TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Learn about the advantages of conversational programming.
Become familiar with the Mazatrol conversational programming language.
Learn terminology specific to Mazatrol conversational programming language.
Become familiar with typical MAZAK controller screens and menus.
Demonstrate how to create a CNC Turning Center program using Mazatrol conversational programming language.
Demonstrate how to create a CNC Machining Center program using Mazatrol conversational programming language.
Become familiar with offline programming software used to create Mazatrol programs.
For many years, the concept of programming the CNC machine tool at the controller was thought of as inefficient and tedious. When orders of a small lot size were to be produced, the choice was almost always manual machines. Today, this is not the case, largely because of the advances in conversational programming.
Conversational programming is becoming more widely used throughout the industry and is available as standard on many machine tool controllers. Its major advantage is that it gives the machinist the ability to write programs at the machine quickly and easily. Typically, the process includes a sequence of questions the machinist/programmer must answer, sometimes called "question answer format" or "prompting". As these questions are answered, the program is constructed. Most controls with this capability also allow the machinist/programmer to graphically check the tool path to verify the program. If the program has flaws or missing information, the controller will not execute the tool path and the programmer must remedy the problem. When program...
