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Basic Mill CNC Operation

This page is designed for almost anybody to turn on a CNC machine and run the current job in the machine until the job requirement is met and a new job needs to be put into the machine.

This is a list of information to help with learning how to run and setup jobs in CNC machines.

Basic CNC machine startup

  1. Turn on the main power switch to give power to the machine.

  2. Press the power on button on the control panel and wait for the computer to start.

  3. Check that the Emergency Stop button is not pressed (it might have been pressed when the machine was last turned off).

  4. Press the reset, standby, or machine-ready button to start the servos. (Different machines might have different methods for this, so you may need to check the manual or ask the manufacturer or dealer).

  5. Your machine should now be ready to start making parts or set up for a new job.

Running a job that is currently in the machine

To start a job that's already set up 

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  1. Please turn on the machine and ensure it's in-memory mode.

  2. Press the cycle start button to begin the job.

  3. Check the rapid override settings. They might be set to the lowest speed.

  4. If you're comfortable, adjust the rapid override to higher settings for faster operation.
    *  This step is optional and based on your confidence and experience with the machine.

 

As you get more familiar with the machine, you'll likely feel more at ease running it at its highest speed settings.

Changing the part in a vise

Here are the steps to follow when opening the machine doors after running a part, simplified for clarity:

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  1. Use compressed air to blow off any coolant from the part.

  2. Carefully check how the part is positioned in the vise. The orientation is crucial to ensure the machined pieces come out correctly.

  3. Remember to note what is being used as a stop, how the part is positioned against this stop, and which side of the stop the part is on.

  4. Many setups involve placing parallels under the part in the vise. This is done to elevate the part and keep it level.

Changing a part in a fixture

Here's how to change a part in a fixture, broken down into clear steps:

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  1. Notice that the part is typically secured with screws or clamps. It's crucial to pay attention to where these clamps are placed.

  2. Be aware that the machine's program may be set to mill around these clamps. If the clamps are not in the correct position, it could cause a crash.

  3. Before installing a new part into the fixture, make sure to remove all chips from the work area. This ensures the part is made accurately and prevents any blemishes on the finished piece.

Shutting the CNC machine down

Here are the steps for preparing your workspace and machinery for the next use:

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  1. Use compressed air to clean off the table and all the T-slots, including the vise, if they're present.

  2. Consider placing the next part in the vise ready for startup the following day.

  3. Remove the tool from the spindle. This can be done manually by placing the tool on the bench or the machine's table, or you can perform a tool change to move it to an open tool number/pocket in the machine.

  4. Move all axes to their zero position using the specific button provided on each machine.

  5. Press the Emergency Stop button on the control panel.

  6. Turn off the power using the power off button, then turn off the main breaker, if applicable.

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