Online Class: CNC Machining Center Programming

CNC machining centers, which are used to machine stationary workpieces with rotating cutting tools, are among the most popular types of metal-cutting machine tools in existence today.  Just about every manufacturing company that has any CNC equipment owns at least one.  If you want to learn safe, proven, and accepted methods for programming CNC machining centers, you can't afford to miss this self-paced, key concepts approach to learning how to program CNC machining centers.

Though we do assume students have some experience with basic machining practices, we'll take you through CNC programming from the ground up.  We will emphasize manual programming (G code level) techniques.  It is with this style of CNC programming that you can be the most intimate with the CNC machine tool, commanding everything the machine will do from within your program.  And a thorough understanding of manual programming is a prerequisite for mastering any computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system.

The material presented in the course can be applied to just about all CNC machining centers, but we'll concentrate on the most popular type - the vertical machining center.  And specific techniques will be shown for the most popular CNC controls in the industry (made by Fanuc).

Upon successful completion of this course, you'll know what it takes to become a proficient CNC programmer.  While you won't be an expert (yet), you will have taken ten tests, worked through two practice exercises, and completed seven programming assignments to confirm your understanding of how CNC machining centers are programmed.  And all but the two practice exercises are reviewed and graded by Mike Lynch, so you can be sure that you truly understand the subject matter. 

Graduates of this course will be ready for entry-level programming positions in most companies.  Certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation are available when you complete this course to testify to your accomplishment.  Include these in your resume to show perspective employers what you know.

The key concepts approach

The key concepts approach helps us stress the reasons why things are done as importantly as how they're done.  They put a light at the end of the tunnel, allowing students to know where the stand as the class progresses.  It should be nice to know that there are only six key concepts.  Think of it this way: If you can master but six new concepts, you'll be well on your way to becoming a proficient CNC machining center programmer!  The six programming-related key concepts include:

1)     Know your machine

2)     Prepare to write programs

3)     Understand the three most often used motion types

4)     Master the three compensation types

5)     Format your programs in a strict manner

6)     Understand the special programming features

We further divide the six key concepts into ten lessons.  And there's plenty to do in each lesson:

Lesson activities include:

• Viewing PowerPoint presentations - Every lesson (except lesson nine) includes a colorful and animated, self-navigating PowerPoint presentation.  These presentations (.ppt files) will provide you with graphic visuals and help you understand the most complex course topics.  You'll control the pace for these presentations each step of the way.  And you can view them as many times as you must in order to fully understand each lesson!
• Reading lesson text - Every lesson contains a comprehensive Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file that you can view and print.  This provides you with a permanent reference for course materials during the class and long after the class is over.  If you print everything, you'll have a manual that contains over 200 pages!
• Reading supplements (also .pdf files) - For some lessons, there will be supplemental information that will explain CNC features that are beyond the scope of the class.  This will give you a way to learn about many additional CNC functions.
• Taking class polls - For some lessons, you'll be asked to give your opinion about a topic of interest.  And you'll see what others in the class think.
• Taking online tests - After you study each lesson, and when you think you're ready, you'll take a test for the lesson.  This is one of two ways we confirm your understanding of the material in the lesson.  Grading is automatic and you'll see your results immediately.  Mike Lynch reviews your tests and will provide pointers and suggestions in areas that may be causing you trouble.
• Doing practice exercises - In some lessons, you'll be asked to do a practice exercise (answers provided right in the exercise) to help prepare you for the programming assignment.
• Doing programming assignments that you're graded on - for seven of the lessons, you'll be asked to do a programming assignment.  This is the second way that we confirm your understanding of material.  You actually submit your programming assignments for Mike Lynch to grade.  Results will be posted for you to see on-line.  And again, Mr. Lynch will be offering reinforcements to help you stay on track.

Need help during the class?

If you run into problems, your instructor, industry-expert Mike Lynch, is just an email or phone call away.  We even provide free phone/email assistance after you finish the class and you're putting what you've learned to use for your company!  There is also a class forum available so you can exchange ideas with others attending the class.

Course requirements

In order to successfully complete this class and qualify for a certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation, you must:

1) Check in at least twice a week until you've completed the course 2) Complete all ten lessons 3) Do two practice exercises 4) Pass ten tests 5) Complete and pass seven programming assignments

Special requirement: Note that you need to have two software viewers (Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer and Adobe Acrobat Reader) installed on your computer before you can view material presented in the lessons.  Both of these viewers are freely distributed and can be downloaded from our website (www.cncci.com).  From the navigation buttons on our website, click SERVICES and then click ON-LINE COURSES.  The two viewers can be found at the bottom of this page.

Want to learn about CNC turning centers?

We offer a similar class for CNC turning center programming.  When it comes to format (key concepts approach, lesson structure, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) these two courses are almost identical.  Actual content for each class, of course, is specific to the type of machine being presented.  This should make it easy for students to take both classes.  Once you've completed one class, you can easily transition to the other.