesson 3 • Facing, Turning, and Taper Cuts

Programs straight facing passes, OD/ID turning, and angled taper moves using G01. These are the foundational material-removal operations on a lathe.

Lesson 4 • Grooving and Parting Operations

Programs OD, ID, and face grooves using plunge and oscillating strategies, then parts off finished workpieces. Grooving requires careful feed and speed management.

Lesson 1 • Post-Processing and NC File Output

Configures post-processor settings to match controller syntax, then outputs and reviews the NC file. A correctly configured post eliminates manual code editing after output.

Lesson 2 • Toolpath Simulation and Verification

Runs material-removal simulation and gouge detection before posting code. Simulation catches collisions and gouges that would damage parts or machines.

Lesson 3 • 3D Surface Machining Toolpaths

Applies parallel, scallop, and pencil-trace strategies to machine sculptured surfaces. Surface finish quality depends on step-over, tolerance, and strategy selection.

Lesson 4 • CAM Workflow and Interface Overview

Maps the end-to-end CAM process from model import to NC file output. Understanding the full workflow prevents errors at each handoff stage.

Lesson 1 • On-Machine Touch Probing

Programs touch-probe cycles to automatically locate part edges, bores, and surfaces. Probing replaces manual measurement and feeds offset data directly to the controller.

Lesson 2 • Part Alignment and Datum Setting

Uses edge finders, dial indicators, and test bars to align parts and establish datums. Accurate datum setting is the foundation of dimensional accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Tool Setting and Length Measurement

Measures tool length offsets using tool-setting arms, laser systems, and manual gauging. Accurate tool length data prevents Z-axis crashes and dimensional errors.

Lesson 4 • Workholding Devices and Selection

Compares vises, chucks, fixtures, and vacuum tables for milling and turning applications. Workholding choice affects rigidity, access, and cycle time.

Lesson 1 • Precision Measurement Instruments

Covers micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, and surface plates for dimensional verification. Instrument selection and proper technique directly determine measurement accuracy.

Lesson 2 • First Article Inspection Process

Conducts a structured first article inspection to validate that a new program produces conforming parts. FAI approval is required before full production runs begin.

Lesson 3 • GD&T Interpretation for Machinists

Reads flatness, perpendicularity, true position, and runout callouts on engineering drawings. GD&T defines the functional requirements that inspection must verify.

Lesson 4 • CMM Programming and Operation

Programs a coordinate measuring machine to measure features automatically and generate inspection reports. CMM data provides objective evidence of conformance.

Lesson 1 • Program Verification and Dry-Run Procedures

Executes structured dry-run, single-block, and feed-hold procedures before cutting the first part. A disciplined verification routine prevents crashes and scrap on new programs.

Lesson 2 • High-Speed Machining Strategies

Applies trochoidal milling, constant chip-load paths, and look-ahead buffering to increase material removal rates. HSM extends tool life while reducing cycle time.

Lesson 3 • 5-Axis Simultaneous Machining Concepts

Introduces tilted work plane (G68.2), TCPC, and simultaneous 5-axis motion for complex geometry. 5-axis capability eliminates multiple setups and improves surface quality.

Lesson 4 • Macro B Programming and Variables

Uses system and local variables, arithmetic operators, and control flow to write adaptive programs. Macros enable programs to respond to measured data and machine states.