Major Work Activity H - Machines using computer numerical control (CNC) machines

Table of Contents

Task H-18 Performs CNC programming

Task Descriptor

Fully qualified machinists use CNC machines for machining that would be difficult or time‑consuming on conventional machining equipment. Programming this equipment requires knowledge of conventional machining methods as well as CNC programming skills and an understanding of machine controls.

H-18.01 - Creates process documentation

Essential Skills: Thinking, Document Use, Numeracy

H-18.01 - Creates process documentation
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-18.01.01P interpret workpiece documentation workpiece documentation is interpreted
H-18.01.02P identify information required for CNC machining information required for CNC machining is identified

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-18.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC machines, their setup, maintenance and procedures for use define terminology associated with CNC machines
identify CNC control units and describe their purpose
interpret documentation pertaining to the machining of workpieces

Range of Variables

H-18.02 - Creates manual input program

Essential Skills: Numeracy, Thinking, Document Use

H-18.02 - Creates manual input program
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-18.02.01P determine types of cutting tools types of cutting tools to be used in machining operation are determined
H-18.02.02P calculate program points program points are calculated using trigonometry and Cartesian Coordinate System
H-18.02.03P establish safety blocks of code safety blocks of code are established in order to cancel previous code and initialize machine at a start point
H-18.02.04P plan entry and exit moves entry and exit moves are planned to avoid collisions
H-18.02.05P use programming codes programming codes are used to manually produce program
H-18.02.06P compensate for tool nose radius and cutter radius tool nose radius and cutter radius are compensated for
H-18.02.07P interpret and review codes from program codes from program are interpreted and reviewed

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-18.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC programming identify types of programming codes and describe their applications
define the differences between centerline programming and cutter radius compensation (CRC) programming
identify reference points and their location
describe the procedures used to calculate speed, feed and depth of cuts
identify potential setup problems and describe their causes and solutions
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines

Range of Variables

H-18.03 - Transfers program to and from control memory

Essential Skills: Reading, Continuous Learning, Writing

H-18.03 - Transfers program to and from control memory
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-18.03.01P use edit functions edit functions are used according to specifications
H-18.03.02P transfer program program is transferred to and from CNC machine and computer, network or storage device

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-18.03.01L demonstrate knowledge of transferring CNC programs identify types of edit functions used and describe their applications
describe the procedures used to transfer programs to and from the CNC machine and computer, network or storage device

Range of Variables

H-18.04 - Optimizes program

Essential Skills: Thinking, Numeracy, Continuous Learning

H-18.04 - Optimizes program
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-18.04.01P adjust speed and feed overrides speed and feed overrides are adjusted to ensure peak program efficiency and surface finish quality
H-18.04.02P record changes to speed and feed overrides changes to speed and feed overrides are recorded
H-18.04.03P modify cutting and tool paths cutting and tool paths are modified to ensure most efficient removal of material
H-18.04.04P save optimized program on storage media optimized program is saved on storage media for future reference
Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-18.04.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC programming identify types of programming codes and describe their applications
describe the procedures used to perform CNC programming

Range of Variables

H-18.05 - Creates 2D and 3D models

Essential Skills: Numeracy, Digital Technology, Thinking

H-18.05 - Creates 2D and 3D models
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
no yes no yes no yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-18.05.01P identify datum datum is identified to obtain reference point for machining
H-18.05.02P create geometry geometry is created using lines, arcs, points and CAD tools according to specifications

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-18.05.01L demonstrate knowledge of geometry creation describe process to create geometry using CAD software
identify dimensioning tools in CAD software

Range of Variables

H-18.06 - Programs using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

Essential Skills: Digital Technology, Thinking, Numeracy

H-18.06 - Programs using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-18.06.01P import geometry geometry is imported to proper location and orientation
H-18.06.02P plan sequence of operations sequence of operations is planned according to machining practices
H-18.06.03P select tooling tooling is selected for the operation
H-18.06.04P select machining operations machining operations are selected according to planned sequence
H-18.06.05P generate tool paths tool paths are generated using software
H-18.06.06P generate program program is generated
H-18.06.07P review program program is reviewed to ensure that required code is generated

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-18.06.01L demonstrate knowledge of CAM software identify cutting tools in CAM software library
define types of CAM operations and tool paths
identify machine post processors in CAM software
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines

Task H-19 Sets up CNC machines

Task Descriptor

Fully qualified machinists use CNC machines for machining that would be difficult or time‑consuming on conventional machining equipment. Setting up this equipment requires knowledge of conventional machining methods as well as CNC programming skills and an understanding of machine controls.

