Machining Viva Questions and Answers

Q: What is machining?

A: Machining is a process that involves using tools and machinery to shape or cut raw materials into specific shapes or sizes.

Q: What are some common types of machining?

A: Some common types of machining include turning, milling, drilling, and grinding.

Q: What is turning?

A: Turning is a type of machining that involves rotating a workpiece while a cutting tool is held against it to remove material and create a cylindrical shape.

Q: What is milling?

A: Milling is a type of machining that involves using a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece and create complex shapes or features.

Q: What is drilling?

A: Drilling is a type of machining that involves using a rotating cutting tool to create cylindrical holes in a workpiece.

Q: What is grinding?

A: Grinding is a type of machining that involves using an abrasive wheel or belt to remove material from a workpiece and create a smooth or precise surface finish.

Q: What are some common materials that can be machined?

A: Some common materials that can be machined include metals like steel, aluminum, and brass, as well as plastics and composites.

Q: What is a CNC machine?

A: A CNC (computer numerical control) machine is a type of machining equipment that is controlled by a computer program and can automatically perform complex machining operations with high precision and accuracy.

Q: What is a lathe?

A: A lathe is a type of machining tool that rotates a workpiece on its axis while a cutting tool is held against it to remove material and create a cylindrical shape.

Q: What is a milling machine?

A: A milling machine is a type of machining tool that uses a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece and create complex shapes or features.

Q: What is a drill press?

A: A drill press is a type of machining tool that uses a rotating cutting tool to create cylindrical holes in a workpiece.

Q: What is a surface grinder?

A: A surface grinder is a type of machining tool that uses an abrasive wheel or belt to remove material from a workpiece and create a smooth or precise surface finish.

Q: What is CNC programming?

A: CNC programming involves creating a computer program that controls the movements and actions of a CNC machine in order to perform specific machining operations.

Q: What is a tolerance in machining?

A: Tolerance refers to the acceptable range of deviation from a specified measurement or dimension in a machined part. In other words, it's the amount of variation that is allowed from the ideal measurement or dimension.

Q: What is a chip in machining?

A: A chip is a small piece of material that is removed from a workpiece during machining. Chips can vary in size and shape depending on the type of machining process being used and the material being machined.

Q: What is a cutting speed in machining?

A: Cutting speed refers to the speed at which a cutting tool moves across a workpiece during machining. It is usually measured in surface feet per minute (SFPM) or meters per minute (m/min).

Q: What is a feed rate in machining?

A: Feed rate refers to the speed at which a cutting tool moves through a workpiece during machining. It is usually measured in inches per minute (IPM) or millimeters per minute (mm/min).

Q: What is a coolant in machining?

A: A coolant is a fluid that is used during machining to help reduce heat buildup and prevent damage to the cutting tool or workpiece. Coolants can also help improve surface finish and extend the life of the cutting tool.

Q: What is the difference between roughing and finishing in machining?

A: Roughing is a type of machining that removes a large amount of material from a workpiece to prepare it for further machining operations, while finishing is a type of machining that creates a smooth or precise surface finish on a workpiece.

Q: What is a reamer in machining?

A: A reamer is a cutting tool that is used to create smooth and precise cylindrical holes in a workpiece that have a tight tolerance.

Q: What is a broach in machining?

A: A broach is a cutting tool that is used to create irregular shapes or contours in a workpiece that cannot be created with other types of machining tools.

Q: What is a jig in machining?

A: A jig is a type of tooling that is used to hold a workpiece in place during machining operations, ensuring that it stays in a specific position and orientation.

Q: What is a fixture in machining?

A: A fixture is a type of tooling that is used to hold a workpiece in place during machining operations, ensuring that it stays in a specific position and orientation.

Q: What is a tap in machining?

A: A tap is a cutting tool that is used to create threads in a hole that has already been drilled or bored into a workpiece.

Q: What is a die in machining?

A: A die is a cutting tool that is used to create threads on the outside of a cylindrical workpiece.

Q: What is a chamfer in machining?

A: A chamfer is a beveled edge that is created on the surface of a workpiece, typically to help prevent sharp edges or to improve the fit of two parts.

