Month: March 2025

CNC Machine Operation

Category : New Stuff

CNC Machine Operation: A Comprehensive Guide

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operation is a crucial skill in modern manufacturing.

It allows for precise and automated production of complex components.

Whether you are new to CNC machining or looking to refine your skills, understanding the fundamentals of CNC machine operation is essential.

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Ring David: 07834 858 407

What is CNC Machine Operation?

CNC machine operation involves controlling CNC equipment to cut, drill, mill, and shape materials, mainly  metals.

Also plastics, and many other materials can be machined.

The process is guided by computer-generated instructions, commonly referred to as G-code and M-code

These codes direct the machine’s movements and actions with exteme accuracy.

Key Components of CNC Machine Operation

  1. Understanding G-Code and M-Code
    • The G-codes controls the movements and functions of the machine (e.g., positioning and cutting).
    • The M-codes handle auxiliary on off functions like coolant control and tool changes.
  2. Machine Setup
    • Loading setting and securing the workpiece to be made.
    • Installing and measuring the cutting tools.
    • Setting machines datum coordinates.
  3. Tool path Programming
    • Sometimes using CAD/CAM software to design and generate tool paths.
    • Optimising cutting speeds and feed rates for efficiency.
  4. Operating the CNC Machine
    • Running simulations with graphics to verify the program before execution.
    • Program test and prove out.
    • Executing machining operations while monitoring tool performance.
    • Adjusting offsets as needed for optimal results.
    • Monitoring tool life and wear.

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CNC Machine Courses

Category : New Stuff

Learn CNC Programming & Machining

CNC Machine Courses, are you looking to enhance your skills in CNC machining?

These CNC machine courses are designed for both beginners and experienced machinists. Students who want to master CNC programming, setting and operating techniques.

CNC Machine Courses

With hands-on training using real CNC machines, the courses provide the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in the industry.

CNC Turning Course

Why Take a CNC Machine Course?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a crucial skill in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical manufacturing. By learning CNC programming and machine operation, you can:

•Boost your career opportunities in precision engineering.

•Improve your machining skills for better efficiency and accuracy.

•Stay competitive in an evolving manufacturing industry.

What You Will Learn in Our CNC Machine Courses

Our courses are designed to be practical and industry-relevant, covering:

✅ CNC Programming: Learn G-code and M-code to control CNC machines.

✅ CNC Milling & Turning: Hands-on operating real CNC machines.

✅ Advanced Mill-Turn Techniques: Learn multi-axis machining for complex parts.

✅ CAM Software Training: Learn to use Edgecam software for CNC programming.

✅ Precision Measurement: We offer CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines) training too.

Course Details

Location: Nottingham, UK

Duration: 2-day intensive course

Skill Level: Beginner to advanced

Price: Two days £600 plus VAT

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CNC Programming Training

Category : New Stuff

Learn to Program CNC Machines with Confidence

Onsite Training Enquiry

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programming is an essential skill for machinists, engineers, and manufacturers looking to improve precision, efficiency, and automation in machining. Whether you’re new to CNC or looking to advance your skills, these CNC programming training courses provide hands-on learning with real machines and industry-standard software.

Why Choose CNC Programming Training?

CNC machines are the backbone of modern manufacturing, used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and precision engineering. Learning CNC programming enables you to:

•Enhance Your Career – Skilled CNC programmers are in high demand across multiple industries.

•Improve Efficiency – Mastering programming techniques reduces setup time and increases productivity.

•Ensure Precision – Good programming minimises errors and improves part quality.

•Stay Competitive – Advanced CNC skills give you an edge in the job market and in manufacturing sector.

Contact CNC Training Centre

What You’ll Learn in Our CNC Programming Training

These training courses cover essential topics to help you become a proficient CNC programmer, including:

1. Introduction to CNC Programming

•Understanding G-code and M-code

•CNC machine setup and operation

•Basic programming structure

2. Advanced CNC Programming

•Tool path optimisation

•3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis programming

•Advanced cycles and macros

3. Mill-Turn and Multi-Axis CNC Training

•Programming for complex mill-turn machines

•Synchronising milling and turning operations

•Live tooling and sub-spindle programming

4. Hands-On Training with Real Machines

•Practical exercises on CNC mills and lathes

•Simulated programming and real-world applications

•Debugging and troubleshooting programs

CNC Programming Training

Who Should Enrol?

This CNC programming training is ideal for:

•Beginners looking to start a career in CNC machining

•Machinists and engineers wanting to enhance their skills

•Companies training staff to improve production efficiency

•Anyone interested in mastering CNC programming

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Fanuc Parameters 3101 Clear Buffer

Category : Fanuc Parameters

Fanuc Parameters 3101 Clear Buffer

Fanuc Parameters, does it really annoy you when you swap screens on your Fanuc control and you loose whatever you just typed in?

Well it’s OK, no more sleepless nights. It doesn’t have to be that way thanks to Parameter 3101

Bits n Bobs

When counting the bits in parameters you count from right to left so the first one on the right is bit 0 or sometimes known as #0

Messing With Fanuc Parameters Can Be Fatal!!!!!

To change a Fanuc Parameter you need to go to the setting screen in MDI. Now put a 1 in the parameter write box.

