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ENGINEERING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Semta’s RoleSemta is an organisation led by employers, our job is to transform the skills and productivity of the people who power our engineering and advanced manufacturing technologies sectors, enabling UK industry to compete on the global stage. We bring together employers and education to focus action on skills.

Semta is the organising partner for a number of WorldSkills UK engineering and manufacturing competitions including this one. Semta manage the design and delivery of the competitions bringing together a partnership of industry employers and educators to ensure the competitions reflect current industry practices and training.

About WorldSkills UKWorldSkills UK is a set of dynamic skills competitions for young people and adults, designed and delivered by industry experts annually in over 70 skills.

Many WorldSkills UK competitions lead into WorldSkills International competitions which are biennial global events.

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Competitor Manual

CNC Milling

For further details, please visit: www.worldskillsuk.org/worldskills-uk-competitions

CNC MillingIntroductionThe aim of this manual is to help competitors prepare for the CNC Milling competition at regional and national level. We hope this will help competitors to perform to the best of their ability during the competitions. The guide contains general advice, technical tips and a more in depth overview of the competition structure and its content.

Using the tips and advice throughout the guide will help you focus on the competition areas with a higher level of accuracy, read, look at and review tasks thoroughly before beginning and teach you to step back occasionally to see if you are achieving your goal.

Remember it’s not a race, you are competing against a standard, a very high standard, but one that is achievable.

Competition OverviewThe CNC Milling competition prepares you for industry by putting you in the role of the CNC machinist. Competitors will work to a set brief and use CNC machine tools to cut, drill, shape and finish products and components used in engineering and manufacturing.

Competitors will be required to download the project brief and submit an initial piece for judging, demonstrating their ability to:

• Square and true components

• Manually measure tool offsets

• Place tools in the machine

• Use correct work holding (chucks and vices)

• Use inspection equipment

• Write a CNC programme

• Be familiar with a CAD/CAM system

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Core Competencies

Core competencies and standards for WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions activities H

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Competency Using a Vertical Machining Centre, the Competitors will be required to produce metal parts covering different practical scenarios. The Competitor will work independently over the competition and the associated tasks must be undertaken by using equipment and software known throughout the world such as Fanuc, Siemens and Heidenhain for the CNC controller and Mastercam for programming.

Y Y Y

Standards The Competitor must have an understanding of:• Quality Standards• Standards for the environment, safety, hygiene and prevention at work• Computer operating systems

The Competitor must have knowledge of:• Mathematics – calculation and geometry• Metrology• Properties and behaviour of materials

The Competitor must have advanced knowledge of:• Technical design and process planning• CNC equipment technology (Vertical Machining Centre) – programming and

operating• CAM system programming ability• Cutting technology according to the cutting parameters,

the material, and the equipment and cutting tools.

Competency Interpret engineering drawings and follow the specificationCompetitors must know and understand:• ISO A drawing representation• Standards, standards symbol and tables• Drawing legend

Y Y Y

Standards Competitors must be able to:• Identify main dimension and secondary dimension• Identify ISO standard for surface finish• Identify ISO standard for form and positional tolerances

Competency Process PlanningCompetitors must know and understand:• The importance of good planning for the successful execution of programming

and operation/machining• How to plan, based on the type of operation and it sequence (machining strategy)

of the data that must be specified

Y Y Y

Standards Competitors must be able to:• Identify and set the different machining features and its executional sequences• Correctly select the type of fixture system that best suits the operational

requirements• Adequate selection of the cutting tools, for machining the required material and

operation• Defining the cutting parameters as a function of the operation sequence, material

type and type of operation

Core competencies and standards for WorldSkills UK Skills Competitions activities H

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Competency ProgrammingCompetitors must know and understand:• The different methods and techniques to generate a program

Y Y Y

Standards Competitors must be able to:• Select the best methods according to the production type and part specification• Create a program using G-Codes• Create a program using a CAD/CAM system taking into account the format of the

initial data:• Start with a drawing in paper format - creation of the geometry in wireframe and/

or surface and/or solid• Start with a file in wireframe and/or surface and/or solid and import it to CAD/CAM

system• Using the parametric programming system

Competency MachiningCompetitors must know and understand:• Select the appropriate measuring tools, gauging instruments and be able to

correctly use them

Y Y Y

Standards Competitors must be able to:• Use the stipulated processes for mounting the tools and accessories on the

equipment.• Identify and designate the different machining processes on CNC milling machine• Identify and designate the functional parameters for operation on CNC milling

machine• Defining and adjusting of cutting parameters as a function of the operation

sequence, material type, type of operation and CNC machine tool• Use of the different programming techniques for CNC milling

machine (CAM included)

General Instructions1. Maximum working time is 7 hours at regional heats and 7 hours at the National Final

2. At the start of the competition an allotted time will be allocated for work planning. This time is not part of the working time.

3. The competition will consist of 1 module.

4. All supplied equipment and materials must be accurately checked by the competitor upon commencing the competition.

5. All materials and equipment must be marked out/used in the most economical method.

6. Competitors will lose marks for any misplaced, lost or spoiled materials and/or equipment, where this is the result of competitor error.