Q: What is a radius in machining?

A: A radius is a curved edge that is created on the surface of a workpiece, typically to help prevent sharp edges or to improve the fit of two parts.

Q: What is a surface finish in machining?

A: A surface finish refers to the quality and smoothness of the surface of a machined part, which can affect its performance, appearance, and durability.

Q: What is a cutting tool in machining?

A: A cutting tool is a type of tool that is used to remove material from a workpiece during machining operations.

Q: What is a tool holder in machining?

A: A tool holder is a type of tooling that is used to hold a cutting tool in place during machining operations, ensuring that it stays in a specific position and orientation.

Q: What is a spindle in machining?

A: A spindle is a rotating shaft that is used to hold and rotate a cutting tool during machining operations.

Q: What is a chuck in machining?

A: A chuck is a type of tooling that is used to hold a workpiece in place during machining operations, typically by gripping it with jaws or other clamping mechanisms.

Q: What is a collet in machining?

A: A collet is a type of tooling that is used to hold a cutting tool in place during machining operations, typically by gripping it with a sleeve that can be tightened or loosened.

Q: What is a toolpath in machining?

A: A toolpath is the path that a cutting tool follows during a machining operation, which is determined by the programming of the CNC machine.

Q: What is a work offset in machining?

A: A work offset is a reference point or coordinate system that is used to position a workpiece in a CNC machine for machining operations.

Q: What is a milling machine in machining?

A: A milling machine is a type of machine tool that uses rotating cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece to create a desired shape.

Q: What is a lathe in machining?

A: A lathe is a machine tool that rotates a workpiece while a cutting tool is used to remove material from the workpiece to create a desired shape.

Q: What is a drill press in machining?

A: A drill press is a machine tool that uses a rotating drill bit to create holes in a workpiece.

Q: What is a CNC machine in machining?

A: A CNC machine is a type of machine tool that is controlled by a computer program, allowing for precise and repeatable machining operations.

Q: What is a CAM system in machining?

A: A CAM system is a computer-aided manufacturing system that generates a toolpath for a CNC machine based on a 3D model of a part.

Q: What is a CAD system in machining?

A: A CAD system is a computer-aided design system that is used to create 3D models of parts or products that can be used in CAM systems for machining operations.

Q: What is a spindle speed in machining?

A: Spindle speed refers to the speed at which the spindle of a machine tool rotates, which can affect the quality and efficiency of machining operations.

Q: What is a feed rate in machining?

A: Feed rate refers to the rate at which a cutting tool moves through a workpiece during a machining operation, which can affect the quality and efficiency of machining operations.

Q: What is a chip in machining?

A: A chip is a piece of material that is removed from a workpiece during a machining operation, typically in the form of small, curled pieces.

Q: What is a coolant in machining?

A: A coolant is a fluid that is used to cool and lubricate cutting tools during machining operations, helping to prevent overheating and prolong tool life.

Q: What is a cutting speed in machining?

A: Cutting speed refers to the speed at which a cutting tool moves through a workpiece during a machining operation, which can affect the quality and efficiency of machining operations.

Q: What is a depth of cut in machining?

A: Depth of cut refers to the distance that a cutting tool penetrates into a workpiece during a machining operation, which can affect the quality and efficiency of machining operations.

Q: What is a tool life in machining?

A: Tool life refers to the amount of time or number of parts that a cutting tool can be used before it becomes too worn or damaged to continue producing quality parts.

Q: What is a workholding device in machining?

A: A workholding device is a tooling component that is used to hold a workpiece in place during machining operations, ensuring that it stays in a specific position and orientation.

Q: What is a zero point in machining?

A: A zero point is a reference point or coordinate system that is used to position a workpiece or cutting tool in a machine for machining operations.

Q: What is a tolerance in machining?

A: A tolerance is a specified range of acceptable deviation from a desired measurement or specification in a machined part.

Q: What is a surface roughness in machining?

A: Surface roughness refers to the texture or quality of the surface of a machined part, which can affect its performance, appearance, and durability.

Q: What is a burr in machining?

A: A burr is a rough edge or protrusion that is left on a machined part after a cutting operation.

