Machinists have to use math on a daily basis to succeed at their jobs. Let’s look at a few ways to make the arduous process of mathematics a little easier on machinists.
Machinists constantly have to do math conversions from fraction to decimal. Some of them are easy, but then there are some fractions that are just tricky to convert in your head. To speed up the process, let’s take a look at some tricks that we can use to convert fractions to decimals.
Let’s start with one that isn’t too bad. Say you needed to know what 13/20 was in decimal form. We know that it will be just slightly over half and under ¾ by deduction, but do you know how to quickly get the answer? First, convert the denominator to 100 by multiplying 20 by five. Then multiply the numerator by five as well. This comes out to 65/100, so the decimal form is .65. All of these processes you should be able to do decently fast in your head, and they will help you along in the conversion process.
Now, let’s try a more difficult one: 9/15. For this, you are going to want to simplify. Divide both numbers by 3, giving you ⅗. Then multiply everything by two to make the denominator 10, and you are left with 6/10, or .6.
Finally, what about a fraction that doesn’t evenly multiply, like 11/40? We are going to apply the trick of always getting the denominator to a power of 10 again. Simply divide the fraction by 2 to get 5.5/20, and multiply everything by 5. This leaves you with 27.5/100, or a decimal of .275.
Most fractions should be able to be simplified to a power of ten, and this is the easiest way to find the decimal form in a snap.
For some terrible reason, the US still uses the imperial system of measurement. For machinists in the US, this means constantly converting between metric and imperial and vice versa. Let’s see how we might make that process just a little easier.
Unfortunately, there is no easy conversion for the bulk of the metric system to imperial measurements. For this reason, most conversions will likely require a chart of some kind. However, let’s focus in on perhaps the most commonly needed conversion: inches to millimeters.
The best way might just be to memorize that 1 inch is about 2.54 cm or 25.4 mm. You can then approximate things like wrench sizes and other measurements using some quick mental math. For inch fractions with a denominator of 32, a quick conversion is that 1/32 of an inch is about .8 mm. So if you have 7/32, then multiply 7 by 8 to get 5.6 mm. If you have 3/16, then multiply 6 by 8 to get 4.2 mm.
Most machinists are going to need an exact conversion when it comes to the numbers, and it’s at that point that we just have to pull out our handy calculators and conversion tables. If only we used the metric system.
Lastly, machinists need to know how to calculate speeds and feeds on the fly. We need to know things like Surface Feet per Minute (SFPM), RPMs, Chip Loads per Tooth or the feed rate in inches per minute.
First, let’s look at ways to calculate RPM for a cutting job. We’ll need a chart for mill cutting speeds per material for this one, like the one below from Datron.
You’ll want to find the material you are cutting, select the number based on your cutting tool type, and you’ll be ready to go for the calculation. So, here’s what you’ll end up with:
SFPM (from chart) x (3.82/Tool Diameter) = RPM
To calculate feed rate in inches per minute, we can use the RPM we just calculated combined with the manufacturer’s suggested chip load per tooth and the number of flutes. It looks like this:
RPM x Chip Load Per Tooth x Number of Flutes = Inches Per Minute
If you wanted to find any one of those variables, you can just rearrange the formula to equal the variable you desire. So, to solve for chip load per tooth, you could rearrange the formula to look like this:
IPM / RPM / Number of Flutes = CLPT
See, not too bad.
All of this math is essential to succeeding as a machinist. Knowing these conversion tricks and formulas by heart could save you minutes or more in a job process. Refining your math skills is one of the best ways to stay at the top of your game.
CNC machining is a type of production in which pre-programmed computer code and software automate the movement of factory machinery and equipment. CNC operators and machinists are required to implement, operate, and maintain CNC machining operations. To pursue professional opportunities and progress as a CNC machinist, you must first comprehend the distinction between the two roles. Furthermore, you must grasp the most important abilities required to function efficiently as a CNC machinist and how you can grow by acquiring these talents.
All of this will be covered in depth in this tutorial. Keep reading to learn the difference between a CNC machinist and a CNC operator and how you can prepare yourself to score the role of a machinist for this technology.
Before we go into the most crucial abilities, you’ll need to handle your tasks in a CNC machining profession; you should be aware of those responsibilities. It is difficult to tailor your understanding and skills to the jobs you will be assigned if you do not comprehend them.
Having said that, if you’re not sure what to be prepared for when you start working as a CNC machinist, here are some of the primary jobs such experts handle:
Technical Skills: This list of abilities is an attempt to evaluate how well-versed you are in a variety of common software products, in addition to providing you with some fundamental knowledge concerning reading drawings and CAD models.
