There are many terms to know and understand in the machining industry. If you are just getting started in the industry, we have designed this list to better prepare you for the job.

Absolute Programming - All the coordinates come from the origin point. The CNC program code to be in absolute mode is G90.

Boring - A machining process used to enlarge a hole. It uses a cutting tool called a bore.

Clockwise Interpolation - A controlled way to move a cutting tool in a clockwise direction on an arc. It is programmed by using a G2.

CNC - CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It involves a computerized control and a machine tool which is programmed to remove material from a workpiece.

Counterclockwise Interpolation - A controlled way to move a cutting tool in a counterclockwise direction on an arc. It is programmed by using a G3.

Cutter - See Cutting Tool definition

Cutter Comp - See Cutter Compensation definition

Cutter Compensation - This is a shift that is programmed that allows the CNC program to use different diameter cutting tools. This allows for a way to compensate for cutting tool size, cutter tool wear and cutting tool defection.

Cutter Compensation Left - Programmed as a G41. This is the direction of the cut, and the cutting tool is to the left of the material.

Cutter Compensation Right- Programmed as a G42. This is the direction of the cut, and the cutting tool is to the right of the material.

Cutting Tool - A tool used to cut or remove material from a workpiece. They could be tools like endmills or drills.

Cycle Start - A button on the CNC controller that starts the CNC program. The Button is typically green.

Drill - A tool with a pointed end that has cutting edges for removing material. They are used for making holes in the workpiece.

Dwell - A slight pause in the CNC program usually used to break chips or size a part. It is programmed by using a G4.

Endmill - A type of milling cutter, typically used on a milling machine. The Endmill has cutting teeth on the end of the shank.

G Code - A programming language used to tell CNC machines how to make the workpiece. The cutting tool is moved by the programmed toolpath.

Incremental Programming - The machine will move a distance which is dependent on its current position. It is programmed with a G91.

Lathe - A machine tool that can rotate the workpiece to typically preform turning and drilling operations on the workpiece.

Linear Feed - A way to move the cutting tool at a controlled federate. It is programmed in the CNC machine as a G1.

Machine - To make components on a machine. To operate a machine tool.

Machine Tool - A machine used in metal cutting that can operate by cutting, grinding, drilling, or boring material. Machine tools use cutting tools to remove material.

Machining - A controlled process in which material is removed and the part is cut into a final shape. A machine tool is used in the controlled process.

Machinist - A trained professional who operates a machine tool. They have knowledge of tooling applications and preform setups on mills, lathes, and grinding machine tools.

Milling Machine - A machine that uses a rotary cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece. The machine typically has several axes of operation, and it controls the speed and feed of the cutting tool.

Rapid Traverse - A way to move the cutting tool around the workpiece as fast as possible. It is programmed in the CNC machine as a G0.

Reamer - A cutting tool used to finish a hole. It enlarges a hole by a small amount to provide for an accurate hole.

Rotary Table - A device that allows work positioning. It allows the workpiece to be machined at exact intervals around an axis which is fixed.

Tapping - A machining process that uses a cutting tool called a tap to put threads in a part.

Tool Path - A programmed path that the cutting tool takes to cut the material. The tool path is programmed in G code programming.

Work Coordinate System - A system to define where the workpiece location is. They are usually programmed using G54 through G59.