Index: p. 839-856.

Programmed machine tools now represent nearly 100 percent of manufacturing and, of greater impact to you, of new jobs. Entry-level people usually start in the shop as CNC operators. Flexible and friendly, the machines and programing systems are so quick and easy to learn that they are now practical even for one-of-a-kind work such as mold making and die work, as well as production. Schools integrate and teach CNC as an entry-level subject—starting from the first lesson on the first day. This book was specifically written to serve this type of modern student. To do so, subjects have been grouped into four large career partitions: Part 1 Introduction to Manufacturing Manufacturing is a world of its own. Chapters 1 through 8 are designed to open the door. They provide the background needed to fit into the shop, to understand the rules, to read and interpret the drawings, to be comfortable with extreme accuracy, and especially to be safe. Part 2 Introduction to Machining Chapters 9 through 16 teach how to cut metal the right way. These lessons assume that you'll eventually perform them on CNC equipment, but will probably practice first on manu­ally operated machines because they are a simple, safe place to learn setups and operations. Part 3 Introduction to CNC Now we get to the text core: how to apply Parts 1 and 2 to setting up, programming, and running CNC machine tools. In Chapters 17 through 24, we will learn how to profession­ally manage a CNC world. Because they move at lightning speed with lots of power behind them, safety must be inte­grated into everything we study. Part 4 Advanced and Advancing Technology Chapters 25 through 29 set the tone for your career after graduation. The best is yet to come, so let's get started!