Glossary of Terms
A spindle motor with a pneumatically clamped toolholder.
Axis
An independent direction of motion. Can be linear or rotary.
The amount of free movement between a ball screw and nut. Can be recognized by a different machining position when the same coordinate is approached from the other direction.
Ball Nut
A device that carries one to four circuits of ball bearings. The bearings rotate through to allow the ball nut to move back and forth on a lead screw to create linear motion.
Ball Screw
Also called Lead Screw or Jack Screw. A threaded shaft that provides a spiral raceway for ball bearings which act as a precision screw for translating rotational motion to linear motion.
Bevel Block Assembly
Motionmaster specific. An aluminum casing carrying a bevel gear and pinion. Used as part of a rotary axis drive system.
Bridge
A stationary cross-beam which holds the spindle over a moving table.
Computer Numerical Control
Collet
A holding device that forms a collar around a cutting tool and exerts a strong clamping force on the tool when it is tightened via a tapered outer collar.
Commutation
The action of steering currents or voltages to the proper motor phases so as to produce optimum motor torque.
Controller
A computer that reads a set of instructions and relays them as a set of electronic signals to a servo system, pneumatic system, or VFD.
Cover Nut
A tapered coller which is screwed onto a toolholder or spindle to secure the collet and create a holding force on the cutting tool.
Cycle Start
The manual control to start an NC program.
Cycle Stop
The manual control to pause an NC program.
Also called Emergency Stop. A state in which all motion is inhibited, and all electronic signals to the spindle are ceased.
Emergency Stop
Also called E Stop. A state in which all motion is inhibited, and all electronic signals to the spindle are ceased.
Encoder
A sensor or transducer for converting rotary motion or position to a series of electronic pulses.
When the encoder is not communicating with the controller.
Feedrate Override
A knob located on the Machine Operator Panel or Remote used to manually slow down an NC program.
Following Error
When the commanded and actual position are not the same.
1. The language read by the controller, it is made up of several commands that begin in G, M, S or T. 2. A command beginning with G to tell the controller what to do. May relate to a movement or axis translation.
Gantry
A moving cross-beam driven by two synchronous servo motors, which moves the spindle over a stationary table.
Gear
A gear wheel is a wheel with teeth around its circumference, the purpose of the teeth being to mesh with similar teeth on another mechanical device -- possibly another gear wheel -- so that force can be transmitted between the two devices in a direction tangential to their surfaces.
Global Parameter
A variable used from within a program with a set value that does not change at the end of the program.
Also called Proximity Switch. This senses the presence of a ferrous material. May be used inside a spindle to sense a toolholder or may be used as a limit switch.
Handwheel
Also called Remote. 1. A handheld box that is connected to the controller by a cord which allows for the control of one or more axes at a time. 2. The movement control dial located on such a box.
Hard Stop
A physical barrier located at the end of an axis to prevent the machine from over-travelling and crashing.
Home
A reference point with repeatable coordinates that the controller recognizes.
HSK
A toolholder standard size used with larger diameter shafts. The toolholder may be differentiated from an ISO 40 toolholder because it is hollow in the end rather than conical.
To manually move the machine a set distance with each button push.
Inverter
Also called Variable Frequency Drive or VFD. Electronic equipment that allows an electric motor to be run at varying rotational speeds.
VFDs are frequently used to start large three-phase AC synchronous spindle motors.
ISO 30
A standard size of toolholder with a conical shape and pull stud. ISO 30 toolholders have a 2" nominal diameter.
ISO 40
A standard size of toolholder differentiated from an HSK toolholder by its conical shape and pull stud. ISO 40 toolholders have a 2-1/2" nominal diameter.
To manually move the machine head with a button on the Machine Operator Panel or Remote. The machine will move until the button is released.
Also called Ball Screw. A threaded shaft that provides a spiral raceway for ball bearings which act as a precision screw for translating rotational motion to linear motion.