7. Minimum marks will not be awarded for dimensional accuracy or technical perfection where instructions have been disobeyed.

8. Competitors will lose marks for each minor breach of the Health & Safety rules. Where a competitor puts themselves or any other person at risk as a result of a Health & Safety breach, the task will be stopped. Where a task is stopped due to a Health & Safety risk, the judge will decide if the task can be continued safely.

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PracticeIt is recommended that you use the practice tasks that can be found on the website. These are examples of previous competition pieces that have been used and are a good indication of what you will face.

Try and restrict your time to 7 hours, this way you will be familiar with the available time to make the part.

Machine everything to as tight a tolerance as possible, as can be seen from the Marking Criteria below, nearly half the marks come from the main dimensions, which are tightly tolerance.

All edges must be chamfered on the machine, and hand finished where you are unable to reach with the cutting tools.

Measure your parts on a CMM if possible, this will quantify the measurements you have taken whilst machining.

Specification & DrawingsCutting Tools - All cutting Tools are supplied by Sandvik Coromant (at National Final).

Tools supplied will be:

Roughing Tools 16mm, 12mm, 10mm, 8mm, 6mm

Finishing Tools 16mm, 12mm, 10mm, 8mm, 6mm

Drills 9.8mm, 8.5mm, 5mm

Taps M10 x 1.5mm, M6 x 1mm

Reamer 10mm

Face Mill 63mm

Chamfer Mill 10mm

You can also follow an E-Learning program form Sandvik for free at: http://www.sandvik.coromant.com/en-gb/services/education/pages/e-learning.aspx

Machine SpecificationThe Machine at the National Final is currently sponsored by DMG Mori and has been the DMC 635v Ecoline (although this is subject to change): https://ecoline.dmgmori.com/en-GB/33-ecomill-635-v

The competition is supplied with a machine from DMG Mori, which are generally either IT40 or BT40 spindle with Siemens or Heidenhein control.

Siemens ShopmillFree Siemens Training can be accessed at the link below then follow the information below: http://www.industry.siemens.com/topics/global/en/cnc4you/pages/cnc4you.aspx

> Click on Education & Training in Left Hand Menu

> Click on Web Based Training, (bottom right hand corner)

> Click on Start Web-based Training

> Register for free for online web tutorials

DrawingsDrawings of previous competition pieces can be downloaded from the Worldskills UK CNC Milling page.

https://worldskillsuk.org/competitions/national-competitions/engineering/cnc-milling

Time ManagementThe following eight aspects are neither exhaustive nor prescriptive and not a ‘magic’ formula to success. However, these are tips based on being involved with competitions for many years and we hope these will help you in future competition participation.

1. Pressure. You will be nervous but you will need to keep nerves under control and not let the pressure overtake you. But managed pressure can be good, increasing energy and performance potential.

How to handle nerves;a. Listen to the Judge’s brief and ask questions – what sort of questions depends on you,

i.e. repeating an aspect of their brief; gives you a chance to understand more.

b. Importantly, understand at what point your allotted time actually starts, i.e. normally after the Judge’s brief.

c. Read your competitors’ brief; everything you need to know for the task is in that brief. Allow yourself 2 to 3 minutes to read it. Read it at least twice as your first reading will be too fast.

d. Take a deep breath and start the task. You are against the clock and so you will need to work with focus.

e. Task going wrong? Take a moment, think. If necessary, quickly re-read that part of the instructions and then refocus. You may need to move on from that particular aspect of the task.

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2. Time Management. The tasks are all against the clock. So once you have had your task brief and know how long you have, then quickly plan your workload. Section the aspects of the task into time blocks.

3. Remember, it is a competition and so practically everything you do within the task is marked and worth points; so focus on gathering points. Leave some time to put tools away at the end (that is worth points), clean up the working area (again, worth points). If you are stuck on a particular aspect then accept you may or may not get points for that particular part and in order to move onto the next part of the task, ask the Judge for assistance. Remember, there are other points to be earned.

4. Think outside of the task. Where are the Risk Assessments? If using any POL, where is the COSHH? If in doubt, then ask the Judge where these items are. Remember, you have a limited time to display your technical skill to the Judge and so you must be smart with your actions and work levels.

5. Practice before the competition at working under pressure and with someone watching you; perhaps your works’ supervisor or college lecturer. Get them to be super critical on your work quality, methods of work and approach.

6. Understand the advantage of selecting the right tool for the job.

7. Sleep. Get plenty of sleep the night before. If offered, take advantage of accommodation for the night before the competition. Resist the temptation to consume alcohol the night before and have a good breakfast on the day of the competition; these actions will assist in preparing your mind and body.

