This is a basic CNC milling course designed for people with some knowledge and experience of the machining process and CNC controls but who want to fully understand the various aspects of the CNC milling process to better enable them to set up and optimise production jobs.

What You Will Gain

• Master the principles of standard machining configurations, work holding, and zero-point fixturing across 3-, 4-, and 5-axis systems.

• Calculate optimal speeds and feeds, detect tool wear patterns, and adjust wear offsets accurately.

• Perform safe part-setting, program prove-outs, and datum checks using MDI and automated probing systems.

• Develop custom part-setting check sheets and optimise CNC programs to eliminate unnecessary rapid movements.

• Earn CPD certification accredited through Engineers Ireland to support your professional technical development.

What to Expect

• Three days of intensive, hands-on practical instruction at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) in Mullingar.

• Comprehensive coverage of machine safety, interface controls, tooling strategies, coolant management, and inspection techniques.

• Real-world test-cutting scenarios and troubleshooting exercises using precision measurement equipment.

Agenda

Day 1 (27th October): Module 1 – Machine Types and Milling Basics

1. Machine health and Safety – PPE, interlocks, emergency stops

2. Standard machining configurations – 3, 4, & 5 axis – vertical, horizontal, VTC etc

3. Machine interface. Program start, stop, wear/off set pages. Edit/Auto pages, Program call up

4. Clearance areas within the machine – what to watch out for.

5. Types of work holding – Vice, hard jaw, soft jaw- setting up of single and multiple vices.

6. Zero point fixturing, self centering

7. Basic tools paths and how to identify –facing, shoulder milling, slot milling, climb milling V conventional milling. Typical parameters for each – what to/ not to do.

8. Basic machining strategies – tapping, thread milling, reaming, boring. Typical parameters for each – what to/ not to do.

Day 2 (28th October): Module 2 – Tool Management and Part Inspection

1. Changing of tools and tips, proper placement, cleaning, care of tool and screws

2. Feeds and Speeds – calculation of

3. How to recognise when a tool is worn. How to identify wear patterns.

4. Changing of wear offsets. How to, why to, what happens when you don’t

5. Cutting conditions – swarf control, sound of proper cutting/ boring, drilling, chip breaking.

6. Cutting conditions – coolant management, importance of coolant in the proper position and how swarf can impact.

7. Part inspection and proper use of inspection equipment – verniers, micro-meter, slips.

Day 3 (29th October): Module 3 – Part Setting and Prove-Out

1. Datums – what are they, how to set, how to check through MDI or auto run so as not to crash into part

2. Probing systems

3. Proving out of programs – approach to, interferences,

4. Optimisation of programs – reduced rapid movements, tool station configurations.

5. Each to develop check sheet for part setting

6. Scenarios and test cuts on parts.

Registration

• This is an invite only training, places are strictly limited to 8 attendees.

• Please use the coupon code provided by the organiser on the ticket checkout page.

• Please have your e-ticket ready on your mobile device or as a printed copy upon check-in.

• Ticket is €3,125, fully funded by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the European Commission through the Digital Europe Programme, the FactoryXChange EDIH.