CNC Lecture01

Computer Numerical
Control of Machine tools

CNC
by
Dr. Sayed Ali Zayan
Operator-controlled machine
tools (manual machine tool)
Numerically Controlled machine
tools (NC machine tool)
Numerically Controlled machine
tools (NC machine tool)
Numerical control (NC) is a system that uses
prerecorded information prepared from
numerical data to control a machine tool or the
machining process.
NC describes the control of machine
movements and various other functions by
instructions expressed as a series of numbers
and initiated via electronic control system.
Numerical Control defined
Numerical Control (NC) can be defined

as a form of programmable automation in
which the process is controlled by
numbers, letters, and symbols.
History of NC
The first NC machines were built in the 1940s
and 1950s by Prof. John T Parson.
CNC machine came into existence after
evolution of computer around 1980.
Modern CNC Machine are improving
further as the technology is changing with a
variety of functions according to applications.
History of NC
Components of traditional NC
systems
Basic Components of an NC System

1. Program of instructions
2. Controller unit, also called a machine control
unit (MCU)
3. Machine tool or other controlled process
systems
systems
systems
Machine Control Unit
It reads and interprets the coded instructions
for machining a particular workpiece and
generating electric output signals. It also acts
as a feedback controller for precise
positioning of machine table or spindle. MCU
consists of two main units.
Machine Control Unit (MCU)
MCU consists of two main units.
Data-processing unit (DPU)
reads coded instructions
processes coded instructions
transmits data pertaining to the position of each axis to the CLU.
Control loop unit (CLU)
executes linear or circular interpolations based on the position
and speed signals from the DPU and generates control signals
receives axis feedback signal
implement auxiliary control function
Advantages of NC systems over
manual methods of production
Better control of the tool motion under optimum
cutting conditions.
Improved part quality and repeatability.
Reduced tooling costs, tool wear, and job setup time.
Reduced time to manufacture parts.
Reduced scrap.
Better production planning and placement of
machining operations in the hand of engineering.
When NC should be use?
For small and medium batches
For complex parts
Where closed and repetitive tolerances are required
For components giving high rejection rate and
rework
For prototypes
Production subject to modifications
Closed tolerances
Production required expensive tooling
Production required high inspection cost
Types of Numerical Control
Numerical Control (NC)
Computer Numerical control (CNC)
Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
Distributive numerical control
Computer Numerical Control
(CNC)
Computer numerical control (CNC) is the numerical
control system in which a dedicated computer is built
into the control to perform basic and advanced NC
functions.
CNC controls are also referred to as soft-wired NC
systems because most of their control functions are
implemented by the control software programs.
CNC is a computer assisted process to control general
purpose machines from instructions generated by a
processor and stored in a memory system.
(CNC)
Elements of CNC Machine
A CNC machine consist of following 6 major
elements:
Input Device
Machine Tool
Driving System
Feedback Devices
Display Unit
Block diagram of CNC Machine
(CNC)
Features of CNC
Program editing: After part programs are
downloaded to the CNC memory, changes or
updates can be made at the machine.
Program verification: Simulation programs
allow the cutter path to be displayed and
verified graphically on a display unit before
the part program is run on the machine.
Features of CNC
Error diagnostics: program error, operation
error and servo error can be detected.
Communication facility. CNC control units
have the capability of communicating with
other microprocessor-based devices.
Management information: on-line
parameter and information display
Coordinate system (absolute vs.
Incremental)
Features of CNC
Unit system ( inch vs. Metric)
Macro and computing capability
Cutter compensation for size and length
Interpolation function
Advanced programming features
Code format (EIA vs. ASCII)
Advantages of CNC systems
CNC machines can be used continuously and
only need to be switched off for occasional
maintenance.
These machines require less skilled people to
operate unlike manual lathes/milling
machines etc.
CNC machines can be updated by
improving the software used to drive the
machines.
Training for the use of CNC machines can be
done through the use of virtual software.
The manufacturing process can be simulated
virtually and no need to make a prototype or a
model. This saves time and money.
Once programmed, these machines can be left
and do not require any human intervention,
except for work loading and unloading.
These machines can manufacture several
components to the required accuracy without
any fatigue as in the case of manually
operated machines.
Savings in time that could be achieved with
the CNC machines are quite significant.
CNC Offers Industry Many Advantages
CNC Offers
Accuracy
Repeatability
.0001-.0002 in.
Reliability Productivity
Disadvantages of CNC systems
CNC machines are generally more expensive than
manually operated machines.
The CNC machine operator only needs basic training
and skills, enough to supervise several machines.
Increase in electrical maintenance, high initial
investment and high per hour operating costs than
the traditional systems.
Fewer workers are required to operate CNC
machines compared to manually operated machines.
Investment in CNC machines can lead to
unemployment.
In a Direct Numerical Control system (DNC), a
mainframe computer is used to coordinate the
simultaneous operations of a number NC
machines.
The main tasks performed by the computer are to
program and edit part programs as well as
download part programs to NC machines.
Machine tool controllers have limited memory and
a part program may contain few thousands of
blocks. So the program is stored in a separate
computer and sent directly to the machine, one
block at a time.
Distributed Numerical Control (DNC)
Distributed NC is more advanced than DNC and
is widely used in many current applications. The
distributed NC uses a local area network but not
like that in DNC. It has been indicated that the
main difference between DNC and distributed
NC is that because modern NC machines have
CNC capability, they have memory and therefore
computer programs can be downloaded into the
memory of a CNC local computer, rather than
one block at a time as in DNC systems.
Distributed Numerical Control
(DNC)
With Distributed Numerical Control systems,
it is possible to monitor the activities in
individual CNC machine tools on host
computer. Therefore, better shop floor
control can be achieved.
Distributed Numerical Control (DNC)
Voice Numerical Control (VNC)
Voice Numerical Control (VNC) is similar to
DNC machines but the programmer conveys the
information needed to operate the machine by
means of computer system. The programmer
talks into the computer, and the memory
receives the information using a wire. This
information can be taken and used to run the
machines.
Application of CNC Machine Tools
The machines controlled by CNC can be classified into the
following categories:
CNC mills and machining centers,
CNC lathes and turning centers
CNC electrical discharge machining (EDM)
CNC grinding machines
CNC cutting machines (laser, plasma, electron, or flame)
CNC fabrication machines (sheet metal punch press,
bending machine, or press brake)
CNC welding machines
CNC Vertical Machining Center
CNC Turning Machining Center
CNC Laser Cutting Machine
CNC EDM Machine
CNC Four-point Welding Machine
NC Application Characteristics
(Machining)
Batch and High Volume production
Repeat and/or Repetitive orders
Complex part geometries
Mundane operations
Many separate operations on one part

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Computer Numerical

Control of Machine tools

Numerical Control (NC) can be defined

Basic Components of an NC System

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