NC, CNC, DNC, TECHNOLOGY

UNIT-3
 Numerical Control (NC)
• Numerical control (NC) is a form of flexible
(programmable) automation in which the process
is controlled by numbers, letters, and symbols.
• The NC machine tool runs on a program fed to it;
without human operator. The NC program consist
of a set of instruction or statement for controlling
the motion of the drives of the machine tools as
well as the motion of the cutting tool.
 NC machine tools , one or more of the
following function may be automatic :

i. Starting and stopping of the machine tool

spindle;
ii. Controlling the spindle speed;
iii. Positioning the tool at the desired location
and guiding it along the desired path by
automatic control of the motion of slides;
iv. Controlling the feed rate; and
v. Changing the tools.
 Basic Components of an NC System

An NC system consists of the

• Program of instruction,
• Machine control unit (MCU), and
• Machine tools.
 Program of instruction
• This is the detailed step by step set of directions which tell
the machine tool what do.
• It is coded in numerical or symbolic.
• The most common input medium today is punched tape.
Other forms of input media was punch cards, magnetic
tape and 35mm motion picture film.
• There are two methods of input to the NC system. First one
is the manual data input (MDI).
• This is manual entry of instructional data to the control unit,
and this method used only for relatively simple jobs where
order not will not be repeat.
• The second method of input is means direct link
with computer. This is called Direct numerical
control or DNC .
• DNC has of a number of advantages over MDI, like
storing the data, manipulation and modification.
• The program instructions is prepared by some one
called a part programmer. The programmer’s job is
to provide a set of detailed instructions by which
the sequence of processing steps to be performed.
 Machine control unit (MCU)
• This consists of the electronic and hardware
that read and interpret the program o
instructions and converted in to mechanical
action of the machine tool.
• The elements of controller unit are the tape
reader, a data buffer (memory), signal out put
channel to the machine tool, feed back
channel from the machine tool, and sequence
controls to coordinate the overall operation.
 Machine tools
• The machine tool performs the final useful
work.
• It follows the instructions from the MCU, and
does the machining operation by relative
motion between the cutting tool and the work
piece.
 NC Coordinate Systems
• In order for the part programmer to plan the
sequence of operations and movement of the
cutting tool relative to the work piece.
• Example.
• The drill spindle is in a fixed vertical position,
and table is moved and controlled relative to
the spindle.
• Accordingly the coordinate system of axes is
established with respect to the machine tool.
• Two axes x and y are defined in the plane of the
table.
• Z axis is perpendicular to this plan and movement
in the z direction is controlled by the vertical
motion of the spindle.
• The positive and negative direction of motion of
tool relative to the table along the axes.
• The rotational axes are defined in NC the a, b, and c
axes. These axes specify angles about x, y and z
axes respectively.
• The turning operation two axes are normally
all that are required to command the
movement of the tool relative to the rotating
work piece.
• The z axis is the axis of rotation of the work
part, and x defines the radial location of the
cutting tool.
 Fixed Zero and Floating Zero
• Fixed zero: In this case the reference is always
set at fixed point on machine tool.
• A fixed zero position is defined as the south
west (lower left) corner of the table.
• All movements of the tool are specified by
positive x and y axis from this point.
• Floating Zero: In this method NC machine
allows the machine operator to set the zero
point at any position on the machine table.
• The part programmer is the one who decides
where the zero point should be located.
• The decision based on the part programming
convince.
 Absolute Positioning and Incremental
Positioning
Absolute Positioning: The tool locations are
always defined in relation to the zero point
Incremental Positioning : the next tool location
must defined with reference to the previous
tool location.
Absolute positioning Incremental positioning
Move is: x = 20, y = 30.
Move is: x = 40, y = 50
 NC Motion Control Systems
• In order to accomplish the machining process,
the cutting tool and work piece must be
moved relative to each other.
• In NC, there are three basic type of motion
control system.
1. Point to Point.
2. Straight Cut.
3. Contouring.
 1.Point-to-Point systems

• The cutting tool is moved relative to the work piece

(i.E., Either the cutting tool moves, or the work piece
moves) until the cutting tool is at a numerically
defined position and then the motion is paused.
• The cutting tool then performs an operation.
• When the operation is completed, the cutting tool
moves relative to the work piece until the next point
is reached, and the cycle is repeated.
• The simplest example of a PTP NC machine tool is the
NC drilling machine.
 2.Straight-cut NC
• Straight-cut system are capable of moving the
cutting tool parallel to one of the major axes
(X-Y-Z) at a controlled rate suitable for
machining.
• It is appropriate for performing milling
operations to fabricate work pieces of
rectangular configurations.
• Straight-cut NC systems can also perform PTP
operations.
 Contouring
• In contouring (continuous path) operations,
the tool is cutting while the axes of motion are
moving.
• The axes can be moved simultaneously, at
different velocity.
• The path of the cutter is continuously
controlled to generate the desired geometry
of the work piece
• Contouring.
Application of NC Systems
 Advantages of NC Systems
• Cycle time reduction
• Complex machining operation
• High degree of accuracy
• Less inspection required
• Reduction of scrap and wastage
• Increasing productivity
• Lower tooling cost
• Reduction of human error
• Greater operation safety
• Greater operation efficiency
• Reduction space required
• Operator skill-level reduced
 Limitation of NC Systems
• High investment cost
• High maintenance effort
• Need for skilled programmers
• High utilization required
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

