Producing off-line programs for CNC laser profiling machines

URN: SEMETS334
Business Sectors (Suites): Engineering Technical Support Suite 3
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 30 Mar 2021

Overview

This standard identifies the competences you need to produce computer numerically controlled (CNC) laser profiling programs off-line, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to set up and activate the programming software, to produce the program, and to check the system is operating correctly. You must ensure that you have been provided with accurate, current, complete data and information, in order to produce the program. You will be required to produce efficient and effective programs, combining a range of different operations. The program format will avoid unnecessary operations and laser beam movements, by using appropriate commands, such as repeat programs/sub-routines, correct reference codes, and preparatory commands for the machine management and auxiliary functions. On completion of the programming activities, you will be required to save and/or convert the program in the correct format and to save it in the correct location.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for producing the CNC laser profiling programs, and to report any problems with these activities that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.

Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work and will provide an informed approach to applying the CNC laser profiling programming methods and procedures. You will understand the CNC laser profiling machining capabilities, laser beam power and focusing, the materials being machined and the effect this has on cutting speeds and feeds and surface finish. You will know about the CNC programming codes, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring that the program produced will manufacture the components to the required specification in the most efficient way.

You will understand the safety precautions required when working on computer systems and associated equipment. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.

Direct machine programming and proving are the subject of other standards.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
  2. produce computer control programs that contain all the relevant and necessary data for the engineering activity to be carried out
  3. produce the control programs in the appropriate formats
  4. make sure that codes and other references used in the programs are applicable to the type of controller used
  5. pass on the programs to the appropriate people, within agreed timescales
  6. save and back up the program detail, and store securely in accordance with organisational requirements
  7. edit changes to program details, within the agreed control procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the specific safety precautions to be taken when working with computer systems (to include safety guidance relating to the use of visual display unit (VDU), equipment and workstation environment, repetitive strain injury (RSI); the dangers of trailing leads and cables; how to spot faulty or dangerous electrical leads, plugs and connections)
  2. how to return the work area to a safe and useable condition (such as cleaning down work surfaces; putting media, manuals and unwanted items of equipment into safe storage; leaving the work area in a safe and tidy condition)
  3. the basic set-up and operation of the computer system, and any peripheral devices that are used
  4. the correct start-up and shutdown procedures to be used for the computer system
  5. how to access the specific programming software, and the use of manuals and related documents to solve problems and aid the efficient programming of CNC laser profiling machines
  6. the importance of protecting the computer system from viruses, and the implications if the correct procedure is not followed
  7. how to power up, log on and activate the computer system and programming software correctly
  8. how to deal with system problems (such as error messages received, peripherals which do not respond as expected)
  9. the checks to be carried out to ensure peripheral devices are connected correctly
  10. the correct procedure to shut down the operating and programming system
  11. how to create and structure directories and files correctly (such as importing, copying, transferring, exporting, deleting, backing up and saving files)
  12. the different types of storage media that can be used to save program files
  13. the off-line programming methods used in CNC laser profiling (such as computer aided machining (CAM), G code and conversational code)
  14. the different programming codes used to identify factors such as machine axes, positional information, laser beam cutting direction, cutting feeds, machine management and auxiliary functions
  15. the main machine controllers that are available, and the importance of understanding that a different machine controller may use completely different codes for similar functions
  16. the information and data required in order to produce complete and accurate CNC laser profiling programs
  17. how to extract and interpret general and technical data and information from different sources (such as drawings, computer models, symbols and conventions, BS or ISO standards), in order to produce the CNC laser profiling program
  18. the factors to be considered when producing CNC programs (including the type of laser profiling machine and its cutting capabilities, laser power, safety, the material being cut, component tolerances and surface finish required)
  19. how to produce effective and efficient programs to avoid unnecessary operations, laser beam movements (including the use of macro programs and canned cycles, to reduce program size)
  20. the methods and procedures used to check that the completed program will produce the required component safely, accurately and efficiently
  21. how to save the completed programs in the appropriate format, and the need to store programs safely and correctly
  22. how to back up completed or edited programs, and the implications if this is not carried out effectively
  23. the problems that can occur with the downloading and running of the CNC laser profiling program, and how these can be overcome
  24. the correct procedure to be followed before the program is released to the end user

  25. the extent of your own responsibility, and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve


Scope/range

  1. Carry out all of the following in preparation for the CNC programming:

    1. check that all the equipment is correctly connected, and is in a safe, tested and usable condition (such as cables undamaged, correctly connected, safely routed)
    2. power up the equipment and activate the programming software
    3. set up the computer system to be able to produce the program
    4. ensure that you have the necessary component data and information to produce the program
    5. identify and deal with problems (such as information based and/or technical)
  2. Produce computer control programs using one of the following methods:

    1. computer aided machining (CAM)      
    2. conversational code
    3. G code                                   
    4. other specific method (such as macros)
  3. Carry out all of the following, as applicable to the programming method selected:

    1. interpret technical information and work to drawing dimensions and tolerance criteria
    2. import the component data file, and/or produce the shape/geometry of the component
    3. select a suitable or specified datum point
    4. select absolute and/or incremental system of measurement
    5. select imperial or metric system of measurement
    6. input the safe start position
    7. input material parameters
    8. select appropriate reference codes
    9. input required positional information
    10. input cutting parameters (such as beam intensity, direction, feed in/out)
    11. input preparatory commands and machine management/auxiliary functions
    12. use repetitive programs (sub-routines, canned cycles, labels, macros)
    13. determine the cutting path order and sequence
    14. input any additional information (such as a work-shift position)
    15. convert the program into the correct format (post processing)
  4. Produce laser cutting/profiling programs, combining different operations that will produce seven of the following features:

    1. square/rectangular profiles         
    2. circles                                  
    3. holes radially positioned
    4. angular profiles                       
    5. ellipses                          
    6. slots and apertures
    7. arc profiles                      
    8. holes linearly positioned
    9. other specific features
  5. Carry out all of the following on completion of the programming activity:

    1. check and review the program format and content
    2. edit the program using the correct procedure (where appropriate)
    3. check that the program has the correct identification name and reference
    4. ensure that programs are stored safely and correctly, in the correct format and location
    5. ensure that the program has been checked and approved before forwarding to the end user
    6. send the approved program to the correct location for the end user
    7. create a separate back-up copy of the program, in case of file corruption or accidental deletion

Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

01 Mar 2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Enginuity

Original URN

SEMETS334

Relevant Occupations

Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Engineering Technicians

SOC Code

3113

Keywords

engineering; technical; support; off-line programs; CNC; laser profiling; machine; programming; software; format