1. What is the difference between a lathe and a milling machine?

Answer: A lathe is a machine tool that rotates the workpiece on its axis to perform
various operations such as turning, drilling, facing, and threading. A milling machine, on
the other hand, is a machine tool that uses a rotating cutter to remove material from the
workpiece to create a specific shape.

2. What is the difference between CNC and conventional machining?

Answer: Conventional machining is a process in which a machine tool is operated
manually by a skilled operator, while CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining
involves the use of computer programs to control machine tools automatically. CNC
machines are more accurate, efficient, and capable of producing complex shapes and
contours compared to conventional machines.

3. What is the function of a spindle in a machine tool?

Answer: The spindle is the main rotating component of a machine tool that holds and
drives the cutting tool or workpiece. It is responsible for providing the necessary
rotational speed and torque to perform various machining operations.

4. What is the purpose of a coolant in a machine tool?

Answer: Coolant is used in machine tools to cool and lubricate the cutting tool and
workpiece during the machining process. It helps to reduce heat generated due to
friction and also flushes away chips and debris from the cutting zone, thereby improving
the surface finish and prolonging tool life.

5. What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical machining center?

Answer: A horizontal machining center has a horizontal spindle orientation and a table
that moves in the X and Y directions, while a vertical machining center has a vertical
spindle orientation and a table that moves in the X, Y, and Z directions. Horizontal
machining centers are ideal for machining large, heavy workpieces, while vertical
machining centers are better suited for small to medium-sized workpieces with complex
shapes.

6. What is the difference between a single point and multi-point cutting tool?
Answer: A single point cutting tool has only one cutting edge and is used for operations
such as turning, facing, and boring, while a multi-point cutting tool has multiple cutting
edges and is used for operations such as milling, drilling, and tapping.

7. What is the purpose of a jig and fixture in machining?

Answer: Jigs and fixtures are used in machining to hold the workpiece securely in place
and guide the cutting tool to ensure accurate and consistent results. Jigs are used for
drilling, tapping, and other operations that require precise hole placement, while fixtures
are used for milling, turning, and other operations that require accurate positioning and
orientation of the workpiece.
8. What is the difference between a roughing and finishing operation in machining?
Answer: Roughing operations are used to remove large amounts of material quickly,
while finishing operations are used to achieve a smooth surface finish and tight
dimensional tolerances. Roughing operations typically use larger, more aggressive
cutting tools, while finishing operations use smaller, more precise cutting tools.

9. What is the purpose of backlash compensation in a machine tool?

Answer: Backlash compensation is used to correct for any play or slack in the
mechanical components of a machine tool, such as the leadscrew or ball screw, that can
cause inaccuracies in the positioning of the cutting tool or workpiece. It is achieved by
moving the tool or workpiece slightly in the opposite direction before moving it in the
desired direction, thereby taking up any slack in the system.

10. What is the difference between a turret and a gang tool in a lathe?
Answer: A turret is a tool holder that rotates around the lathe axis, allowing for multiple
tools to be used in a single setup. A gang tooling system, on the other hand, is a setup in
which multiple tools are mounted on a single tool post and move together to perform a
cutting operation. Turrets are more commonly used in larger lathes for higher production
runs, while gang tooling is more commonly used in smaller lathes or for lower production
runs.

11. What is the difference between an NC machine and a CNC machine?

Answer: An NC (Numerical Control) machine is a machine tool that uses a punched
paper tape to control its movements, while a CNC machine uses a computer to control
its movements. CNC machines are more advanced and flexible than NC machines.

12. What is a ball screw and how is it used in a machine tool?

Answer: A ball screw is a mechanical device that uses a threaded shaft and ball
bearings to convert rotary motion into linear motion. It is used in machine tools to provide
precise positioning of the cutting tool or workpiece.

13. What is a linear encoder and how is it used in a machine tool?

Answer: A linear encoder is a sensor that measures the linear position of a moving
component in a machine tool. It is used to provide feedback to the control system,
allowing for precise control of the machine's movements.

14. What is the difference between a surface grinder and a cylindrical grinder?
Answer: A surface grinder is a machine tool that grinds flat surfaces to a high degree of
accuracy, while a cylindrical grinder is a machine tool that grinds cylindrical surfaces,
such as shafts and bearings.

