Lesson 1Overview of a CNC milling centre: spindle, axes, table, tool changer, enclosure, and conveyor setupThis section introduces the CNC milling centre as a full system, relating the spindle, axes, table, automatic tool changer (ATC), enclosure, and conveyors. It stresses how components interact, the workflow, and basic checks during maintenance.
Main structural groups and castingsSpindle, axes, and table connectionsTool changer position and movement pathsEnclosure, doors, and chip containmentConveyor paths and chip removalWalkaround check and baseline testsLesson 2Lubrication and coolant systems: central lubrication pumps, lines, nozzles, coolant filtration, tramp oil and sump managementThis section explains lubrication and coolant systems, including pumps, metering devices, lines, nozzles, filtration, and sump care. It connects fluid condition to accuracy, component lifespan, and environmental rules.
Central lube pumps and metering unitsWay lube distribution lines and leaksCoolant nozzles, flow, and chip removalFiltration, screens, and bag filtersTramp oil removal and concentration testsSump cleaning, disposal, and recordkeepingLesson 3Conveyor and peripheral setup: automatic part handling, sensors, motorised rollers, timing, and safety guardsThis section looks at conveyors and peripheral devices for chip and part handling. It covers motors, sensors, timing, guarding, and integration with CNC logic to ensure reliable, safe, and low-maintenance operation.
Chip conveyor types and drive optionsPart handling devices and escapementsConveyor sensors, jams, and level switchesTiming with CNC cycles and M-codesSafety guards, interlocks, and signagePreventive cleaning and wear checksLesson 4Linear motion and axis parts: ball screws, linear guides, encoders, backlash and preload ideasThis section details axis mechanics, including ball screws, linear guides, and encoders. It introduces backlash, preload, and alignment ideas, and shows how they affect accuracy, strength, and long-term machine reliability.
Axis kinematic chain and load pathsBall screw construction and support bearingsLinear guide types, sizing, and lubricationEncoder mounting, resolution, and feedbackBacklash measurement and compensationPreload, rigidity, and thermal growth effectsLesson 5Automatic tool changer (ATC) and magazine mechanics: grippers, selectors, sensors, diagnosticsThis section explains ATC and magazine construction, including grippers, carousels, sensors, and drives. It covers alignment, tool data handling, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance to avoid wrong loads and collisions.
ATC layouts: carousel, chain, drum typesGrippers, pots, and tool retention checksMagazine indexing drives and home referenceTool presence, position, and orientation sensorsATC change sequence and interlocksCommon ATC faults and diagnostic routinesLesson 6Detailed spindle and drive system parts: bearings, motor types (servo/variable frequency), belts, couplingsThis section focuses on spindle and drive components, including bearings, motors, belts, and couplings. It explains speed control, vibration sources, lubrication needs, and maintenance practices to extend spindle life.
Spindle cartridge layout and cooling pathsBearing types, preload, and failure modesServo and induction spindle motor optionsBelts, pulleys, and tension adjustmentCouplings, keys, and alignment checksVibration, noise, and temperature monitoringLesson 7Sensors and safety subsystems: limit/home switches, interlocks, E-stops, vibration and temperature sensorsThis section covers sensors and safety subsystems, including limit and home switches, door interlocks, E-stops, and condition sensors. It stresses testing, wiring checks, and documentation to maintain safe operation.
Limit and home switch placementDoor and guard interlock principlesEmergency stop circuits and reset testsVibration and temperature monitoring usesSafety relays, circuits, and standardsPeriodic safety inspection proceduresLesson 8Electrical and control subsystems: power distribution, drives, servo amplifiers, PLC, CNC controller, HMIs and IO mappingThis section covers electrical power distribution, servo drives, amplifiers, PLC, CNC controller, HMI, and I/O mapping. It links schematics to real hardware, emphasizing troubleshooting, grounding, and safe measurement practices.
Main power distribution and protectionServo drives, amplifiers, and motor cablesPLC roles, I/O modules, and field wiringCNC controller architecture and parametersHMI screens, alarms, and diagnosticsI/O mapping, signal tracing, and testing
