TABLE OF CONTENTS In the previous chapters, the basic relationship between the machine geometry and the part setup was discussed. CNC programmers work in a fairly precise environment, and mathematical relationships are of extreme importance.
There are three major environments in programming that require an established mathematical relationship:
| Environment | Relationship consists of |
|---|---|
| Machine | Machine tool + Control system (CNC unit) |
| Part | Workpiece + Drawing + Material |
| Tool | Holder + Cutting tool |
Each environment by itself is independent of the other two. If the relationship is not apparent right away, consider the sources of each environment:
MACHINE TOOL is made by a company specializing in machine tools, usually not controls or cutting tools
this environment is combined with
CONTROL SYSTEM is made by a company specializing in the application of electronics to machine tools. They do not normally manufacture machine tools or cutting tools.
PART (workpiece) is a unique engineering design developed in a company that does not manufacture machine tools, control systems, or cutting tools holders.
CUTTING TOOLS are a specialty of tooling companies, which may or may not make cutting tool holders. These companies do not manufacture machine tools or CNC systems.
These sources inevitably meet when a customer buys a CNC machine. A certain engineering design (part), must be machined on a machine tool from one manufacturer, using a control system of another manufacturer, cutting tools from yet another manufacturer, and tool holders from a fourth source. These sources are similar...
