CNC Basics 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Hardness and machinability rating

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

What does 'chip load' mean in CNC cutting?

Accepted Answer

The thickness of material removed by each cutting edge per revolution

Answer

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).

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Carbide withstands higher cutting temperatures and speeds

Answer

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

CNC - Cutting Practice Test

CNC - Cutting Practice Test

CNC Basics 3