Basic CNC Programming (Part 2) : CNC Machines

CNC Machine Types 

1. CNC Lathe

The engine lathe, one of the most productive machine tools, has always been an efficient means of producing round parts (Fig. 4). Most lathes are programmed on two axes.

Fig. 4 The main axes of a lathe or turning center. (Emco Maier Corp)

• The X axis controls the cross motion of the cutting tool. Negative X (X-) moves the tool towards the spindle centerline; positive X moves the tool away from the spindle centerline.

• The Z axis controls the carriage travel toward or away from the headstock.

2. Milling Machine

The milling machine has always been one of the most versatile machine tools used in industry (Fig. 5). Operations such as milling, contouring, gear cutting, drilling, boring, and reaming are only a few of the many operations which can be performed on a milling machine. The milling machine can be programmed on three axes:

Fig. 5 The main axes of a vertical machining center. (Denford Inc.)

• The X axis controls the table movement left or right.
• The Y axis controls the table movement toward or away from the column.
• The Z axis controls the vertical (up or down) movement of the knee or spindle.