Left Handed Cover Nut
A cover nut that loosens by turning to the right, as it has a left-handed thread.
Limit Switch
A sensor that indicates the end of an axis. Usually pressure activated, but can be a Hall Effect Sensor.
Linear Guide
Also called Runner Block. A casing containing two or four circuits of ball bearings that slides along a precisely fitted rail.
A code read by the controller. An M code activates a solenoid or relay.
Machine Operator Panel
The interface between the operator and the controller. This will be a panel consisting of many knobs and buttons.
Machine Parameter
A variable that is associated with some aspect of the controller's performance, such as homing speed or backlash.
Manual Tool Change Spindle
A spindle motor with a cutting tool that can only be removed with a spanner wrench.
A program consisting of M, G, S, and T Codes that can be read by the CNC Controller.
A casing similar to a runner block, but used on a round way.
Pitch
Longitudinal distance of travel per turn of the lead screw.
Pneumatics
A system of devices that use compressed air for power.
Post Processor
A back-end program used in conjunction with drafting software to convert a drawing into G Code.
Proximity Switch
Also called Hall Effect Sensor. This senses the presence of a ferrous material. May be used inside a spindle to sense a toolholder or may be used as a limit switch.
Pulley
Also called Synchronous Drive. This toothed cylinder attaches to a shaft to transfer motion from one shaft to another with a timing belt.
Also called Way. A precision linear metal bar that the linear guides can slide on to create smooth, straight motion.
Reference Point
Also called Home. An indexed point with repeatable coordinates that the controller recognizes.
Remote
Also called Teach Pendant or Handwheel. A handheld box that is connected to the controller usually by a cord which allows for the control of the machine. Remotes can have varying functions.
Retract Cylinder
A pneumatic cylinder used to counterbalance the vertical axes.
RS 232
A communications cable between a PC and the controller. Cables may have different pinouts for different controllers.
Runner Block
Linear Guide. A casing containing two or four circuits of ball bearings that slides along a precisely fitted rail.
A circuit card that acts as an amplifier that turns +10V into +100V to drive the servo motor.
Servo Motor, DC
A variable speed motor that rotates a specified amount in order for an axis to reach the desired setpoint, usually consisting of an Armature, Tachometer and Encoder.
Soft Limit
A parameter entered into the controller that limits the axis movement.
Spanner Wrench
A specially shaped wrench used with a standard crescent wrench for loosening and tightening the cover nut on a manual tool change spindle or toolholder.
Spindle Motor
A motor which holds a cutting tool.
Synchronous Drive Belt
Also called Timing Belt. A rubber/kevlar band with teeth used to transfer motion from one pulley to another. Standard widths, lengths, and tooth sizes exist.
Also called Remote. A handheld box that is connected to the controller, usually by a cord which allows for the control of one axis at a time, or for teaching the machine location into an NC program.
Timing Belt
Also called Synchronous Drive Belt. A rubber/kevlar band with teeth used to transfer motion from one pulley to another. Standard widths, lengths, and tooth sizes exist.
Tool Clip
A horseshoe shaped device mounted to the machine for holding onto a toolholder that is not currently in use by an automatic tool changing spindle motor.
Tool Length Sensor
This length measurement sensor enables automatic tool length measuring. After a tool-change, the workpiece zero-point at the Z-axis will be calculated automatically again.
Toolholder
A device that holds a cutting tool, which clamps pneumatically into the spindle motor. Can be ISO 30, ISO 40, or HSK.
Also called Inverter or VFD. Electronic equipment that allows an electric motor to be run at varying rotational speeds.
VFDs are frequently used to start large three-phase AC synchronous spindle motors.
VFD
Also called Inverter or Variable Frequency Drive. Electronic equipment that allows an electric motor to be run at varying rotational speeds.
VFDs are frequently used to start large three-phase AC synchronous spindle motors.
Also called Rail. A precision linear metal bar that the linear guides can slide on to create smooth, straight motion.