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Last month I wrote about our Pre-Pilot Assessment program. Nineteen companies from around the United States and Canada volunteered to “test” the usefulness of the Skills Standards in their companies. Of those, 12 completed their testing and returned their evaluations of the program — not bad considering the quick turnaround which was required of them. The overwhelming response was positive; they liked the concept and the ability to evaluate their employees. We are currently reviewing their comments and using the feedback to help shape the Pilot Program, which will formally be launched at AWFS in Las Vegas this July. WCANA would like to acknowledge and thank to the following companies for participating in our Pre-Pilot and providing feedback:

• DeLeers Millwork (Green Bay, Wis.)
• Wisconsin Built (Deerfield, Wis.)
• Central Plains Millwork (Lincoln, Neb.)
• The Anthony Galluzzo Company (Londonderry, N.H.)
• Louisville Lumber (Louisville, Ky.)
• TMI Systems Design Corporation (Dickinson, N.D.)
• Salina Planing Mill (Salina, Kas.)
• Rowland Woodworking (High Point, N.C.)
• Pearson Millwork (Arlington, Wash.)
• Nikolai Manufacturing (New Westminster, British Columbia)
• Ivan C. Dutterer (Hanover, Pa.)
• Westmark Products (Tacoma, Wash.)

This month’s standard focuses on the CNC Machining Center. Given the vast array of machine types, this is a challenging area to write specific, meaningful standards, while being general enough to be universally applicable. This standard is a work in progress, so if you have ideas and opinions on how it can be improved, please consider contributing your talents. Information on how to get involved is included at the end of this article.

CNC MACHINING CENTER

Considerations
• Preoperation Checklist is a prerequisite for ANY operation.
• Manufacturer’s safety rules and guidelines are followed.
• Panel support rails (if present) are used to assist with large panel movement and placement.
• Tooling requirements are reviewed and requisite tooling on the machine verified.
• Operator does not reach into the machine processing area while the machine is in operation.
• Operator clears machine and cleans work area after use.
• Required OSHA approved personal protective equipment is worn.
• Lockout/Tag-out procedure is in place and followed by everyone.

3-AXIS VACUUM POD CNC MACHINING CENTERS

Preoperation Checklist

Level 1
• Verifies vacuum pod gaskets or table surface gaskets are free of cuts, tears and defects.
• Inspects panel material for nails, staples or foreign materials before processing.
• Verifies scrap and offal is removed from the machine prior to processing panel or program.

Level 2
• Inspects tooling apparatus for proper function.
• Inspects and positions vacuum apparatus and support beams.
• Meets Level 1 performance standard.

Level 3
• Sets program and performs dry run prior to production.
• Meets Level 1 and Level 2 performance standards.

OPERATION — ROUTING, GROOVING & BORING

Level 1

Given a CNC vacuum pod machine that is properly set up, adjusted, with the correctly calibrated tooling, and the material ready to be processed, load and execute the machining operation.

Performance Standard
• Properly positions stock for machining.
• Activates vacuum system and assures stock is properly secured.
• Dimension tolerance is within ±0.004 in. [0.1mm].
• Removes finished piece and clears machine for next run.

Level 2

Given a CNC vacuum pod machine and specifications, set up tooling, then execute the machining operation.

Performance Standard
• Selects and installs tooling to meet machining specifications.
• Adjusts and modifies existing programs as necessary.
• Enters tool values into the tool database.
• Determines machining accuracy and quality of cut.
• Identifies and resolves machine operation faults.
• Selects machine operation functions and options.
• Meets Level 1 performance standard.

Level 3

Given a CNC vacuum pod machine and specifications, program, set up, then execute the machining operation.

Performance Standard

Programming
• Programs parts.
• Programs vacuum pod locations.
• Designs and constructs unique part fixtures.

Troubleshoot Product
• Verifies finished product measurements to design specifications.
• Verifies tooling is processing ±0.004 in. [0.1mm].
• Analyzes and corrects machining defects (quality of edges, holes).
• Meets Level 1 and Level 2 performance standards.