Producing pattern, corebox or model components Using CNC machines

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This standard identifies the competencies you need to carry out operations, in accordance with approved procedures, using computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines, such as turning, milling, electro discharge machines or machining centres.

You will take charge of the prepared machine and check that it is ready for the machining operations to be performed. This will involve checking that all the required components and consumables are present, and that the machine has been approved for production. In operating the machine, you will be expected to follow the correct procedures for calling up the operating program, dealing with any error messages, and for executing the program activities safely and correctly.

The pattern, corebox or model components produced will have a number of different features, and will include diameters, bored holes, tapers, flat faces, square and parallel faces, angular faces, slots, indexed or rotated forms, internal and external profiles, grooves/undercuts, drilled, reamed and tapped holes, as applicable to the type of machine used and the components produced. You will be required to monitor the machining operations continuously, making any necessary adjustments to machine parameters in line with your permitted authority.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the activities undertaken, and to report any problems with the equipment, tooling, program, materials or activities that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work to with minimum supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you produce.

Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a good understanding of your work, and will enable you to adopt an informed approach to applying CNC machining procedures. You will have an understanding of the CNC machining process, and its application, and will know about the machine, tooling, materials, machining activities and consumables, in adequate depth to provide a sound background to machine operation and for carrying out the activities to the required specification.

You will understand the safety precautions required when working with the machine, and its 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 up of the machine, its tooling and associated workholding devices, are the subjects of other standards

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1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
2. confirm that the equipment is set up and ready for operation
3. follow the defined procedures for starting and running the operating system
4. deal promptly and effectively with error messages or equipment faults that are within your control and report those that cannot be solved
5. monitor the computer process and ensure that the production output is to the required specification

6. produce machined components

7. complete relevant data and documentation

8. shut down the equipment to a safe condition on conclusion of the activities

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1. the specific safety precautions to be taken when working with CNC machines and equipment
2. the safety mechanisms on the machine, and the procedures for checking that they are operating correctly
3. how to start and stop the machine in both normal and emergency situations
4. the hazards associated with working on CNC machines (such as use of moving machinery, automatic machine operation, handling cutting tools, lifting and handling workholding devices, hot and airborne metal particles), and how to minimise them
5. the importance of wearing the appropriate protective clothing and equipment (PPE), and of keeping the work area clean and tidy
6. where to obtain component drawings, specifications and/or job instructions for the components being machined
7. 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)
8. how to interpret first and third angle drawings, imperial and metric systems of measurement, workpiece reference points and system of tolerancing
9. how to interpret the visual display, and understand the various messages displayed
10. the function of error messages, and what to do when an error message is displayed
11. how to find the correct restart point in the program when the machine has been stopped before completion of the program
12. the operation of the various hand and automatic modes o machine control (such as program operating and control buttons)
13. how to operate the machine (using single-block run, full program run and feed/speed override controls)
14. how to make adjustments to the program operating parameters to take account of tool wear
15. how to set and secure the workpiece to the machine spindle/workholding device; the effects of clamping the workpiece; and how material removal can cause warping/distortion of the finished workpiece
16. the various types of cutting tools or electrodes used, and how they are located and secured to the machine tool posts, turrets, slides and tool magazine or carousel
17. the safe and correct handling and storage of tooling
18. how to check that the tooling or electrodes are in a serviceable condition, and the effects that worn tooling or electrodes will have on the workpiece surface finish and tolerances
19. the problems that can occur with the machining activities, and how these can be overcome
20. the application of cutting fluids or dielectrics with regard to different materials being machined
21. procedures used, inspection checks that need to be carried out, and the equipment that is used
22. the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve

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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

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2

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29 Apr 2021

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Current

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Original

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Semta

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SEMPAT25

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Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Functional Managers, Managers and Senior Officials

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5221

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engineering; woodworking; pattern making; model making; manufacture; produce; CNC machines; patterns; corebox; model components; techniques

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