Introduction to CAD, CAM, and Practical CNC Machining for Milling

Discover what you'll learn in this course and download the software and resources you need. 

• Course overview
• What's new in this course
• Get the software

Let's first focus on blueprint area identifications: Identifying and understanding basic GD&T symbols and datums, interpreting title block information, understanding dimension types and tolerances, and conceptualizing the coordinate system locations based on critical features. Then apply this knowledge by creating a blueprint for a CAD model for manufacture. 

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

• Identify parts of a blueprint.
• Identify GD&T symbols and datums.
• Interpret title block information.
• Interpret dimension types and tolerances.
• Plan coordinate system locations.

• Blueprint overview
• Identify parts of a title block
• Review dimension types
• Identify GD&T Symbols
• Create a blueprint
• Practice exercise
• Challenge exercise
• Module quiz

Get the CAD skills you need to know as a machinist. Use foundational CAD concepts to create a 3D part based from a 2D blueprint. Turn a 2D print into a 3D model to visualize and effectively plan CAM and CNC portions of a project.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Use foundational CAD concepts in sketching and part modeling.
• Reproduce a 3D model from a 2D blueprint.
• Use direct modeling tools to prepare a 3D model.
• Create fixtures and soft jaws in 3D.

• Foundational CAD concepts
• Create a 3D model from a blueprint
• Finalize a 3D model from a blueprint
• Apply direct modeling tools
• Create a fixture plate
• Create soft jaws
• Practice exercise
• Challenge exercise
• Module quiz

Learn core skills such as aligning a vise to a CNC machine’s coordinate system, identifying various types of milling tools, loading and unloading stock, how a CNC machine moves in space, and the different types of machine movements.

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Identify how a vertical 3-axis CNC mill moves.
• Identify various milling tools and holders.
• Discuss how to set up a vise for squareness.
• Recall machine shop safety requirements.

• Review basics of vises
• Setting up for vise squareness
• Review CNC machine safety
• Identify CNC mill machine movements
• Review milling tools and holders
• Practice exercise
• Challenge exercise
• Module quiz

Learn to set up, machine, and verify a CNC program digitally using CAM. Special care is be taken to review a detailed drawing and 3D model, any work holding requirements when setting up and programming a simple part, and verifying tool motion digitally before moving to a physical machine.  We’ll then pay attention to the coordinate system location of a part and any order of operations required.  

After completing this module, you'll be able to:

• Create a CAM setup to CNC mill a 3D model.
• Import and create a digital tool library.
• Set up feeds and speeds for tooling.
• Use 2D toolpaths to rough and finish a simple part.
• Verify tool motion through simulation.
• Create required setup sheet and NC program.

• Create a CAM setup and process plan
• Create a digital tool library
• Machine operation 1 of a part
• Machine operation 2 of a part
• Machine operation 3 of a part
• Finish operation 3 of a part
• Machine operation 4 of a part
• Verify toolpath motion
• Create CAM documentation
• Inspect a part
• Practice exercise
• Challenge exercise
• Module quiz

Now that you've completed the learning material in this course, you can take the challenge exercise to measure your skills on the topics covered in this course. 

• Challenge exercise

Ready to test your knowledge? Pass this required test with a score of 75% or more to complete the course and earn a certificate of completion

• Start your final test