Practice Test GeeksCNC - Cutting Practice Test
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Basics Flashcards

7 cards from real CNC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which material property most directly influences the recommended cutting speed for CNC operations?

    Answer: Hardness and machinability rating

    A material's hardness and machinability rating determine how aggressively it can be cut, directly setting the recommended surface feet per minute.

  2. What is the function of cutter radius compensation (G41/G42) in CNC programming?

    Answer: It offsets the tool path to account for the physical radius of the cutter

    G41/G42 shifts the programmed tool path left or right by the cutter's radius so the part profile is cut to exact dimensions.

  3. What does 'chip load' mean in CNC cutting?

    Answer: The thickness of material removed by each cutting edge per revolution

    Chip load (feed per tooth) is the thickness of material removed by one flute in one revolution, calculated as feed rate divided by (RPM × number of flutes).

  4. Which of the following best describes a 'work offset' (G54–G59) in CNC machining?

    Answer: A stored coordinate that defines the workpiece zero relative to the machine zero

    Work offsets store the distance from the machine's home position to the workpiece zero, allowing programs to reference part coordinates independently of machine position.

  5. What is the main advantage of using carbide inserts over high-speed steel (HSS) tools for CNC cutting?

    Answer: Carbide withstands higher cutting temperatures and speeds

    Carbide's higher heat resistance allows it to run at significantly faster cutting speeds than HSS, improving productivity and extending tool life.

  6. What happens when the radial depth of cut (stepover) is increased during CNC milling?

    Answer: Cutting forces increase and more heat is generated

    A larger stepover engages more of the cutter simultaneously, raising cutting forces, heat generation, and tool wear.

  7. In CNC programming, what does a negative Z value typically indicate when using a standard right-hand coordinate system?

    Answer: Movement downward, into the workpiece

    In the standard CNC right-hand coordinate system, the Z-axis positive direction is away from the workpiece (tool retracting), so negative Z moves the tool into the part.