CNC Programming Handbook [With CDROM]

Over its first two editions, this best-selling book has become the de facto standard for training and reference material at all levels of CNC programming. Used in hundreds of educational institutions around the world as the primary text for CNC courses, and used daily by many in-field CNC programmers and machine operators, this book literally defines CNC programming. Written with careful attention to detail, there are no compromises. Many of the changes in this new Third Edition are the direct result of comments and suggestions received from many CNC professionals in the field. This extraordinarily comprehensive work continues to be packed with over one thousand illustrations, tables, formulas, tips, shortcuts, and practical examples.

The enclosed CD-ROM now contains a fully functional 15-day shareware version of CNC tool path editor/simulator, NCPlot(TM). This powerful, easy-to-learn software includes an amazing array of features, many not found in competitive products. NCPlot offers an unmatched combination of simplicity of use and richness of features. Support for many advanced control options is standard, including a macro interpreter that simulates Fanuc and similar macro programs.

The CD-ROM also offers many training exercises based on individual chapters, along with solutions and detailed explanations. Special programming and machining examples are provided as well, in form of complete machine files, useful as actual programming resources. Virtually all files use Adobe PDF format and are set to high resolution printing.

• Fully functional shareware version of CNC toolpath simulator/editor, NCPlot(TM), included on the CD-ROM. This powerful software includes an amazing array of features, including those not found in competitive products. Support for many advanced features is standard, and the included macro interpreter can simulate Fanuc and compatible macro toolpath programs
• Detailed section on CNC lathes with live tooling, including examples
• Image files of many actual parts, used as examples
• More programming examples (both in printed text and on the CD-ROM)
• Optimized for the latest Fanuc and related control systems
• Additional formulas, calculations and handy reference material
• Fourth axis programming (indexing and rotary)
• CD-ROM based projects, including several as interactive PDF forms
• Improved index for better search of topics

Peter Smid is a professional consultant, educator and speaker, with many years of practical, hands-on experience, in the industrial and educational fields. During his career, he has gathered an extensive experience with CNC and CAD/CAM applications on all levels. He consults to manufacturing industry and educational institutions on practical use of Computerized Numerical Control technology, part programming, Autocad(R), Mastercam(R) and other CAD/CAM software, as well as advanced machining, tooling, setup, and many other related fields. His comprehensive industrial background in CNC programming, machining and company-oriented training has assisted several hundred companies to benefit from his wide-ranging knowledge.

Mr. Smid's long time association with advanced manufacturing companies and CNC machinery vendors, as well as his affiliation with a number of Community and Technical College industrial technology programs and machine shop skills training, have enabled him to broaden his professional and consulting skills in the areas of CNC and CAD/CAM training, computer applications and needs analysis, software evaluation, system benchmarking, programming, hardware selection, software customizing, and operations management.

Over the years, Mr. Smid has developed and delivered hundreds of customized educational programs to thousands of instructors and students at colleges and universities across United States, Canada and Europe, as well as to a large number of manufacturing companies and private sector organizations and individuals. He has actively participated in many industrial trade shows, conferences, workshops and various seminars, including submission of papers, delivering presentations and a number of speaking engagements to professional organizations. He is also the author of articles and many in-house publications on the subject of CNC and CAD/CAM. For six years he had a monthly column in the ShopTalk Magazine related to CNC programming. During his many years as a highly respected professional in the CNC industrial and educational field, he has developed tens of thousands of pages of high quality training materials.