Haas Certification Video 1.2 - Raw Stock To Finished Part

Summary

In this video, Andrew provides an insightful look into the CNC machining process, transforming raw metal stock into finished parts. He explains the initial steps taken by a CNC machinist, including material selection, setup, and tool preparation. The video demonstrates how a rectangular bar stock is cut, machined, and inspected for accuracy using various tools like face mills, end mills, drills, and taps. It highlights the importance of setup, tool probing, and program loading in ensuring consistent, high-quality production in a machine shop environment.

Takeaways

• 🏭 The video provides an overview of the process of transforming raw metal stock into finished machined parts in a manufacturing environment.
• 🔩 The raw materials like aluminum, brass, mild steel, and tarter steel are stored in racks and are selected based on the part requirements.
• 🚜 Bar stocks are moved to the feed tables using a forklift and then cut into required lengths using a bandsaw.
• 🔖 After cutting, bars are barcoded and added to the inventory system for tracking, or hand-counted in smaller job shops.
• 📄 The CNC machinist uses a shop order sheet and engineering drawings to understand the part specifications and machining requirements.
• ⚙️ The setup of the machine involves mounting a vise, aligning it to the machine's motion, and securing it for consistent part production.
• 🔍 Part stops are used to consistently locate raw blanks in the same position each time a new one is loaded into the machine.
• 🛠️ Tools needed for the job are gathered and loaded into the machine, and the machine is calibrated to know the exact position of each tool tip using a probing system.
• 📊 The machine is programmed with CNC software, which is loaded from a USB stick or network location, to dictate the machining process.
• 🔧 Various tools such as face mills, end mills, drills, and taps are used to machine features like flat surfaces, profiles, holes, and threads on the raw material.
• 🔍 After machining, parts are inspected for dimensional accuracy and conformity to specifications using appropriate measuring tools.
• 🔁 The process is repeated for the required quantity of parts, highlighting the efficiency and repeatability of CNC machining.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video featuring Andrew at the Haas back?

The purpose of the video is to provide a quick introduction to the process of transforming raw metal stock into a finished part, which is typical of the manufacturing process found in machine shops worldwide.

What types of raw materials are mentioned in the video as being available for machining?

The video mentions raw materials such as aluminum, brass, mild steel, and tarter steel as being available for machining.

What is the first step in the manufacturing process described in the video?

The first step in the manufacturing process described is moving the raw material from storage to where the work will commence.

How are the bars of raw material typically moved to the work area in a machine shop?

The bars of raw material are typically moved to the work area using a forklift onto the feed tables and then fed into a bandsaw.

What is the purpose of cutting the raw material into short lengths before machining?

The purpose of cutting the raw material into short lengths is to prepare them for the specific machining operations required to create the desired finished part.

What does the term 'setup' mean in the context of a CNC machine?

In the context of a CNC machine, 'setup' refers to preparing the machine to make a particular part, which includes mounting the vise, aligning it to the machine's motion, and tightening it down.

What is a part stop and how is it used in the machining process?

A part stop is a device used to locate the raw blank each time a new one is loaded into the machine. It ensures that each new blank is loaded in the same position every time, which is crucial for consistent machining.

Why is it necessary to gather and load the tools needed for the job into the machine before starting the machining process?

Gathering and loading the tools into the machine is necessary to ensure that the machine has all the required tools to perform the machining operations as defined by the CNC program.

How does a probing system help in the setup of a CNC machine?

A probing system helps in the setup of a CNC machine by accurately recording the position of the tool tip and the workpiece's location relative to the machine's home position, ensuring precise machining.

What is the role of a CNC program in the machining process?

A CNC program instructs the machine on where and when to move while machining the part, essentially guiding the machine through the entire machining process.

How does the operator ensure that the part being machined is within tolerance?

The operator ensures that the part is within tolerance by measuring the finished part using the correct measuring tools and comparing the measurements to the specifications outlined in the engineering drawing.