Mazak Mill: First Part Runs 320

ATC stop function

Method of dry running a program on the Mazak mill, a function that runs a program normally, while stopping the program between each tool change.

background edit mode

A mode of the control that allows an operator to create or edit a program in memory while another program is being run. The background edit mode offers six editing functions.

CAD/CAM

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. CAD/CAM is the use of software to aid in the design and manufacturing of a part.

chapter right

Key on the lower right of the Matrix display that can be used to cycle through menu options. Also may be called menu select.

common unit

In Mazatrol programming, a unit of information that must be entered first, such as the workpiece material, the number of parts, etc.

COPY function

One of the six editing functions for the Mazak mill, the feature that enables the operator to replicate a part program, unit, or shape.

cursor

A blinking character on a display screen that indicates the current input location.

cursor key

The area of the control keypad that allows an operator to move through various screens and fields in the control, edit and search for CNC programs, and move the cursor up, down, left, and right through the program or screen options.

cycle start

The control button used to begin a program or continue a program that has been previously stopped. The cycle start button is the most accurate method of proving out a part program on the Mazak mill.

display select key

Key on the lower left of the Matrix display that toggles between available displays and their particular menu keys. The display select key is sometimes called the chapter left key.

dry run

A prove-out method that executes a part program without any parts or cutting fluid. On the Mazak mill, dry running is done in rapid mode.

editing functions

Six functions provided by the Mazak control that enable editing of a current program or a program in memory while another program is running.The editing functions are accessed via the background edit mode.

END OF PROGRAM function

One of the six editing functions, the function that enables the operator to complete a program and exit background edit mode to return to program listing mode.

end unit

The code created by the operator of the Mazak mill that contains the data that completes the program.

ERASE function

One of the six editing functions for the Mazak mill, the feature that enables the operator to delete a unit, tool sequence, or shape sequence from a program.

feed hold button

A button on many CNC controls used to pause a program. Also known as slide hold and cycle stop, feed hold pauses tool feed but does not stop spindle movement.

feed rate

The rate at which the cutting tool and the workpiece move in relation to one another. On the Mazak mill, dry running does not check for accurate feed rates.

first part run

The first successful execution of a part program that produces the first good part. A first part run is done after proving out a program to verify the accuracy of the part program.

flash memory card

A small, portable memory card that can be used to store data, such as Matrix programs. Flash memory cards connect to the Matrix through a USB port.

floppy disk

A 3.5 inch plastic device that stores programs and computer information magnetically. Standard removable floppy disks hold only 1.44MB of data and have widely been replaced.

G code

A code that determines the type of operation performed on the machine. G codes select the type of motion, speed or feed mode, etc.

G52

A G code used with dry running a program with cycle start. G52 creates a temporary work offset.

graphics display

A function of the Mazak control that allows an operator to view a part program's toolpath before actual machining. A graphics display is a visual dry run of a part program.

HELP function

THe HELP functions show a graphics display to clarify what Mazatrol is asking as the operator creates a program.

illegal character

A part programming character that does not conform to the syntax, or programming format, of a CNC control. The control is not able to read or execute an illegal character.

input key

A key located near the numeric keypad that allows you to enter data.

INSERT function

One of the six editing functions for the Mazak mill, the feature that enables the operator to add a unit, tool sequence, or shape sequence to a program.

jog

To move a machine component manually via the machine controls. When proving out a program in G code programming on the Mazak mill, the spindle is jogged five inches above the part.

legitimate character

A part program character that conforms to the syntax, or programming format, of a CNC control.

logical error

A part program mistake that occurs when an unintended legitimate character or value appears in a part program in place of the intended character or value. Logical errors are read and accepted "as is," making them very serious.

M code

A code used to signal an action from a miscellaneous group of commands. M codes change cutting tools, turn on or turn off the coolant, spindle, or workpiece clamps, etc.

machining unit

The third of four Mazatrol programming units. The machining unit specifies the machining method and type.

manual pulse generator

A circular handwheel on a CNC machine that can move a tool incrementally along an axis.

Mazatrol

A computer numerical control developed by Mazak that features conversational programming.

menu select

Key on the lower right of the Matrix display that can be used to cycle through menu options. Also may be called chapter right.

modal data

Information displayed regarding the mode of the machine control. Dry running a program on the Mazak mill does not check the program's modal data.

program edit menu key

A menu key that allows you to edit program information.

program edit switch

Also called the program lock switch, a lockable switch on the standard controls section of the Matrix that, when enabled, allows the operator to make changes to the current program.

program error

A part program mistake that either disrupts the machining process or renders a part program useless.

program listing mode

The mode of the Mazatrol control in which programs are listed for viewing only. Programs cannot be created or edited while in listing mode.

program lock switch

Also called the program edit switch, a lockable switch on the standard controls section of the Matrix that, when enabled, allows the operator to make changes to the current program.

program menu key

A menu key that accesses and enables editing of program information. The program menu key accesses program listing mode.

program zero

The origin of both the workpiece coordinates system and the part program for a particular workpiece. G52 is used to create a temporary work offset, which can be used to move the spindle above the part for proving out a program.

proving out

Performing a series of steps to verify the accuracy of a part program. Operators use graphic displays, dry runs, and single blocking to check a program for errors.

rapid mode

The mode that allows for the manual movement of machine components at high rates of travel. On the Mazak mill, dry running is done in rapid mode.

SEARCH function

One of the six editing functions for the Mazak mill, the feature that displays a specified machining unit or tool sequence.

setup

All the necessary preparation of tooling and fixturing that occurs on the machine before a part program can be executed. Proving out a program involves checking machine setup for errors.

shape sequence

Specified in the machining unit data, the information containing the part dimensions.

single block key

A key that activates the single block feature on the Matrix control. The single block function runs the program one block at a time to prove out the program.

single blocking

A prove-out method that executes a part program one step or block at a time at reduced feeds. Single blocking is also called single stepping.

single stepping

A prove-out method that executes a part program one step or block at a time at reduced feeds. Single stepping is also called single blocking.

speed

The speed at which the mill spindle is rotating is measured in revoloutions per minute (RPM).

syntax

The programming format of a CNC control. Syntax errors in a part program can have serious consequences.

syntax error

A part program mistake that occurs when an illegal character appears in a program.

test function

Method of dry running a program on the Mazak mill, a function that runs a program without tool changes, spindle movement, or consideration of M codes.

tolerance

An unwanted but acceptable deviation from a given dimension. Checking for accurate part tolerance is done after a successful first part run.

tool sequence

Specified in the machining unit data, the information containing the name and path of the tool.

toolpath

A series of program blocks that describes the movements of a single cutting tool. When using G code programming on the Mazak mill, the operator can view program blocks showing the toolpath.

work number

The number that identifies the part program the operator wishes to display or edit.

work offset

An offset used to adjust the location of every tool loaded in the machine. On the mill, the work offset changes the position of the spindle in both the X- and Y-axes, and often the Z-axis as well.

workpiece coordinate

WPC. A set of values used to define workpiece zero. These basic coordinates are specified after the common unit in Mazatrol programming.

WPC

Workpiece coordinates. A set of values used to define workpiece zero. These basic coordinates are specified after the common unit in Mazatrol programming.

X-axis

On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions along the longest distance parallel to the worktable.

Y-axis

On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions along the shortest distance parallel to the worktable.

Z-axis

On the mill, the linear axis representing coordinate positions perpendicular to the worktable. The Z-axis is always parallel to the spindle.

Z-axis cancel function

Method of dry running a program on the Mazak mill, a function that runs a program locating each location on the X- and Y-axes, while not moving the Z-axis.