Numerical Control Lathe Machine Programming for Axis Class 2 Components
Numerical control (NC) lathe machines are used in the production and machining of a variety of components, including those of Axis Class 2. This article will discuss the basics of NC programming for Axis Class 2 components using NC lathe machinery.
The first step in creating a program for an NC machine is to determine the component’s exact size and shape. This can usually be accomplished by creating a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawing to scale that accurately represents the component’s dimensions. Additionally, the desired machining process must be determined. This will depend on the component size, desired material characteristics and the type of machine being utilized. Common machining processes for NC lathe machines include turning, boring and facing.
Once the component size, shape and machining process has been established, the next step is to create a program that can be used by the machine to produce the component. Increasingly, programming for NC lathes is completed with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) software that can read a CAD drawing and translate it into commands usable by the machine. This software is often referred to as CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software and can greatly speed up the programming process.
This CAM software can include modules or subroutines designed specifically for the component’s machining process. For example, subroutines exist for turning, facing and boring and can be used to write a program that is tailored specifically to the component’s machining requirements. Each subroutine will require specific parameters to be set, such as the type of tooling and cutting parameters, that will affect how the component is machined. It is important to be familiar with the specifics of each subroutine in order to properly write a program for production.
Once the program is written and all necessary parameters are set, the machine can then be booted up and the program loaded. The NC lathe programmer will then use the machine’s controls to exercise the program and test the machining parameters to be sure that the component is being machined correctly. If all is going according to plan, the component will be machined and can then be inspected to check the quality of the machining.
In conclusion, NC lathe machines have become widely used in the production of components, particularly of Axis Class 2. It is important that a programmer be familiar with the specifics of CNC software programming as well as the basics of machining components in order to successfully produce components with NC lathe machines.
