Parting off operation in CNC Programming

Introduction

Parting off operation is used to cut a finished piece from the raw material in CNC turning. It helps separate the workpiece cleanly and safely.

When you need to cut a finished part from a metal rod or bar.

When separating multiple parts machined on the same stock.

When you want to create a precise cut-off without damaging the part.

When automating the final step of a turning process.

When minimizing manual handling after machining.

Syntax

CNC Programming

G71 ; Activate parting off cycle
X... ; Set final diameter for cut
Z... ; Set length of cut
F... ; Set feed rate
M30 ; End program

G71 is a common code for parting off in many CNC lathes.

X and Z values define the cut dimensions; feed rate controls speed.

Examples

This code parts off a piece 20 mm in diameter and 5 mm long at a feed rate of 0.1 mm/rev.

CNC Programming

G71
X20.0
Z-5.0
F0.1
M30

This example shows a slower feed rate for a thinner part, cutting 15 mm diameter and 10 mm length.

CNC Programming

G71
X15.0
Z-10.0
F0.05
M30

Sample Program

This simple program sets up a parting off operation to cut a 25 mm diameter piece, 7 mm long, at a feed rate of 0.08 mm/rev.

CNC Programming

O1000 (Parting off example)
G21 (Set units to mm)
G90 (Absolute positioning)
G71 (Activate parting off cycle)
X25.0 (Set diameter to 25 mm)
Z-7.0 (Set cut length to 7 mm)
F0.08 (Set feed rate)
M30 (End program)

Important Notes

Always check your machine's manual for the exact G-code for parting off, as it can vary.

Use proper feed rates to avoid tool breakage during parting off.

Ensure the tool is sharp and correctly positioned for a clean cut.

Summary

Parting off cuts a finished piece from raw stock in CNC turning.

Use G71 with X, Z, and F codes to control the cut size and speed.

Proper setup prevents damage and ensures clean separation.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of a parting off operation in CNC turning?

easy

A. To drill holes in the workpiece

B. To cut a finished piece from the raw stock

C. To polish the surface of the workpiece

D. To measure the length of the stock

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of parting off

   Parting off is a CNC turning process used to separate a finished part from the raw material.

2. Step 2: Identify the correct operation purpose

   Among the options, only cutting a finished piece from raw stock matches the parting off operation.

3. Final Answer:

   To cut a finished piece from the raw stock -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Parting off = Cutting finished piece [OK]

Hint: Parting off always means cutting off the finished part [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing parting off with drilling or polishing
• Thinking parting off measures stock length
• Assuming parting off smooths surfaces

2. Which of the following is the correct G-code command to start a parting off operation with feed rate control?

easy

A. G71 X20 Z-5 F0.1

B. G00 X20 Z-5 F0.1

C. G71 X20 Z-5 S1000

D. G01 X20 Z-5

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify G-code for parting off with feed rate

   G01 is the linear interpolation command used for controlled feed moves, including parting off, with feed rate control.

2. Step 2: Check options for correct syntax

   G01 X20 Z-5 moves the tool linearly to X20 Z-5 at the current feed rate. G71 is for rough turning cycles, not typically used for simple parting off moves with feed rate control.

3. Final Answer:

   G01 X20 Z-5 -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   G01 = linear feed move for parting off [OK]

Hint: G01 is used for feed controlled linear moves like parting off [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using G00 which is rapid move, not cutting
• Omitting feed rate (F) in parting off
• Confusing spindle speed (S) with feed rate (F)

3. Given the following CNC code snippet for parting off:

G71 X15 Z-3 F0.05
G00 X20 Z0
G71 X15 Z-3 F0.05

What will be the final position of the tool after execution?

medium

A. X15 Z-3

B. X15 Z0

C. X20 Z0

D. X20 Z-3

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the G-code sequence

   The first G71 command moves tool to X15 Z-3 with feed. Then G00 moves tool rapidly to X20 Z0.

2. Step 2: Identify final tool position

   The last command G71 X15 Z-3 F0.05 moves the tool to X15 Z-3 with feed. Thus, final position is X15 Z-3.

3. Final Answer:

   X15 Z-3 -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Last G71 to X15 Z-3 [OK]

Hint: Final position from last command execution [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Stopping analysis after the G00 rapid move
• Ignoring the final G71 command
• Confusing rapid positioning with final cut position

4. Identify the error in this parting off CNC code snippet:

G71 X10 Z-2 F
G00 X15 Z0

medium

A. Missing feed rate value after F

B. Incorrect use of G00 command

C. Wrong axis letter used

D. Spindle speed not set

Solution

1. Step 1: Check G71 command syntax

   G71 requires feed rate value after F. Here, F is present but no value is given.

2. Step 2: Verify other commands

   G00 command is correct for rapid move. Axis letters X and Z are valid. Spindle speed is optional here.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing feed rate value after F -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   F must have a value [OK]

Hint: Always provide a value after F for feed rate [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Leaving F without a number
• Confusing G00 with cutting move
• Thinking spindle speed is mandatory here

5. You want to part off a piece with a diameter of 30 mm and length 5 mm using G71. Which command correctly sets the tool path for this operation?

hard

A. G71 X30 Z-5 F0.08

B. G71 X15 Z5 F0.08

C. G71 X15 Z-5 F0.08

D. G71 X30 Z5 F0.08

Solution

1. Step 1: Convert diameter to radius for X-axis

   In CNC turning, X value is radius, so diameter 30 mm means X=15 mm.

2. Step 2: Set Z-axis for length and direction

   Length 5 mm is negative Z direction for parting off, so Z=-5.

3. Step 3: Confirm feed rate and syntax

   Feed rate F0.08 is valid. So command is G71 X15 Z-5 F0.08.

4. Final Answer:

   G71 X15 Z-5 F0.08 -> Option C

5. Quick Check:

   X=radius=15, Z=-5 length, feed set [OK]

Hint: X is radius (half diameter), Z negative for parting off length [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using diameter instead of radius for X
• Setting Z positive instead of negative
• Omitting feed rate or using wrong sign