OBJECTIVES

CNC Milling experiment aims to teach and guide the students how to use the CNC Milling
machine and learn how it is being monitored in the workshop.

INTRODUCTION

A CNC Milling machine is a computer controlled machine that works by removing the
material on the workpiece with a rotating cutting tool as in our experiment it works on a
metal workpiece.
The machine is guided by entering the programming code and it moves in three directions of
the cartesian coordinate system along the X, Y and Z axis automatically through the process.
This machine is used to shape surfaces and can be used to drill, bore, and cut gears, threads,
and slots.

APPARATUS

CNC Milling machine, metal workpiece.

METHOD

Powering “ON” the CNC Milling Machine

1. Switch on the button (Red/Yellow) at the right side of power switch box.
2. Turn ON the power button at the back side of the power box by switching it form “0”
to “1”.
3. Release EMERGENCY BUTTON at the controller by turningit according to arrow
direction.
4. Press F10 button at the controller.
5. Press “ENTER” button.
6. Ensure that Servo Reset button is on.
7. Press F4 button on the controller.
8. Increase feed rate up to 100%

Setting up CNC Milling Machine

1. Move the table of machine close to spindle by using hand wheel
2. Open both side of safety cover
3. Take the parallel bars and put between the vise. Parallel bars must be aligned with
vises on the machine table.
4. Take work piece and put it between vises. Ensure that work piece install align with
parallel bars and vises that have been installed previously.
5. Take the wrench key to grip the work piece tightly between the vises.
 6. Hit by using hammer top surface of workpiece to ensure that there is no space
between workpiece and parallel bars while tightening process.

Offsetting the workpiece

1. Press F9 on the controller.
2. Press F1 on the controller.
3. Touch Y axis with outside diameter of spindle by using hand wheel
4. Press F6
5. Press “A” at the top left corner of the keypad
6. Fill in the value with Y5 + press ENTER
7. Switch hand wheel to +Z direction to move the tool away safely from work piece and
go to X axis side
8. Touch X axis with outside diameter of spindle by using hand wheel
9. Press F5
10. Press “A” at the top left corner of the keypad
11. Fill in the value with X5 + press ENTER
12. Switch hand wheel to +Z direction to move the tool away safely from work piece and
go to Z axis side
13. Touch Z axis at any point above the top surface
14. Press F7 only
15. Send the tool away from workpiece
16. Hang up the hand wheel
17. Close the both side of safety guarding properly
18. Press Exit

Creating/Editing the Program

1. Press F2 at the controller
2. Press F2 at the controller
3. Type the name of the program + press ENTER
4. Highlight the program that has been created by using arrow
5. Press F6 to select the program required
6. Press F8 to type the program
7. Type in the code.
8. Check and recheck the program that has been made
9. Press F10 to exit and save the program

Simulating the program

1. Press F7
2. Press F3
3. Confirm the profile and the movement of the tool to ensure that the profile nd the
movement is agree with the program
4. Press F10
Cutting the work piece
1. Ensure that the name of the program that need to run is selected
2. Ensure that the feed rate is in “0=Zero”
3. Press F6
4. Press Cycle Start 2 items
5. Increase feed rate slowly
6. Ensure that the operators hand must be at the feed rate button while the machine is
running
7. Press F4 when cutting process is done
8. Send the workpiece close to operator by using hand wheel
9. Open both side od safety cover
10. Take out the workpiece by losing the vise with wrench key
11. Remove parallel bars and put them into their box

RESULT

Workpiece before CNC Milling

Workpiece after CNC Milling

The G-Code used for the experiment

 Workpiece on the vise before experiment

Workpiece on vise after experiment

DISCUSSION

In this experiment, we are learnt how does a CNC machine works and to interpret the G-
codes. G-code is the command system for the CNC machine. Generally it is a code that
tells the machine tool to perform specific actions. In a CNC milling machine, the machine
chooses the tools according to the codes and spins the tool to cut material that is held
stationary in a fixture. Milling machines use cylindrical cutting tools, such as end mills and
drills, to remove material to make a finished part. The axes involved are x (horizontal) axis, y
(vertical) axis and z axis (forward and backward). A CNC milling machine is great for
engraving a material. Problem faced during the experiment and preparation of the report is
the code given may be written unclearly causing wrong or undefined code was entered.
However, with the guidance of the in charge lecturer, we were able to finish the experiment
successfully.
RECOMMENDATION

We would like to point out several recommendations during this CNC Milling project. Firstly,
we should wear appropriate safety equipment. During the machining process, we did not
wear any eye protection, hearing protection nor gloves. Moreover, we had little time to
explore the CNC Milling machine. It is better if we did the programming by ourselves instead
of following the G-CODE provided. From this, we can understand better how the machine
works and sharpen our skills for CNC Milling. Lastly, it is important for us to monitor the
machining process regularly to ensure that everything is running smoothly and that the
machine is operating within the recommended parameter. Any issues faced should be
addressed promptly to our instructor.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, we achieved our aim which is to learn how to use the CNC Milling machine and
how it is being monitored in the workshop. CNC milling is a widely used manufacturing
process that involves using a computer-controlled machine to remove material from a
workpiece. Learning CNC milling can be a valuable skill for individuals interested in
pursuing a career in manufacturing or related industries. To effectively learn CNC milling, it
is important to have a solid understanding of the basic principles of machining, including the
use of cutting tools, toolpaths, and feeds and speeds. It is also essential to have a strong grasp
of computer programming, as CNC milling requires creating and executing complex
programs to operate the machine. Furthermore, hands-on experience with CNC milling
machines is crucial for developing the necessary skills to operate and troubleshoot the
equipment.

REFERENCES

https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/machine_shop_safety_osha_guidance_milling
_machine.pdf