Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is an incredibly detailed and helpful book for learning the concepts behind programming CNC machine tools. Although most programming is now done with the aid of CAM programs which generate G-code based on a drawing of the part to be machined, the complexities of CNC machining demand that the operator have a thorough understanding of CNC programming. From configuring a post processor in a CAM program, to fixing simple errors in a generated program "on the fly", to entering single lines in a machine's Manual Data Input mode, the helpfulness of this book cannot be understated. Besides programming tutorials, the book also covers strategies for programming various cycles and tool changes. The CD-ROM contains tests and projects which make this a useful textbook in a classroom setting.
The book begins with an overview of Numerical Control concepts, CNC Milling and Turning machines, coordinate geometry, and control systems. For the student or engineer producing drawings or parts that are to be machined, these sections will allow an understanding of what operations the machines are capable of performing, and how they do the work.
The remaining chapters deal with the planning and structure of a program, so that a drawing can be understood, the various machining operations separated, and the order of operations decided upon. In order to direct a machine to mill a particular pocket, you must include variables such as the diameter of an endmill, the amount of step over per pass, the feed rate, the spindle speed, the endmill shape, etc. This book gives you good practice at doing just that. A CNC machine tool is one of the few tools that is capable of self-destructing if you program it to do so, and it is only by understanding the instructions given to the tool that such disasters can be avoided and productive work be accomplished.
This book offers an incredibly detailed step-by-step explanation of all standard G-codes, modality, blocks, various functions, etc. For example, there is an entire chapter just on "G00". This book is exhaustive in it's treatment of all the possible commands and instructions, combinations, and interactions with machines. Toolchanging is handled, as well as special situations such as how to deal with an oversized tool in the ATC. Drill and fixed cycles are covered comprehensively, especially the calculations for such things as countersinking with a pilot drill, breakthrough depth, nominal and effective tool diameter, and point lengths.
The only negative thing I have to say is that there are some pretty bad grammar and syntax errors in some of the author's explanations that sometimes interfere with the comprehension of the material. I would expect a second edition of such a popular and widely read technical book to have had better proofreading than this.
Reading this book will not only make you a better CNC programmer, but it will unlock the potential of codes and techniques that you may not have known existed, or thought too complex to incorporate in your machining. There is no better guide to CNC programming than this book, and I highly recommend it.
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CNC Programming Handbook, 2nd Edition
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