Lesson 1Overview of a CNC milling centre: spindle, axes, table, tool changer, enclosure, and conveyor integrationThis section introduces the CNC milling centre as a complete system, relating spindle, axes, table, ATC, enclosure, and conveyors. It emphasises component interactions, workflow, and basic inspection during maintenance.
Major structural groups and castingsSpindle, axes, and table relationshipsTool changer location and motion pathsEnclosure, doors, and chip containmentConveyor routing and chip dischargeWalkaround inspection and baseline checksLesson 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 links fluid condition to accuracy, component life, and environmental compliance.
Central lube pumps and metering unitsWay lube distribution lines and leaksCoolant nozzles, flow, and chip evacuationFiltration, screens, and bag filtersTramp oil removal and concentration testsSump cleaning, disposal, and recordkeepingLesson 3Conveyor and peripheral integration: automatic part handling, sensors, motorised rollers, timing, and safety guardsThis section examines 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 inspectionLesson 4Linear motion and axis components: ball screws, linear guides, encoders, backlash and preload conceptsThis section details axis mechanics, including ball screws, linear guides, and encoders. It introduces backlash, preload, and alignment concepts, and shows how they affect accuracy, rigidity, 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 misloads 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 components: 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, emphasising 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
