Part program

A part program is a set of instructions that tells a machine how to work on a piece of material. These instructions are usually made using special computer programs called Computer-aided manufacturing. The instructions are then sent to a computer numerical control machine, such as a drill, lathe, mill, grinder, or router.

The CNC computer changes these instructions into a special language called G-code and M-code. The machine follows these commands one after another, from the top of the list to the bottom.

Sometimes, the same steps need to be done many times on many pieces. In these cases, canned cycles can be used to make the program shorter and easier to manage. A part might also need to be worked on by several different machines to create the final shape needed.

Types of operations

Different CNC machines have special names for the tasks they do to shape parts, like drilling or cutting. The choice between using a mill or a lathe depends on the shape of the part and how the machine can hold it. For very complex parts, several programs might be needed.

CNC Mill

• Contour milling
• Milling pockets
• Cutting slots
• Chamfering edges
• Thread milling
• Drilling holes
• Tapping holes

CNC Lathe

• Rough facing surfaces
• Finish facing surfaces
• Face drilling
• Cross drilling
• Face contouring
• Cutting threads
• Cutting grooves
• Cutting parts off