This is of the utmost significance. Because there will be constant updates to the software and equipment, the operators’ knowledge will also need to be regularly updated. They need to be able to grasp and check dimensions, list materials, define design parameters in the program, and check tolerances, among other things, which requires them to have mathematical skills.
In the CAD department, you must know AutoCAD or Solidworks, and you should know both. Because of how infrequently they are utilized, it is difficult to get by without having this ability. Mastercam is highly recommended if you are forced to select a CAM software package. To become a successful machine programmer, you should have a strong mathematics background. This is highly crucial.
In addition, designers and engineers will typically supply operators with written instructions, and operators must adhere closely to these instructions. The operator needs to recognize and rank the most significant aspects of the design to ensure that the processing is done carefully.
It’s possible that a good operator is skilled in the nitty-gritty details and can ensure that everything is set up correctly and precisely.
The operators of CNC machines will come up against this difficulty and other issues that need to be rectified, such as inconsistent design drawings, a final product that is out of tolerance, material issues, etc. When these issues arise, the operator is responsible for maintaining a positive mentality and making every effort to find a solution.
As part of your job, you must run numerous machines simultaneously and adjust the tool wear compensation settings as necessary.
If you want to be better than the average CNC operator, you need to safely operate the bridge crane, handle the g-code for drip irrigation to the machine, handle the handleability of parts, and know how to handle the workshop. If you want to be better than the average CNC operator, you need to be better than the average CNC operator. Vending machine for tools, and preferably some expertise working with vacuum fixtures.
The goal of becoming an expert in CNC machining requires the combination of all of the talents above. Machining with a computer numerical control system (CNC) is a high-tech process that combines technical expertise and machining know-how. Because of the quick advancement of technology, outstanding operators need to be willing to keep learning new things and keep their knowledge up to date.
Software solutions to integrate CNC processes that need to be mastered are continually being developed by companies such as Autodesk, which is constantly creating new software solutions. The operators of new machinery and more sophisticated machine tools are required to maintain a strong relationship with technological advancements.
They calibrate all machines to ensure that they are operating at the best possible efficiency. CNC machinists form and carve various materials, including metals, polymers, and wood, to produce specialized machinery and tools. In addition, they collaborate closely with other pieces of additional industrial apparatus, including grinders, borers, hydraulic presses, and cranes.
The duties of a CNC operator include loading stock material and running machining processes. CNC operators are professionals with an entry-level education. To guarantee that the finished products satisfy the criteria, they check that the CNC machining complies with the specifications.
CNC operators typically contribute to the initialization and ongoing management of CNC equipment and machines. Reading machine blueprints and specifications, inspecting and measuring finished products, loading raw materials, and inspecting and measuring finished products, are some of the daily tasks associated with this profession.
So when exactly does a person who operates a CNC machine become a machinist? In principle, a person might operate a CNC lathe or mill for years without the knowledge, foundation, or mechanical ability to call themselves a machinist. This is because machinists are required to have a certain level of mechanical aptitude.
To become a CNC machinist, knowing how to operate a CNC machine tool or write an appropriate G-code program is not enough. The job demands much more than that. Instead, one can pursue a job as a machinist if one so chooses. There is a possibility that this is the next step for a CNC operator; nevertheless, while all machinists are probably qualified to work as CNC operators, not all CNC operators will go on to become machinists.
According to a survey that the CBIA carried out in 2017, over three-quarters of manufacturers believe that their most recent hires lack great punctuality, work ethic, and technical skills. A few examples of technical skills include reading blueprints and running CNC machines.
More specifically, almost nine out of ten polled responded that when it comes to their forthcoming hiring cycles, they want to give preference to applicants who have experience with CNC machining as well as knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerance. Aside from having experience in CNC machining, these are the primary technical competencies employers search for when hiring machinists.
Today, less than a third of companies offer training in those mentioned above manufacturing-preferred technical skills. Instruction in technical writing and reading is offered in only eighteen percent of the nation’s schools.
With the advent of increasingly sophisticated automation and artificial intelligence systems, it would be reasonable to suppose that the skilled operation of CNC machine tools will become increasingly unnecessary. This is not always the case. More technically adept operators will be needed as software and hardware advance, particularly for troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
Due to the increased efficiency and streamlined workflow between design and final manufacture, operators will be required to have expertise in all facets of the production process, not only computer and machine operation. So being well aware of the responsibilities you may have to handle in this role and polishing essential skills and knowledge per these responsibilities is a better approach to ace your job as a CNC machinist.
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