Programming CNC machines to produce pattern or model components
Overview
This standard identifies the competencies you need to program a CNC machine tool control to produce components used in the production of patterns, coreboxes or models, and to prove the program, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to produce the component program using manual data input, or by use of a remote computer, saving the prepared program on disc/media or downloading it into the machine controller from the computer. You will need to check the program using single-block run and program edit facilities. You will also be required to adjust the machine-tool equipment and program following proving/editing procedures to achieve component specification. You must ensure that any edited programs are saved safely and correctly.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for producing, loading and proving the 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 minimum 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 machine-tool programming procedures used. You will understand the CNC machine tools used in the process, and their application, and will know about the programming, editing and proving process, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring the machine controller is set up to produce the components to the required specification.
You will understand the safety precautions required when working on the machine and with the associated tools and 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.
Setting workholding devices and tooling is the subject of other standards.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
use the correct control program and ensure it is correctly loaded into the machine controller
produce CNC programs using appropriate methods
follow the correct procedures for calling up the program and dealing with any error messages or faults
- confirm program integrity
- adjust the equipment and program operating parameters to optimise the outcomes to be achieved
- load and correctly set up all associated equipment
- check that all safety mechanisms are in place and that the equipment is set correctly for the required operations
- deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the specific safety precautions to be taken when loading and proving CNC machine tool operating programs
- how to start and stop the machine in normal and emergency situations
- the importance of wearing the appropriate protective clothing and equipment (PPE), and of keeping the work area clean and tidy
- the computing coding language used in CNC programs with regard to machine axes, positional information, machine management and auxiliary functions
- how to use and extract information from engineering drawings and related specifications (to include symbols and conventions to appropriate BS or ISO standards in relation to work undertaken)
- how to interpret first and third angle drawings, imperial and metric systems of measurement, and system of tolerancing
- how to interpret CNC drawings, and the use of workpiece zero/reference points
- the systems of measurement used on CNC drawing (including absolute and incremental)
- the use of repetitive programs and canned cycles to reduce program size and inputting time
- how to prepare part programs, using operational sequences and machining techniques which avoid unnecessary tool/cutter movements or tool changes
- the function keys and operating system of the machine computer control system being operated
- how to set machine datums for each machine axis being used
- how to set the machine controller in program and editing modes, and how to enter or download the prepared program
- how to deal with error messages and faults on the program or equipment
- how to access the program edit facility in order to enter tooling data (such as tool datums, positions, lengths, offsets, radius compensation)
- the use of tool posts, magazines and carousels, and how to identify the tools in relationship to the operating program
- how to conduct trial runs (using single-block run, dry run and feed and speed override controls)
- factors which affect the feeds and speeds that can be used, and why they may need to be adjusted from the program setting (such as condition of material, workholding method, tooling used, tolerance, finish to be achieved)
- the items that you need to check before allowing the machine to operate in full program run mode
- how to save the completed programs in the appropriate format, and the need to store programs safely and correctly
- typical problems that can occur with the programming, loading and editing activities, and what to do if such problems occur
- the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:
- strong work ethic
- positive attitude
- team player
- dependability
- responsibility
- honesty
- integrity
- motivation
- commitment