 

Now We Can Get This Party Started

This is how Parameter 3101 looks in the Fanuc Manual

Fanuc Parameters

It’s Fanuc Parameters 3101 bit 1

When this is a zero. If you change screens your code is lost.

Fanuc Parameter

Now here’s one I prepared before the show

Vegan Homemade Portabello Mushroom Black Bean Burger with Fries

This is how it works when you change the Fanuc Parameters 3101 to 1

Fanuc Parameter

The Dreaded Options Fanuc Parameters

I once bought a new car and naively thought it would be just like the one I saw advertised on the telly.

On some cars everything is a fuckin option. Well unfortunately it can be a bit like that with CNC controls.

It’s not all doom and gloom, a lot of the things you can’t get the control to do are just settings and parameters.

Keep reading my articles and you’ll find out what they are.

All this boring shit really does have a point to it.

If you have a lot of similar controls in your company it’s a good idea to try n set them all up the same way.

Don’t get me started on Haas.

OK You Started It

In my opinion by far the greatest thing about a Haas control is the program restart.

Guess what: most people have it turned off. I would liken it to switching off your central heating in the winter and making a fire with some sticks in the middle of the room.

You can restart anywhere in the program and the machine magically gets its digital shit together.

It gets the right tool, sorts out all the M codes, just about everything. Try it today it’s amazing.

Setting 36 Turns it On

Other Parameters Of Interest

 

1300 Stops over travel alarm

1401 Cutting Feed-Rate 0% stops movement of machine

3101 Clear Screen

3102 Unlock Programs

3203 Clear MDI Screen

3204 Unlock Program 9000 to 9999 and 8000 to 8999 to Edit

3291 Wear Offset requires Key to Adjust

3401 Calculator Type Decimal Point or Integer

3402 G Codes that are Active When The machine is Turned On

5003 Retain Geometry when you Press Reset

6005 Allows the Use of Local Subroutines (Newer Control)

6050-6059  Allows you to Call a 9000 series Program with a G Code

6080-6089 Allows you to Call a 9000 series Program with An M Code

8134 3453 allows you to use ,R and ,C (Rads and Chamfers)

That’s it away you go.

Oh just one other thing before you go off and cripple your machine forever.

Do yourself a favour take a picture of the screen before you change a parameter.

If you aint got a camera then you must have a piece of paper.

Even better back everything up.

Thanks

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this post or need CNC Counselling then contact me.

Or call us

If you want to learn to program CNC Milling Machines

Look no further Contact CNC Training Centre


Offset Keylock Fanuc Parameter 3291

Messing With Parameters Can Be Fatal!!!!!

Offset Keylock Fanuc Parameter, before you change this you will need to go to the setting screen in MDI.

From here you can allow yourself to alter parameters.

Put a 1 in the parameter write box.

Today we are going to change the parameter that stops operators from altering wear offsets.

Offset Keylock Fanuc Parameter

Apprentices should be inquisitive it’s normal. We want them to experiment and learn by making mistakes.

Mmmm sounds great but and there is a big but. By a big but I don’t mean a big arse I mean but with one t.

I once trained an apprentice on a Haas VF1. He picked it all up really fast. When I revisited he was really excited to show me how  he’d learned to alter parameters all over the place.

It was real scary stuff he thought it was fuckin space invaders or some computer game.

Game Over

Game over on a CNC machine means you just buried a tool in a part and caused £5000 worth of damaged or somebody just died for real.

The key switch is now needed.

Parameter 3291 will stop operators from changing the tool wear offsets. It requires use of a physical key to unlock them.

So you just pull the key out and depending how the machine is setup It’s like you just made him wear boxing gloves.

Offset Keylock Fanuc Parameter

So in Parameter 3291 you can set bit 0# (WPT) to a 0 and you will need to use the key to edit offsets.

 

Offset Keylock Fanuc Parameter

Isn’t it just great to sort out those annoying problems?

By the way it wouldn’t have stopped my rogue apprentice I think he’s the MD now.

Bits n Bobs

When counting the bits in parameters you count from right to left so the first one on the right is bit 0 or sometimes known as #0

Other Parameters Of Interest

1300 Stops over travel alarm

1401 Cutting Feed-Rate 0% stops movement of machine

3101 Clear Screen

3102 Unlock Programs

3203 Clear MDI Screen

3204 Unlock Program 9000 to 9999 and 8000 to 8999 to Edit

3291 Wear Offset requires Key to Adjust

3401 Calculator Type Decimal Point or Integer

3402 G Codes that are Active When The machine is Turned On

5003 Retain Geometry when you Press Reset

6005 Allows the Use of Local Subroutines (Newer Control)

6050-6059  Allows you to Call a 9000 series Program with a G Code

6080-6089 Allows you to Call a 9000 series Program with An M Code

8134 3453 allows you to use ,R and ,C (Rads and Chamfers)

That’s it away you go, Offset Keylock Fanuc Parameter

Oh just one other thing before you go off and cripple your machine forever.

Do yourself a favour take a picture of the screen before you change a parameter. If you aint got a camera then you must have a piece of paper.

Even better back everything up.

Thanks

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this post or need CNC Counselling then contact me.

Or call us

If you want to learn to program CNC Milling Machines

Look no further Contact CNC Training Centre


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Call David: 07834 858 407