Training Courses

In-Person

Basic Class
Best for students with no prior CNC experience
This class will cover an introduction to CNC’s.  We will cover the environmental and mechanical components of the machine along with basic servo theory. 
We will disassemble and reassemble the simulator.  While doing this, we will look at the major components and discuss how their failure will impact the machine.  We will discuss slideways, ballscrews, tool changers, lubrication systems and bearings.  We will also look at the high voltage components such as motor contactors, relays, transformers and power supplies.  We will go through the proper procedure to check a motor and cable for shorts.

Intermediate Class
Best for students with prior experience in the mechanical aspects of CNC
This class will cover the interface between the CNC, Ladder logic and machine tool.  We will discuss how signals are sent from the machine side, processed in the ladder logic, and then sent to the CNC.  We will cover a number of diagnostic screens that are used to troubleshoot the machine.  These will include the status screen, trace function, operator history, FSSB and alarm history.  We will also be troubleshooting a number of servo related alarms.  Backlash compensation, grid shift and reference return procedures will be covered.

Advanced Class
Best for students looking to go from “Pretty Good” to “Expert”
This class will build upon the information learned in the intermediate class.  Here we will be taking a detailed look at the CNC to PMC addresses.  This is where you will learn to troubleshoot issues such as an intermittent feed hold, axis interlock, M-code failures and others.  
We will look closely at a number of CNC parameters and diagnostics.  We will demonstrate how to enable and disable scale feedback systems.  Multiple labs using ladder logic function statements will provide the students with hands on troubleshooting techniques. 

Custom Class
Covers potential issues on machines in your facility
This is an advanced class that uses the ladder logic and I/O configuration from machines used on your shop floor.  We will use this information to closely examine how your equipment is interfaced and how to go about troubleshooting it.  I will modify the schematics with pictures to help identify the primary components along with troubleshooting notes.  Please contact us for additional information regarding the types of controls that this can be used with and necessary documentation.

Online-Classroom

Basic Classes
Screen Navigation for CNC Troubleshooting
This hands on class will cover the various screens used in diagnosing problems on a CNC control. On the CNC side, we will be covering Position, Program and the Offset / Settings pages. A considerable amount of time will be spent on the System pages. This will include parameters, diagnostics, servo settings, configuration and others. On the PMC side we will be looking at the PMC maintenance pages including the status and force screens, I/O link configurations, timers, counters and PMC errors. We will also be going over the ladder logic screen navigation and settings pages. The configuration pages will include information on alarm messages, system display and troubleshooting.
Machine Backup and Parameter Settings
In this session we will backup all of the critical data on a machine tool and cover the restore process. Next, we will go through a large number of common parameters that should be adjusted by the end user for proper machine maintenance.

Advanced Classes
M-codes
This class will discuss what an M-code actually is, how it’s created and read by the CNC. We will go through chasing an M-code through the ladder logic and diagnose problems encountered with them. This class has an extensive lab in which the student will execute M-codes and chase problems created by them through the ladder.

Machine Tool Builder Alarms
Fanuc / Mitsubishi / Okuma / Yaskawa / Siemens sold you a motion control device. It makes motors move. If they don’t do what they are supposed to, the Fanuc / Mitsubishi / Okuma / Yaskawa / Siemens controls throws up an alarm. All of the other components on a machine are controlled by the machine tool builder. This builder will install alarms in the machine. Some of these can be confusing. This class shows you how to chase the alarms through the ladder logic to find the resolution. In the labs for this class, the students will initiate an alarm, locate the cause of the alarm and find the resolution.

Timers and Counters
In this lab the students will be introduced to multiple types of counters and timers that are used in the Fanuc / Mitsubishi / Okuma / Yaskawa / Siemens ladder logic. You will learn the difference between variable and fixed function statements. Alarms will be induced into the machine that will make use of these functions. Students must use these settings to diagnose the resolution.

Move Statements
This training sessions is a follow up to the timers and counters lab. You will make use of the Move function statements in the Fanuc / Mitsubishi / Okuma / Yaskawa / Siemens ladder logic. Learn how items, such as alarm messages, are moved around in the ladder. Once again, alarms will be introduced into the machine. Using what you learn in this class, solve the issue on the machine.

Data Tables
Data tables have grown in popularity. These are used by many machine builders to enable and disable machine functions. They are also used to store information such as, tool registry information, tool usage and the status of items like pallet changers and tool changers. The data table control page will be covered in great detail, along with how to protect the data tables from being altered.

Trace Functions
The trace function is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools built into the Fanuc / Mitsubishi / Okuma / Yaskawa / Siemens control. It’s grown up considerably since the first version came out. This can be used to capture intermittent problems on a machine. For example, the machine randomly goes into a feed hold condition. It only happens once or twice a day. Use the trace to find out why. Think of it as a strip recorder on steroids.