Glossary · CNC and machine tools
Part program
Also known as: Workpiece program
German: Teileprogramm
In numerical control, a part program is the NC program that contains all instructions for machining a specific part on a specific machine, including movements, tool calls and machine functions.
- CNC
- Standards
In one sentence
A part program is the NC program with all instructions to machine one specific part on a specific machine tool.
Example
The part program for flange revision C calls tools T1 to T6, sets work offset G54 and finishes the bore in three passes.
How it applies
- Production: The part program is one step in the Routing (manufacturing): it defines the machining operation at one work center. It is released together with the tool list, fixture and setup sheet.
- Quality: In regulated manufacturing, changing a validated part program can require revalidation. Link the program version to Process validation records where applicable.
- Documentation: Treat the part program as a Controlled document: unique name, revision, drawing revision, machine, approval and change history. Comments in the program header help operators, but they don't replace the controlled setup sheet.
Part program vs. NC program
Every part program is an NC program, but not every NC program is a part program: warm-up, probing or maintenance routines are NC programs that don't make a part. Many shops use both terms loosely; a glossary helps to fix the use.