Q: What is a hob in machining?

A: A hob is a cutting tool that is used to generate gears or splines by removing material from a workpiece in a controlled manner.

Q: What is a broach in machining?

A: A broach is a cutting tool that is used to remove material from a workpiece by pulling or pushing it through a series of teeth or cutting edges.

Q: What is a reamer in machining?

A: A reamer is a cutting tool that is used to smooth and enlarge a hole in a workpiece, typically to improve its accuracy and finish.

Q: What is a tap in machining?

A: A tap is a cutting tool that is used to create threads in a hole by removing material in a controlled manner.

Q: What is a die in machining?

A: A die is a cutting tool that is used to create threads on a workpiece by pressing it against a complementary shape, typically in the form of a bolt or screw.

Q: What is a punch in machining?

A: A punch is a tool that is used to create holes in a workpiece or to form it into a specific shape by applying pressure in a controlled manner.

Q: What is a die set in machining?

A: A die set is a set of tools that are used together to create a specific shape or form on a workpiece, typically by pressing it between two dies.

Q: What is a gauge in machining?

A: A gauge is a tool that is used to measure or verify the accuracy of a machined part or feature, typically by comparing it to a standard or specification.

Q: What is a fixture in machining?

A: A fixture is a device that is used to hold a workpiece in a specific position or orientation during machining operations, typically to ensure accuracy and repeatability.

Q: What is a jig in machining?

A: A jig is a device that is used to guide or support a cutting tool during machining operations, typically to ensure accuracy and repeatability.

Q: What is a burr grinder in machining?

A: A burr grinder is a type of grinder that uses rotating burrs to grind or remove material from a workpiece, typically in a precise and controlled manner.

Q: What is a surface grinder in machining?

A: A surface grinder is a machine tool that is used to smooth and finish the surface of a workpiece by removing small amounts of material in a controlled manner.

Q: What is a cylindrical grinder in machining?

A: A cylindrical grinder is a machine tool that is used to shape and finish the outer surface of a cylindrical workpiece, typically by rotating it against a grinding wheel.

Q: What is a centerless grinder in machining?

A: A centerless grinder is a machine tool that is used to shape and finish the outer surface of a cylindrical workpiece without the need for a center point or support.

Q: What is a honing machine in machining?

A: A honing machine is a machine tool that is used to smooth and finish the interior surface of a workpiece, typically by rotating a honing stone or abrasive tool against it.

Q: What is a broaching machine in machining?

A: A broaching machine is a machine tool that is used to remove material from a workpiece by pulling or pushing a broach through a series of teeth or cutting edges.

Q: What is a grinding wheel in machining?

A: A grinding wheel is a tool that is used to remove material from a workpiece by grinding it against a rotating abrasive surface.

Q: What is a CNC machine in machining?

A: A CNC machine is a machine tool that is controlled by a computer program to perform machining operations on a workpiece.

Q: What is a lathe in machining?

A: A lathe is a machine tool that rotates a workpiece on its axis to perform various machining operations such as cutting, drilling, and threading.

Q: What is a milling machine in machining?

A: A milling machine is a machine tool that uses rotary cutters to remove material from a workpiece, typically to create complex shapes or features.

Q: What is a drill press in machining?

A: A drill press is a machine tool that is used to drill holes in a workpiece by rotating a drill bit against it.

Q: What is a bandsaw in machining?

A: A bandsaw is a cutting tool that uses a continuous band of toothed metal to cut through a workpiece.

Q: What is a plasma cutter in machining?

A: A plasma cutter is a cutting tool that uses a jet of ionized gas to cut through metal, typically in a precise and controlled manner.

Q: What is a laser cutter in machining?

A: A laser cutter is a cutting tool that uses a high-powered laser beam to cut through a workpiece, typically in a precise and controlled manner.

Q: What is a wire EDM machine in machining?

A: A wire EDM machine is a machine tool that uses a wire electrode to cut through a workpiece, typically in a precise and controlled manner.

Q: What is a waterjet cutter in machining?

A: A waterjet cutter is a cutting tool that uses a high-pressure jet of water and abrasive particles to cut through a workpiece, typically in a precise and controlled manner.