8. Arithmetic. Practice mental arithmetic. It will sharpen your mind. Perhaps try Sudoku; aim to achieve at least medium level (start at mild or easy). Do mental arithmetic whenever the opportunity arises, e.g. just filled your car or motorbike, how many litres did you put in the tank. Mentally (without the aid of calculator convert Litres to Imperial Gallons - divide Litres by 4.5 to give Imperial Gallons or multiply Litres by 0.22). Understand the relationship between imperial and metric. Remember some datums. e.g. 25.4mm to 1 inch and so, 12.7mm is ½ inch and 6.35mm is ¼ inch. 1 Imperial Gallon is 4.5 Litres (to 1 decimal place - it is actually 1 Imperial Gallon = 4.5461 Litres).

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.Bruce Lee

Marking Criteria

Criteria Task Mark

A Conformity of Drawing 12

B Surface Finish 14

C Main Dimensions 50

D Secondary Dimensions 20

E Use of material 4

Total Marks 100%

Technical GuidanceBelow is a list of advice that can help you during the competition.

1. Programming – This is where you define your program.

a. Read the drawing carefully, study the information fully before starting to program. Layout your work desk in the most efficient manner for you.

b. Highlight Dimensions – Highlight dimension that are + +, - - or ± tolerances in different colours, this way you can look quickly at the drawing when machining and know what offset to make

c. Write a process plan – list all the operations you are going to machine in what order and which tools you’re going to use, this way you will know where you are and what process the tool is about to make.

d. Tool Selection – A critical part of the program, try and minimise your tool changes, whilst maximizing machining time by using the same tool to do as much as possible.

e. Datum – Choose your datum carefully. It’s best to use the centre of the block on the first side, but it’s important to consider the workpiece alignment for the second side, you don’t want to waste time programming in the wrong orientation.

f. Retract – Minimize your retract clearances in the program, cutting fresh air will reduce your actual machining time.

g. Save your program into bite size sections – i.e. Side1, Side 2, Roughing, Finishing, Chamfering etc. Having one long program leads to difficulties if you need to re-run a section or a tool breaks mid program.

2. Machining – The critical part of your competition

a. Datum – Set the datum on the machine in the same orientation as your program. Quickly check that the zero position for X, Y & Z is exactly where you’ve programmed it.

b. Set your tool length offsets – check the tool length of each of the tools that you’re going to use and place the information correctly in the tool offset page.

c. Set your tools sequentially in the tool changer, too many pocket movements wastes valuable time.

d. Calibrate all of your measuring tools before starting.

e. Distance to Go – use the distance to go display when taking the initial cuts, if it seems too big your datum or tool offset maybe incorrect.

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f. Double check your speeds and feeds.

g. Use cutter compensation – On finishing cuts this will allow you to change the diameter of the tool quickly to re cut a process to achieve the correct tolerance.

h. Spend more time on the Main Dimensions that carry the greatest marks.

i. Carefully check the alignment between side 1 and side 2 before commencing machining.

j. Finally, Measure twice, Cut once!!

Task Breakdown (National Final)The competition material is Aluminium and will be from a block that is 100 x 100 x 50mm.

You will be asked to:• Program a part from a given STEP file and 2D drawing

• Use Mastercam to create machining programs for side 1 and side 2 of the part

• Set your own datum and tools

• Machine the part with the given tools

• Measure your own part and submit as complete when finished

Then the part will be:• Measured by Mitutoyo on a CMM

• Assessed by industry based judges

• Final marks awarded according to marking scheme and judges judgement

Health & SafetyDuring the competition as in any work or educational facility you have a duty to protect yourself and those around you.

As an Organising Partner, Semta and our delivery partners have a responsibility to protect you and keep you informed about health & safety procedures and practices including;• Making the competition area safe and without risks to health

• Ensure plant and machinery are safe and that safe systems of work are set and followed

• Ensure hazardous articles and substances are moved, stored and used safely

• Provide adequate welfare facilities

• Give instruction, information, supervision and where applicable training necessary to maintain health and safety

As a competitor you have a legal duty to:• Take reasonable care for your own health & safety and that of others who may be affected by what you

do or do not do

• Cooperate with the Organising Partner and/or their appointed delivery team on health and safety matters

• Correctly use work/competition items provided, including personal protective equipment, in accordance with instructions and/or training given

• Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare

In particular:• All health and safety regulations, including protection standards, specified by the competition hosts

and delivery team, must be followed exactly. Any defect in machines or equipment must be reported immediately.

• Safety goggles must be used in all material-removing operations.

• Shoes and clothing must comply with health and safety regulations.

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ConclusionRemember, the competition will be difficult but achievable. There will be a lot of ‘self-pressure’. You need to learn how to control this and focus on the task in hand.

Once a task is complete, you cannot change the outcome good or bad, start the next task afresh and with positivity.

Drink plenty of water throughout the competition, staying hydrated will help with your concentration, focus and will reduce stress and headaches.

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We wish you the best of luck in your competition journey, and would like to leave you with the following quote:

Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realise this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.Henry Ford

Further sources of information and websites

SemtaEmail: WSUKEng@semta.org.uk Web: www.semta.org.uk Tel: 0845 643 9001

WorldSkills UKEmail: enquiries@worldskillsuk.org Web: www.worldskillsuk.org Tel: 0800 612 0742

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