Lesson 1Spindle: types, speed/torque charts, bearings, thermal growth and runout effectsLearn about spindle build and how it works, covering belt-driven, direct-drive, and motor-integrated types, speed and torque graphs, bearing setups, heat expansion, runout, and how they all affect precision and tool lifespan.
Belt-driven vs direct and motor spindlesReading spindle speed and torque chartsSpindle bearing types and preload effectsThermal growth, warm-up, and offsetsRunout checks and impact on tool lifeLesson 2Automatic tool changer (ATC): magazine types, tool clamping systems, change sequence and common failure modesThis covers how automatic tool changers are built and operate, including magazine designs, tool holders and clamps, the tool swap process, sensors, and usual mechanical or air pressure faults that impact reliability and safety.
Carousel vs chain and drum magazinesTool holder tapers and pull stud designTool clamp, unclamp, and drawbar checksTool change sequence and interlocksCommon ATC jams and fault diagnosisLesson 3Control systems: FANUC/Siemens/Heidenhain basics, program storage, I/O, alarms, MDI and edit modesGet to know FANUC, Siemens, and Heidenhain CNC controls, including screen layout, where programs are stored, input/output setup, handling alarms, and safely using manual data input and edit modes for setup, testing, and upkeep.
FANUC, Siemens, Heidenhain interface overviewProgram storage, backup, and recall methodsDigital and analog I/O signals on the CNCAlarm categories, diagnostics, and reset stepsSafe use of MDI, edit, and lock modesLesson 4Selecting a realistic 3-axis machining center model and locating manufacturer datasheetsLearn how to pick a practical 3-axis machining centre model for training or production, based on size, spindle, tool changer, and power needs, and how to find, read, and compare factory manuals and data sheets.
Defining part size and accuracy requirementsEvaluating travels, table size, and payloadComparing spindle power, speed, and taperAssessing ATC capacity and tool interfaceFinding and interpreting OEM datasheetsLesson 5Kinematics: X, Y, Z axes, travel limits, ball screws, linear guides, backlash considerationsStudy 3-axis movement systems, covering X, Y, Z travels, home positions, ball screws, slide guides, and backlash. See how wear, poor alignment, and limit settings affect position accuracy and repeat runs.
Axis naming, travels, and home positionsSoft limits, hard limits, and overtravelBall screw design, pitch, and supportLinear guideways and lubrication needsBacklash sources, checks, and compensationLesson 6Coolant system: pump types, filtration, coolant selection, concentration and contamination sourcesUnderstand coolant system parts and how they work, including pump kinds, tank design, filtering ways, choosing coolant, checking strength, and spotting dirt sources that shorten tool life and spoil finishes.
Centrifugal and high-pressure pump typesTank layout, return flow, and agitationFilter screens, bags, and separator unitsCoolant selection and concentration testsContamination sources and corrective stepsLesson 7Lubrication system: centralized vs manual, lubricant types, schedules, common failure symptomsLearn about central and hand lubrication on 3-axis machines, oil types for slides, ball screws, and spindles, reading lube plans, confirming flow, and spotting early signs of lube problems.
Centralized vs manual lubrication layoutsWay, spindle, and ball screw lubricant typesReading OEM lubrication charts and intervalsChecking metering units and lube deliveryCommon lubrication failure symptomsLesson 8Auxiliary systems: chip conveyors, door interlocks, coolant nozzles, coolant nozzles, mist extraction and compressed air requirementsSee helper systems for safe CNC running, like chip conveyors, door locks, coolant and air nozzles, mist removal, and air quality needs, with tips on checking and simple fixes.
Chip conveyor types and maintenanceDoor interlocks and safety switchesCoolant and air nozzle positioningMist extraction and ducting checksCompressed air quality requirements