A numerical control system where in a

dedicated, stored program computer is used to
perform some or all of the basic numerical
control functions in accordance with control
programs stored in the read-write memory of
the computer.
 CNC Machine Tools
• In CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, a dedicated
computer is used to perform the most of basic NC machine
functions.
• CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is a NC machine
which uses a dedicated computer as the machine control unit.
• The entire program is entered and stored in computer
memory. The machining cycle for each component is
controlled by the program contained in the computer
memory.
• The stored part program listing can be used for future
production also.

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

Components of CNC machine tool system

• The main components of CNC machine tools are as

follows :

1. Input / Output Console.

2. Microprocessor Based control unit.
3. Memory.
4. Feedback unit.
5. Machine Tool.
6. Interfaces.
Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)
 Input / Output
Devices

Memory (ROM) Memory (RAM)

Control program for : Part Program
Z Slide
X Slide

Feed Back Unit Machine Tool

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

• Input / Output Console : It is the unit through which part
program is fed to the CNC machine tool system and required
output is taken out. It basically consists of monitor and
Keyboard.
• Microprocessor : This controller takes input from Input / Output
device, Feedback from feedback unit and actuates the drives as
well as the tool of the machine tool.
• Memory : It consists of RAM & ROM. The RAM stores part
program, while ROM stores the programs for machine control.
• Feedback unit : The feedback unit takes input from machine tool
and transfers it to control unit for necessary corrections.
• Machine tool : Machine tool is operated by the control unit.
• Interfaces : They are the connections between the different
components of the CNC machine tool system.
Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)
 1. Hybrid controller CNC systems

Hard-Wired
1. Hard wired logic circuits : It
Minicomputer
logic Circuits performs those functions for
which they are best suited,
such as feed rate generation
and interpolation.
Interface 2. Soft wired computer : The
computer performs the
remaining control functions
plus other duties not
Feedback normally associated with a
conventional hard-wired
controller.

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

 2. Stage controller CNC systems

• It uses a computer to perform

Minicomputer
all the functions.
• The interpolation, feed rate
generation and all other
functions are performed by
Interface the computer with the help of
software.
• The only hard-wired elements
are those required to
Feedback interface the computer with
machine tool and operator’s
console.

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

 Advantages & Limitations of CNC
machine tools
Advantages Limitations
• Ease of program input. • Higher investment cost.
• Multiple program storage. • Higher maintenance cost.
• Online part programming and • Requires specialised
editing.
operators.
• Use of advanced interpolation.
• Automatic tool compensation.
• Auto generation of part
program for existing
components.
• Change in system of units.

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

 DNC
• DNC is a manufacturing system in which a number of
machines are controlled by a computer through direct-
connection and in real time.
• Also, defined by EIA as: DNC is a system connecting
a set of NC machines to a common memory for part
program or machine program storage with provision
for on- demand distribution of data to machines.
• The tape reader is omitted.
• Involves data connection and processing from the
machine tool back to the computer.

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

 Components

1. Central computer
2. Bulk memory which stores the NC part
programs.
3. Telecommunication lines
4. Machine Tools.

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

Principle

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

• A central computer connected to a number of machine tools
and control them
• Part program of all machine tools are stored in the memory
of the central computer and transmitted on direct
transmission lines on demand
• Two way information flow take place in real time
• Various machine tools can communicate with the computer
in real time
• Programs in full or segment can be transferred to NC
machines
• Computer can be used for program editing
• No tape readers are used
• No limitation for the number or size of programs stored
Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)
The configuration of the DNC system can be divided
into:

1. DNC system without satellite computer.

2. DNC system with satellite computer.

Satellite computers are minicomputers and they

serve to take some of the burden off central computer.
Each satellites controls several machine tools.

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

DNC system without satellite computer

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

DNC system with satellite computer

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

 Functions of DNC

The functions which a DNC system is designed

to perform:

1. NC without punched tape.

2. NC part program storage.
3. Data collection, processing, and reporting.
4. Communication

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)

 Advantages of DNC System

• Elimination of punched tapes and tape readers

• Convenient storage of NC part programs in
computer files
• Greater computational capability and
flexibility
• Reporting of shop performance.
• Convenient editing and diagnostic features.

Presented by :- Nilrajsinh Vasandia (130454119006)