CNC Programming Skill

Purpose

The CNC Programming skill provides expert capabilities for CNC programming and toolpath optimization using CAM software, enabling efficient and accurate machining of mechanical components.

Capabilities

• Mastercam, NX CAM, Fusion 360 workflow automation
• Toolpath strategy selection (roughing, finishing)
• Cutting parameter optimization (feeds, speeds)
• Tool selection and library management
• Work holding and fixture consideration
• Toolpath simulation and verification
• G-code generation and post-processing
• Cycle time estimation and optimization

Usage Guidelines

Machining Strategy

Roughing Operations

1. Material Removal Strategies

   Strategy	Application	Advantages
   Adaptive/Dynamic	General roughing	Constant chip load
   Pocket	Enclosed areas	Efficient material removal
   Facing	Flat surfaces	Surface prep
   Plunge rough	Deep pockets	Axial chip evacuation

2. Stock Allowance

   Finishing allowance = 0.25-0.5 mm (typical)
   Semi-finish allowance = 0.5-1.0 mm
   Rough allowance = Stock - finish - semi-finish
   

3. Step-Over Guidelines

   Adaptive roughing: 10-25% tool diameter
   Pocket roughing: 50-75% tool diameter
   Depth of cut: 1-2x tool diameter (end mills)
   

Finishing Operations

1. Surface Finish Strategies

   Strategy	Application	Surface Finish
   Parallel	Flat surfaces	Ra 0.8-1.6 um
   Contour	Walls, profiles	Ra 0.8-1.6 um
   Scallop	3D surfaces	Ra 1.6-3.2 um
   Pencil	Corners, fillets	Clean-up

2. Step-Over for Finish

   Cusp height = r - sqrt(r^2 - (s/2)^2)
   
   For cusp height = 0.01 mm, r = 5 mm:
   Step-over s = 0.89 mm
   

Cutting Parameters

Speed and Feed Calculation

Cutting Speed (SFM): V = pi * D * N / 12 (imperial)
                     V = pi * D * N / 1000 (metric)

Feed Rate: F = f * z * N

Where:
V = cutting speed (SFM or m/min)
D = tool diameter
N = spindle speed (RPM)
f = feed per tooth
z = number of teeth
F = feed rate (IPM or mm/min)

Material-Specific Parameters

Material	Speed (SFM)	Feed/Tooth (in)	Notes
Aluminum	500-1000	0.004-0.008	High spindle, coolant
Steel (mild)	80-120	0.003-0.006	Flood coolant
Steel (hard)	50-80	0.002-0.004	Reduce speed
Stainless	60-100	0.002-0.005	Rigid setup
Titanium	40-60	0.002-0.004	High pressure coolant

Tool Selection

End Mill Selection

Application	Tool Type	Coating
Aluminum roughing	2-3 flute, polished	Uncoated/ZrN
Aluminum finishing	2-3 flute, high helix	Uncoated
Steel roughing	4+ flute, variable helix	AlTiN/TiAlN
Steel finishing	4+ flute	AlTiN
Hardened steel	Ball nose, solid carbide	AlCrN

Tool Life Management

Tool life tracking:
- Material removed (cm3)
- Cutting time (minutes)
- Parts produced

Replace at:
- Wear land > 0.3 mm
- Surface finish degradation
- Dimension out of tolerance

Work Holding

Fixture Considerations

1. Clamping Force

   • Calculate cutting forces
   • Apply safety factor (2-3x)
   • Distribute clamp forces
   • Avoid part distortion

2. Accessibility

   • Clear all tool paths
   • Consider tool length
   • Allow chip evacuation
   • Enable coolant flow

Program Verification

1. Simulation Checks

   • Tool collision detection
   • Fixture interference
   • Rapid traverse clearance
   • Stock remaining verification

2. First Article

   • Reduced feed rate (50%)
   • Single block mode
   • Verify dimensions
   • Adjust offsets as needed

Process Integration

• ME-018: CNC Programming and Verification

Input Schema

{
  "part_model": "CAD file reference",
  "material": {
    "name": "string",
    "hardness": "string (e.g., HRC 30)"
  },
  "machine": {
    "type": "3-axis|4-axis|5-axis|lathe",
    "controller": "Fanuc|Siemens|Haas|other",
    "spindle_max": "number (RPM)",
    "rapids": "number (mm/min)"
  },
  "tolerances": {
    "dimensional": "number (mm)",
    "surface_finish": "number (Ra um)"
  },
  "production_volume": "prototype|low|medium|high"
}

Output Schema

{
  "program_info": {
    "program_number": "string",
    "operations": "number",
    "total_tools": "number"
  },
  "cycle_time": {
    "machining": "number (min)",
    "non-cutting": "number (min)",
    "total": "number (min)"
  },
  "tool_list": [
    {
      "tool_number": "number",
      "description": "string",
      "diameter": "number (mm)",
      "length": "number (mm)"
    }
  ],
  "setup_sheet": {
    "work_offset": "string",
    "fixture": "string",
    "stock_size": "array [L, W, H]"
  },
  "nc_file": "file reference"
}

Best Practices

1. Verify model accuracy before programming
2. Use consistent tool numbering conventions
3. Include adequate clearance planes
4. Optimize tool paths for minimum air cutting
5. Simulate complete program before machining
6. Document setup requirements clearly

Integration Points

• Connects with CAD Modeling for geometry
• Feeds into Process Planning for operations
• Supports FAI Inspection for first article
• Integrates with DFM Review for manufacturability