15. What is a live tool and how is it used in a CNC lathe?

 Answer: A live tool is a cutting tool that can rotate and perform operations, such as
drilling and tapping, while it is stationary in the spindle of a CNC lathe. It is used to
reduce setup time and increase productivity.

16. What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical lathe?

Answer: A horizontal lathe has a horizontal spindle orientation and is used for turning
large, heavy workpieces, while a vertical lathe has a vertical spindle orientation and is
used for turning large, round workpieces, such as wheels and gears.

17. What is the purpose of a bar feeder in a CNC lathe?

Answer: A bar feeder is a device that automatically feeds long, slender workpieces, such
as bars and tubes, into a CNC lathe. It allows for unattended operation and reduces
setup time.

18. What is the purpose of a chip conveyor in a machine tool?

Answer: A chip conveyor is used to remove chips and other debris from the cutting zone
of a machine tool. It helps to maintain a clean and safe work environment and reduces
the risk of damage to the cutting tool and workpiece.

19. What is a tool changer and how is it used in a CNC machine?

Answer: A tool changer is a device that automatically changes cutting tools in a CNC
machine. It allows for the use of multiple cutting tools in a single operation, reducing
setup time and increasing productivity.

20. What is the purpose of a coolant filtration system in a machine tool?

Answer: A coolant filtration system is used to remove contaminants, such as metal chips
and debris, from the coolant used in a machine tool. It helps to maintain the quality of the
coolant, prolong the life of the cutting tool, and improve surface finish.

21. What is a broaching machine and how is it used?

Answer: A broaching machine is a machine tool that uses a broach to remove material
from a workpiece to create a specific shape, such as a keyway or spline.

22. What is the difference between a turret punch press and a laser cutting machine?
Answer: A turret punch press uses a punch and die to create holes and shapes in sheet
metal, while a laser cutting machine uses a laser to cut sheet metal. Laser cutting
machines are faster and more precise than turret punch presses, but they are also more
expensive.

23. What is the purpose of a gauge block in a machine shop?

Answer: A gauge block is a precision measurement tool used to calibrate other
measurement tools, such as micrometers and dial indicators. It is used to ensure that the
measurement tools are accurate and consistent.
24. What is the difference between a hydraulic and a pneumatic system in a machine tool?
Answer: A hydraulic system uses a fluid (usually oil) to transmit power, while a
pneumatic system uses compressed air. Hydraulic systems are typically used in
heavy-duty applications, such as presses and brakes, while pneumatic systems are
often used for lighter-duty applications, such as clamps and grippers. Hydraulics
generally provide more power and precision, while pneumatics offer faster response
times and lower cost.

25. What is G-code and how is it used in CNC machining?

Answer: G-code is a programming language used to control the movements and
functions of CNC machines. It consists of a series of commands that tell the machine
how to move and operate, such as tool path, cutting speed, and coolant flow. The
G-code program is generated using CAD/CAM software and then loaded into the CNC
machine's controller, which interprets the code and translates it into machine
movements.

26. What is the difference between a 3-axis and a 5-axis CNC machine?
Answer: A 3-axis CNC machine can move the cutting tool in three directions (X, Y, and
Z), while a 5-axis CNC machine can move the cutting tool in five directions (X, Y, Z, and
two additional rotary axes). 5-axis machines are more versatile and can produce more
complex parts with fewer setups, while 3-axis machines are typically less expensive and
more suitable for simpler parts.

27. What is a CNC operator responsible for?

Answer: A CNC operator is responsible for setting up and running CNC machines,
including loading materials, installing cutting tools, and entering program codes. They
also perform quality control checks to ensure that the parts meet the required
specifications and make adjustments to the machine as needed.

28. What is the purpose of a CNC controller?

Answer: A CNC controller is the device that manages the operation of a CNC machine. It
receives the G-code program from the computer and sends signals to the machine's
motors and actuators to move the cutting tool and perform other functions. The controller
also monitors the machine's sensors and provides feedback to the operator.

29. What are the advantages of using a CNC machine for manufacturing?
Answer: CNC machines offer several advantages over traditional manual machining,
including higher accuracy and repeatability, faster production times, and the ability to
produce more complex parts. They also reduce the need for skilled labor and allow for
lights-out production, where the machine can operate unattended for extended periods
of time.