What is CNC lingo?

Common CNC terms, their meanings, and usage scenarios

I. Terms related to equipment and components

• CNC Machine
  Meaning: Equipment that automates machining by controlling tool or workpiece movement via computer programs, such as CNC lathes, milling machines, and machining centers.
  Usage scenario: Widely used in manufacturing. It is mentioned when discussing types of machining equipment or overall processing capabilities, e.g., “This CNC machine can process complex curved parts.”
• Axis
  Meaning: A reference for describing the direction of machine movement. Common axes include X (left-right), Y (front-back), and Z (up-down). Multi-axis machines may also have A, B, and C (rotary axes).
  Usage scenario: Specifying tool movement directions in programming and operation, e.g., “Feed 10mm along the positive X-axis”; when discussing a machine’s processing range, such as “5-axis machines can achieve more complex spatial surface machining.”
• Spindle
  Meaning: The component in a machine that drives the tool or workpiece to rotate. Its speed directly affects processing efficiency and surface quality.
  Usage scenario: Describing processing parameters or troubleshooting, e.g., “The spindle speed is set to 3000 RPM” or “Abnormal spindle noise may be caused by worn bearings.”
• Chuck
  Meaning: A device mounted on the spindle or worktable to clamp workpieces or tools. Common types include three-jaw chucks (self-centering, suitable for round workpieces) and four-jaw chucks (manually adjustable, suitable for irregular workpieces).
  Usage scenario: When clamping workpieces, e.g., “Clamp the 50mm diameter bar with a three-jaw chuck”; when discussing clamping stability, such as “Four-jaw chucks hold eccentric parts more securely.”

II. Terms related to programming and codes

• G-code
  Meaning: Standardized codes in CNC programming used to control machine movements, tool functions, etc., such as G00 (rapid positioning), G01 (linear interpolation), and G02/G03 (circular interpolation).
  Usage scenario: Writing processing instructions during programming or analyzing code logic during debugging, e.g., “G01 X50 Y30 F100 means moving linearly to X50, Y30 at a feed rate of 100mm/min.”
• M-code
  Meaning: Auxiliary function codes that control machine on/off actions (e.g., spindle start/stop, coolant on/off), such as M03 (spindle clockwise rotation), M08 (coolant on), and M30 (program end and reset).
  Usage scenario: Cooperating with G-codes in programming to implement auxiliary operations, e.g., “Use M30 at the end of the program to ensure the spindle and worktable reset after processing.”
• Feed Rate
  Meaning: The speed at which the tool moves relative to the workpiece, usually in mm/min or mm/rev. It affects processing efficiency and surface finish.
  Usage scenario: Setting cutting parameters during programming, e.g., “Set the feed rate to 200mm/min for roughing and 50mm/min for finishing to ensure surface quality”; when discussing efficiency adjustments, such as “Excessively high feed rates may accelerate tool wear.”
• Spindle Speed
  Meaning: The number of spindle rotations per minute (RPM), determined by tool material, workpiece material, and cutting method.
  Usage scenario: Matching cutting requirements during programming and operation, e.g., “A spindle speed of 10,000 RPM is suitable for high-speed steel tools machining aluminum alloy”; when addressing cutting vibrations, such as “Reducing spindle speed can minimize surface ripples on the workpiece.”

III. Terms related to machining processes and operations

• Toolpath
  Meaning: The trajectory of the tool relative to the workpiece during machining, defined by G-codes. It directly impacts processing accuracy and efficiency.
  Usage scenario: During programming and simulation, e.g., “Optimizing the toolpath can shorten machining time”; when analyzing processing defects, such as “Overcutting may result from incorrect toolpath calculations.”
• Cutting Tool
  Meaning: Tools used to remove material from workpieces, such as milling cutters, drills, turning tools, and taps. They are classified by material (e.g., high-speed steel, carbide, ceramics).
  Usage scenario: When selecting tools, e.g., “Carbide tools should be used for stainless steel to enhance wear resistance”; when discussing tool life, such as “Excessive feed rate for this milling cutter has shortened its service life.”
• Work Offset
  Meaning: Parameter settings that align the workpiece coordinate system origin with the machine coordinate system origin, ensuring programs run according to the workpiece’s actual position.
  Usage scenario: Calibration after workpiece clamping, e.g., “Set the G54 work offset using a tool setter”; when resolving dimensional deviations, such as “The workpiece’s X-dimension is too small—adjust the X offset in G54.”
• Coolant
  Meaning: Fluids (e.g., emulsions, oil-based coolants) used to cool tools and workpieces, lubricate cutting surfaces, and flush away chips during machining.
  Usage scenario: Controlling cooling systems during operation, e.g., “Turn on the coolant when milling cast iron to prevent tool overheating”; when discussing the machining environment, such as “Water-soluble coolants can reduce residues in aluminum alloy processing.”

IV. Terms related to troubleshooting and debugging

• Overcut
  Meaning: A situation where the tool removes more material than programmed, causing workpiece dimensional errors or scrapping.
  Usage scenario: During quality inspection and debugging, e.g., “Overcutting may result from incorrect tool radius compensation settings”; when optimizing programs, such as “Adding arc transitions to the toolpath can avoid corner overcutting.”
• Chatter
  Meaning: High-frequency vibrations between the tool and workpiece during machining, causing surface ripples on the workpiece and accelerated tool wear.
  Usage scenario: When identifying processing defects, e.g., “Resonance between spindle speed and the tool’s natural frequency can cause chatter”; when adjusting parameters, such as “Reducing feed rate or using a more rigid tool can suppress chatter.”
• Tool Change
  Meaning: Automatically or manually replacing tools during machining to adapt to different processes (e.g., changing to a milling cutter after drilling). Machining centers typically use a tool magazine for automatic tool changes.
  Usage scenario: During programming and multi-process machining, e.g., “Use the M6 command in the program to trigger automatic tool change”; when discussing processing efficiency, such as “Excessively long tool change times in the magazine affect production cycles.”