Q: What is a CAM software in machining?

A: A CAM software is a computer program that is used to generate the tool paths and machining instructions for CNC machines.

Q: What is a G-code in machining?

A: A G-code is a programming language used to control CNC machines and direct their movements and operations.

Q: What is a tolerance in machining?

A: A tolerance is the allowable variation or deviation from a specified dimension or specification in a machined part.

Q: What is a surface finish in machining?

A: A surface finish is the texture or roughness of a machined surface, typically measured in microns or microinches.

Q: What is a cutting speed in machining?

A: Cutting speed is the speed at which a cutting tool moves across the surface of a workpiece during machining operations.

Q: What is a feed rate in machining?

A: A feed rate is the rate at which a cutting tool moves into a workpiece during machining operations, typically measured in inches per minute.

Q: What is a spindle speed in machining?

A: A spindle speed is the rotational speed of the spindle on a machine tool, typically measured in revolutions per minute.

Q: What is a depth of cut in machining?

A: A depth of cut is the distance that a cutting tool penetrates into a workpiece during machining operations.

Q: What is a chip load in machining?

A: A chip load is the thickness of material removed by a cutting tool in a single pass, typically measured in inches per tooth.

Q: What is a workholding device in machining?

A: A workholding device is a device that is used to hold a workpiece in a specific position or orientation during machining operations.

Q: What is a toolholder in machining?

A: A toolholder is a device that is used to hold a cutting tool in a specific position or orientation during machining operations.

Q: What is a coolant in machining?

A: A coolant is a liquid or gas that is used to cool and lubricate the cutting tool and workpiece during machining operations, reducing heat and friction and prolonging tool life.

Q: What is a chip in machining?

A: A chip is the piece of material that is removed from a workpiece during machining operations by the cutting tool.

Q: What is a burr in machining?

A: A burr is a rough edge or ridge of metal that is left on a workpiece after machining operations, typically caused by the cutting tool.

Q: What is a deburring tool in machining?

A: A deburring tool is a tool used to remove burrs from a workpiece after machining operations.

Q: What is a tool path in machining?

A: A tool path is the path that a cutting tool follows during machining operations, as defined by the CAM software and G-code programming.

Q: What is a fixture in machining?

A: A fixture is a workholding device that is specifically designed to hold a workpiece in a particular position or orientation during machining operations.

Q: What is a jig in machining?

A: A jig is a workholding device that is used to guide and support a cutting tool during machining operations, typically for drilling or milling operations.

Q: What is a reamer in machining?

A: A reamer is a cutting tool used to enlarge and smooth the inside of a hole that has already been drilled.

Q: What is a broach in machining?

A: A broach is a cutting tool used to remove material from a workpiece by pulling or pushing it through a series of progressively larger cutting teeth.

Q: What is a tap in machining?

A: A tap is a cutting tool used to create threads inside a hole in a workpiece, typically by rotating and advancing the tap into the hole.

Q: What is a die in machining?

A: A die is a cutting tool used to create threads on the outside of a cylindrical workpiece, typically by applying pressure and rotation to the die.

Q: What is a honing tool in machining?

A: A honing tool is a tool used to smooth and refine the surface of a workpiece after it has been machined, typically by using a rotating abrasive stone.

Q: What is a grinding wheel in machining?

A: A grinding wheel is an abrasive tool used to remove material from a workpiece by rotating and applying pressure to the surface.

Q: What is a chamfer in machining?

A: A chamfer is a beveled edge or corner of a workpiece, typically created by cutting or grinding.

Q: What is a radius in machining?

A: A radius is a curved edge or corner of a workpiece, typically created by cutting or grinding.

Q: What is a counterbore in machining?

A: A counterbore is a cylindrical recess in a workpiece that is typically used to accommodate a fastener head.

Q: What is a countersink in machining?

A: A countersink is a conical recess in a workpiece that is typically used to accommodate a fastener head and allow it to sit flush with the surface.

Q: What is a tap and die set in machining?

A: A tap and die set is a set of cutting tools used to create internal and external threads on a workpiece. The set typically includes a range of taps and dies in different sizes and thread pitches.