DISCUSSION

The purpose of this experiment is to learn and understand the use and capabilities of
computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine. First step to proceed this experiment, we
start with Computer Aided Design (CAD). CAD is used to make a design of a product. In CAD,
it involves a special symbolic programming languages or codes that determine the coordinate
points of corner, edges and surfaces of the work piece. Once the design is completed, we
supposedly transfer the coding that we made using ISO NC programmed to the CNC milling
machine.
For CNC milling machine, there are some advantages and disadvantages of this machine
that can be observed. The advantages of CNC milling machine is one person can supervise many
CNC machines as once they are programmed they can usually be left to work by themselves.
Sometimes only the cutting tools need replacing occasionally. By using this machine, we can
save our time and cost. For example, Modern design software allows the designer to simulate the
manufacture of our idea. There is no need to make a prototype or a model. This saves time and
money. Another advantage of this machine is it can produces a product with high accuracy of
dimensions.
When programmed correctly, CNC machines are usually 100% correct with what they
produce. This machine produce parts to maximum accuracy, provide good positional accuracy
and repeatability and provide a high degree of quality because of their accuracy and their ability
to reuse programs. Then, one of the disadvantages of using this machine is that since it is
computerized, we cannot suddenly stop it if anything in dimensions or adjustments went wrong.
The other disadvantage is certain features are not possible, including internal shapes or parts.
Besides, size limitations depend on the actual CNC machine used.
The CNC milling machine consists of several features for it to function. Firstly, this
machine has its feed rate which is how much the tool cuts the work piece per minute. This feed
rate is important so that work piece would have better surface finish. For the next features of this
machine is it has two reference points which are machine tool datum and the work piece datum.
Then, this machine has three axes which are Y-axis, X-axis and Z-axis. These axes are important

as it determines the direction of the tool to cut the product. Then, this machine operates with the
instruction G-codes and M-codes. Every code has different functions that need to be performed
by the machine.
From doing the lab session, we can observe and learn on how to use the CNC milling
machine. When setting the reference point, the tool is set to diameter 4 mm. We manually set the
coordinates of the reference point by using small piece of paper. After the codes were set up, we
can test the program by pressing the draw button.
We can see some defects occur on the work piece. The most obvious defect is surface was
not smooth as there are lines or scratch on the surface that can be seen clearly. This happen
because we did not change the cutting tool. When we program it supposedly there are time when
the machine will stop operate to change the tool. This should happen when it is the time to do the
finishing process. We continuously using the same cutting tool until the program end. This is
why the surface finish of the work piece was not smooth. The smoothness on the surface of the
final product also can be improves by increasing the spindle rotation speed and decreased feed
rate of material. This step produces applies a finer finish to the piece.