What is CNC Machining?
CNC is short for Computer Numerical Control. It is a method used in modern machining to perform a wide range of associated tasks. Virtually every piece of metalworking equipment is available in the CNC variation. These include lathes, drills, milling machines, routers, turret punches, grinders and high-powered cutting devices featuring plasma, laser, water-jet or oxy-fuel propellants. The benefits of a machine tool over manually manufacturing parts is the accuracy that the machine tool can provide. In the case of CNC machine tools, speed is also a major factor in its supremacy over hand-working metals and other materials.

How does Excel use CNC machining to produce components?
Excel uses CNC machining in a wide variety of applications, primarily as horizontal and vertical  mills and lathes. CNC mills were invented in the 1940s and can perform complicated cutting, boring and drilling operations on thousands of parts with speed and accuracy. These machines come in many sizes, from small footprint versions to very large models capable of cutting material over great distances. On the other hand, CNC lathes are perfectly suited for simple, short production runs and are capable of performing more complicated cutting. They use a computer program to make very labor-intensive parts that require multiple types of cutting operations.

Where and how are Excel’s components used in the world?
Excel designs, engineers, manufactures and supplies precision wear components for capital equipment used in the worldwide aggregate and mining industries. Wear components for rock crushers (cone & gyratory), hydraulic excavators, electric rope shovels and draglines comprise the bulk of Excel’s replacement component offerings. Quarries, aggregate operations, and mines the world over are our customers, as Excel has dedicated warehouses in every corner of the globe supported by a 24/7 logistic network. From the upper reaches of the Canadian diamond operations to the furthest stretches of Southern Australia, Excel’s premium replacement components have proven themselves successful in critical situations time and time again - and it all comes down to the quality with which they’re machined.

Print Reading
Print reading involves interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and other schematics. Technical drawing, also known as drafting or draughting, is the act and discipline of composing plans that visually communicate how something functions or is to be constructed. People who communicate with technical drawings may use technical standards which define practical symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles, or layout conventions. At Excel, a thorough understanding of technical prints and drawings is required for our machinists to be successful.

Measuring Tools
You will learn how to use tools such as micrometers, calipers, and engineering scales, to name a few. A micrometer, sometimes known as a micrometer screw gauge, is a device incorporating a calibrated screw used widely for precise measurement of small distances in most mechanical trades.

A caliper is a device used to measure the distance between two opposing sides of an object. It can be as simple as a compass with inward or outward-facing points. The tips of the caliper are adjusted to fit across the points to be measured. The caliper is then removed, and the distance is read by measuring between the tips with a measuring tool.

An engineer’s scale is a tool for measuring distances and transferring measurements at a fixed ratio of length. It is commonly made of plastic and is just over 12 inches long, with each inch being marked, leaving the ends unmarked so that the first and last measuring ticks do not wear off. The scale is used in making engineering drawings, such as blueprints, in scale.

Basic Understanding of CNC Machine Codes (G-Codes)
Learn the basics behind CNC programming which will allow you to understand machine codes or “G-codes” used in CNC manufacturing. Know what each key represents on the control panels of different machines and how to use them to get the job done. New trainees will be provided with their own CNC Programming handbook as well.

Forktruck Training
At Excel, large work pieces abound. Forklifts are a must if a day’s work is to be done. All new CNC machinists will undergo forklift training to ensure the safe operation of this type of equipment. Forklifts are rated for loads at a specific maximum weight and a specific forward center of gravity, therefore the lift and load must be considered one unit with maximum care taken at every turn to prevent disastrous accidents. Excel has a stellar safety record, and we take care to keep it that way.

Rigging and Machine Setup
Setting up a CNC machine for production can be challenging even for seasoned professionals. Therefore, learning the fundamentals is a must. Excel trainees learn and understand issues like cleanliness of the work area, securing vises to hold pieces, tool mounting, “teaching” each tool, and finding and recording zero points.

ToolingU Training Curriculum
The online classroom and instruction resource called ToolingU is full of invaluable teaching information relevant to manufacturing of all types. Specifically, Excel uses ToolingU in an online training capacity to get our new Machinists started on the fast track to success. Below you can find a table listing some of our most common CNC classes that Excel sponsors on ToolingU for our new recruits.

In-House Resources
When joining our team as a CNC Machinist at Excel, you will be provided with our CNC Training Manual, which covers everything a rookie CNC Machinist needs to know. This manual gives you the knowledge you need to master CNC machining, and allows you to test yourself along the way. Our CNC Training Manual was written by machinists for machinists.

Manual Lathe Training
When your training track includes manual lathe training you will start by learning the names and function of the various levers and switches of a manual lathe.  This will prove beneficial as you rapidly gain knowledge and experience using this basic metal working machine.  While on this track you will learn about the various types of tooling required for removing metal from raw material, what machine feeds and speeds to use for optimum performance, the meaning of a tolerance, as well as the many other concepts of running a manual machine. As you learn and understand the fundamentals of manual machining your confidence will explode providing you the basis to succeed as you move to the fast track of a true CNC machining environment.

Tooling
Tooling is the selection, provision, and setup of proper tools for a machining operation. Excel's CNC Training Manual will provide information on standard tooling, turning operations, external turning applications, grooving and cut off, code keys and technical information regarding turning and troubleshooting. You will also learn helpful tooling types, terms and definitions.

Setup
Setup of a machining job is an intensive process and is essential to efficiently machining a world-class component. Our CNC Training Manual will teach you how to properly set up all of the different sections and fixures included in a machining job. As you progress through your training, you will also read and reference the CNC Programming Handbook. This handbook will help further explain the CNC machine's operation.