H-19.01 - Selects tooling and tool holders for CNC machines

Essential Skills: Document Use, Numeracy, Thinking

H-19.01 - Selects tooling and tool holders for CNC machines
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-19.01.01P read documentation for information documentation is read for information
H-19.01.02P determine if tool and tool holder will allow for clearance clearance for tool and tool holder is determined
H-19.01.03P assess tooling properties tooling properties are assessed according to operation to be performed
H-19.01.04P match tool holder taper and pull-stud to machining centre tool holder taper and pull-stud are matched to machining centre
H-19.01.05P match tool shank sizes to turning centres tool shank sizes are matched to turning centres in order to ensure accurate centre height

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-19.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC machines and tooling, their accessories, attachments and applications define terminology associated with CNC machines and tooling
identify types of CNC machines and tooling, and describe their characteristics and applications
identify types of accessories and tool changers used with CNC machines and describe their applications
identify types of tool holders and work holding devices used with CNC machines and describe their applications
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines

H-19.02 - Sets up tooling and tool holders on CNC machines

Essential Skills: Numeracy, Thinking, Digital Technology

H-19.02 - Sets up tooling and tool holders on CNC machines
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-19.02.01P check mounting surfaces mounting surfaces are checked to ensure they are clean and free of damage
H-19.02.02P locate and secure tooling in tool holder tooling is located and secured in tool holder to ensure access to all part features and adequate clearances
H-19.02.03P arrange tooling to avoid interference tooling is arranged to avoid interference with work holding devices, workpieces and other tools in CNC machines
H-19.02.04P arrange tooling for efficient tool changes tooling is arranged for efficient tool changes
H-19.02.05P match tool to programmed tool location tool is matched to programmed tool location
H-19.02.06P install tool and tool holder tool and tool holder are installed in orientation according to specific machining process
H-19.02.07P determine tool offsets tool offsets are determined using methods
H-19.02.08P input tool offsets into offset register tool offsets are confirmed

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-19.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC machines, their setup, maintenance and procedures for use identify CNC axes and describe the relationship between them
identify CNC control units and describe their purpose
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines
describe the procedures used to set up tooling and tool holders on CNC machines
describe methods for determining tool offsets

Range of Variables

H-19.03 - Sets up workpieces on CNC machines

Essential Skills: Thinking, Document Use, Numeracy

H-19.03 - Sets up workpieces on CNC machines
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-19.03.01P select work holding device work holding device is selected according to setup sheet for operation to be performed
H-19.03.02P clean and deburr workpiece and remove chips and debris workpiece is cleaned and deburred, and chips and debris are removed to maintain part locating accuracy on work holding device
H-19.03.03P machine soft jaws, if required soft jaws are machined to match workpiece requirements, if required
H-19.03.04P adjust clamping pressure clamping pressure is adjusted according to workpiece requirements and to prevent damage to workpiece
H-19.03.05P install workpiece in correct orientation workpiece is installed in correct orientation according to setup sheet and machining requirements
H-19.03.06P mount workpiece according to support and pressure points workpiece is mounted using methods to ensure contact between part and locating surface
H-19.03.07P set up accessories accessories are set up according to setup sheet and machining requirements

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-19.03.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC machines, their setup, maintenance and procedures for use identify CNC control units and describe their purpose
describe the procedures used to set up workpieces in CNC machines
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines

H-19.04 - Establishes work datum

Essential Skills: Numeracy, Thinking, Digital Technology

H-19.04 - Establishes work datum
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-19.04.01P verify location of work datum location of work datum is verified according to setup sheet, workpiece characteristics and specifications
H-19.04.02P touch off on designated datum surfaces of workpieces designated datum surfaces of workpieces are touched off using tools
H-19.04.03P input datum information into specific machine offset register datum information is input into specific machine offset register according to setup sheet

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-19.04.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC machines, their setup and procedures for use describe the procedures used to touch off datum surfaces
describe the procedures used to input datum information
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines

H-19.05 - Verifies program

Essential Skills: Thinking, Numeracy, Document Use

H-19.05 - Verifies program
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-19.05.01P confirm program reference number program reference number is confirmed
H-19.05.02P identify and prevent interferences interferences are identified and prevented
H-19.05.03P perform dry run or graphic simulation of program dry run or graphic simulation of program is performed to verify datum, tool path and tool sequence
H-19.05.04P use features to step through program features to step through program are used to identify interferences and errors
H-19.05.05P confirm and retain program modifications program modifications are confirmed and retained
H-19.05.06P update master file master file is updated

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-19.05.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC programming describe the procedures used to download programs into CNC machines
describe the procedures used to perform dry run or graphic simulation of a program
define features for stepping through program
describe the procedures used to perform CNC programming
describe the procedures for saving modified program into master file
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines

Range of Variables

Task H-20 Operates CNC machines

Task Descriptor

Fully qualified machinists use CNC machines for machining that would be difficult or time‑consuming on conventional machining equipment. Operating this equipment requires knowledge of conventional machining methods as well as CNC programming skills and an understanding of machine controls.

H-20.01 - Adjusts offsets

Essential Skills: Numeracy, Thinking, Digital Technology

H-20.01 - Adjusts offsets
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-20.01.01P leave extra material on workpiece extra material is left on workpiece to verify size
H-20.01.02P measure workpiece dimensions workpiece dimensions are measured to compare actual dimensions to planned dimensions
H-20.01.03P calculate deviations deviations are calculated according to measurements, specifications and machine configuration
H-20.01.04P enter offset changes into tool offset register offset changes are entered into tool offset register

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-20.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC machines and their procedures for use describe the procedures used to operate CNC machines
describe the procedures used to adjust offsets
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines
H-20.01.02L demonstrate knowledge of calculations required to calculate deviations calculate deviations from specifications

Range of Variables

H-20.02 - Monitors machining processes

Essential Skills: Thinking, Document Use, Digital Technology

H-20.02 - Monitors machining processes
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-20.02.01P verify clamping force clamping force is verified by checking if workpiece is moving in the work holding device or is distorted
H-20.02.02P verify required coolant flow required coolant flow is verified to maintain required surface finish and tool life
H-20.02.03P observe operating conditions operating conditions are observed to identify potential problems and inefficiencies
H-20.02.04P monitor tool wear tool wear is monitored by using procedures

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-20.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC machines, their maintenance and procedures for use describe the procedures used to operate CNC machines
describe the procedures used to inspect and maintain CNC machines
identify issues with operating conditions
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines

Range of Variables

operating conditions include: sound, vibrations, abnormal chip formations, chip evacuation

H-20.03 Interrupts program cycle

Essential Skills: Thinking, Digital Technology, Continuous Learning

H-20.03 Interrupts program cycle
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-20.03.01P determine level of urgency requiring a stop level of urgency requiring a stop is determined
H-20.03.02P recognize points in program where interruptions are not safe points in program where interruptions are not safe are recognized
H-20.03.03P use control features control features are used according to level of urgency
H-20.03.04P use emergency stop feature emergency stop feature is used to prevent equipment damage and personal injuries

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-20.03.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC machine operations identify CNC-related reference points and their location
describe the procedures used to operate CNC machines
identify levels of urgency requiring a type of stop
define control features
identify the hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines

Range of Variables

H-20.04 - Restarts program cycle

Essential Skills: Thinking, Digital Technology, Continuous Learning

H-20.04 - Restarts program cycle
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
H-20.04.01P position tool to avoid collision tool is positioned to avoid collision
H-20.04.02P clear machine control’s temporary memory (buffer) machine control’s temporary memory (buffer) is cleared to prevent unexpected machine movements upon restart
H-20.04.03P identify and execute required elements of program code required elements of program code are identified and executed in order to safely restart program
H-20.04.04P restart program at correct tool and program location program is restarted at correct tool and program location
H-20.04.05P monitor distance to go to prevent collisions distance to go is monitored to prevent collisions
Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
H-20.04.01L demonstrate knowledge of CNC programming and operations identify CNC-related reference points and their location
describe the procedures used to restart program
describe the procedures used to perform CNC programming
describe the procedures used to operate CNC machines
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to CNC machines