Cad Notes in Word1
Cad Notes in Word1
Cad Notes in Word1
Fundamentals of cad-cam:
Computer-aided design (CAD) can be defined as the use of computer systems to assist in
the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. The computer systems consist
of the hardware and software to perform the specialized design functions required by the
particular user firm. The CAD hardware typically includes the computer, one or more graphics
display terminals, keyboards, and other peripheral equipment. The CAD software consists of the
computer programs to implement computer graphics on the system plus application programs to
facilitate the engineering functions of the user company. Examples of these application
programs include stress-strain analysis of components, dynamic response of mechanisms, heat-
transfer calculations, and numerical control part programming. The collection of application
programs will vary from one user firm to the next because their product lines, manufacturing
processes, and customer markets are different. These factors give rise to differences in CAD
system requirements.
Before examining the several facets of computer-aided design, let us first consider the general
design process. The process of designing something is characterized by Shigley as an iterative
procedure, which consists of six identifiable steps or phases:-
Evaluation is concerned with measuring the design against the specifications established
in the problem definition phase. This evaluation often requires the fabrication and testing of a
prototype model to assess operating performance, quality, reliability, and other criteria. The
final phase in the design process is the presentation of the design. This includes documentation
of the design by means of drawings, material specifications, assembly lists, and so on.
Essentially, the documentation requires that a design database be created. Figure illustrates the
basic steps in the design process, indicating its iterative nature.
The various design-related tasks which are performed by a modem computer- aided
design-system can be grouped into four functional areas:
These four areas correspond to the final four phases in Shigley's general design
process, illustrated in Figure. Geometric modeling corresponds to the synthesis phase in which
the physical design project takes form on the ICG system. Engineering analysis corresponds to
phase 4, dealing with analysis and optimization. Design review and evaluation is the fifth step
in the general design procedure. Automated drafting involves a procedure for converting the
design image data residing in computer memory into a hard-copy document. It represents an
important method for presentation (phase 6) of the design. The following four sections explore
each of these four CAD functions.
Geometric modeling
To use geometric modeling, the designer constructs, the graphical image of the object on
the CRT screen of the ICG system by inputting three types of commands to the computer. The
first type of command generates basic geometric elements such as points, lines, and circles. The
second command type is used to accomplish scaling, rotating, or other transformations of these
elements. The third type of command causes the various elements to be joined into the desired
shape of the object being creaed on the ICG system. During the geometric modeling process,
the computer converts the commands into a mathematical model, stores it in the computer data
files, and displays it as an image on the CRT screen. The model can subsequently be called
from the data files for review, analysis, or alteration.
There are several different methods of representing the object in geometric modeling.
The basic form uses wire frames to represent the object. In this form, the object is displayed by
interconnecting lines as shown in Figure. Wire frame geometric modeling is classified into three
types depending on the capabilities of the ICG system.
Engineering analysis
In the formulation of nearly any engineering design project, some type of analysis is
required. The analysis may involve stress-strain calculations, heat-transfer computations, or the
use of differential equations to describe the dynamic behavior of the system being designed.
The computer can be used to aid in this analysis work. It is often necessary that specific
programs be developed internally by the engineering analysis group to solve a particular design
problem. In other situations, commercially available general-purpose programs can be used to
perform the engineering analysis.
analysis
The analysis of mass properties is the analysis feature of a CAD system that has probably the
widest application. It provides properties of a solid object being analyzed, such as the surface area,
weight, volume, center of gravity, and moment of inertia. For a plane surface (or a cross section of
a solid object) the corresponding computations include the perimeter, area, and inertia properties.
Probably the most powerful analysis feature of a CAD system is the finite- element method.
With this technique, the object is divided into a large number of finite elements (usually rectangular
or triangular shapes) which form an interconnecting network of concentrated nodes. By using a
computer with significant computational capabilities, the entire Object can be analyzed for stress-
strain, heat transfer, and other characteristics by calculating the behavior of each node. By
determining the interrelating behaviors of all the nodes in the system, the behavior of the entire
object can be assessed.
Some CAD systems have the capability to define automatically the nodes and the
network structure for the given object. 1be user simply defines certain parameters for the finite-
element model, and the CAD system proceeds with the computations.
Checking the accuracy of the design can be accomplished conveniently on the graphics terminal.
Semiautomatic dimensioning and tolerancing routines which assign size specifications to surfaces
indicated by the user help to reduce the possibility of dimensioning errors. The designer can zoom
in on part design details and magnify the image on the graphics screen for close scrutiny.
Another related procedure for design review is interference checking. This involves the analysis of an
assembled structure in which there is a risk that the components of the assembly may occupy the same space.
This risk occurs in the design of large chemical plants, air-separation cold boxes, and other complicated
piping structures.
Automated drafting
Automated drafting involves the creation of hard-copy engineering drawings directly from the
CAD data base. In some early computer-aided design departments, automation of the drafting
process represented the principal justification for investing in the CAD system. Indeed, CAD
systems can increase productivity in the drafting function by roughly five times over manual
drafting.
These features include automatic dimensioning, generation of crosshatched areas, scaling of the drawing, and
the capability to develop sectional views and enlarged views of particular path details.
There are many benefits of computer-aided design, only some of which can be easily measured. Some of the
benefits are intangible, reflected in improved work quality, more pertinent and usable information, and
improved control, all of which are difficult to quantify. Other benefits are tangible, but the savings from
them show up far downstream in the production process, so that it is difficult to assign a dollar figure to them
in the design phase. Some of the benefits that derive from implementing CAD/CAM can be directly
measured. Table provides a checklist of potential benefits of an integrated CAD/CAM system. In the
subsections that follow, we elaborate on some of these advantages.
The use of interactive graphics has been found to be the best approach to accomplish
these functions. A typical interactive graphics workstation would consist of the following
hardware Components:
Nearly all computer graphics terminals available today use the cathode ray tube (CRT)
as the display device. Television sets use a form of the same device as the picture tube. 'The
operation of the CRT is illustrated in Figure. A heated cathode emits a high- speed electron
beam onto a phosphor-coated glass screen. 'The electrons energize the phosphor coating,
causing it to glow at the points where the beam makes contact. By focusing the electron beam,
changing its intensity, and controlling its point of contact against the phosphor coating through
the use of a deflector system, the beam can be made to generate a picture on the CRT screen.
There are two basic techniques used in current computer graphics terminals for
generating the image on the CRT screen. They are:
1. Stroke writing
2. Raster scan
Other names for the stroke-writing technique include line drawing, random position, vector writing, stroke
writing, and directed beam. Other names for the raster scan technique include digital TV and scan graphics.
There are a variety of cursor control devices which have been employed in CAD systems. These include:
Electronic tablet/pen.
Geometric Modeling
Geometric modeling can be defined as computer compatible and mathematical representation of the
geometry. If you really look at this particular definition, there are two aspects one is computer
compatibility this is a must, second is a mathematical representation of geometry. If these two can
be fulfilled in any definition I can call it geometric modeling.
Now one can always give a mathematical definition which is not computer compatible or I can have
a representation which is used purely for visual representation of the geometric object. So if I look
at these representations which are like which fulfills only one of the requirements then that is not
what we are looking for. We are looking for something which can fulfill both. For example if I look
at a mathematical definition to geometry, we study in our schools and colleges, a complete course
on solid geometry or coordinate geometry which is basically concerned with mathematical
representation of geometric entities like line, circle, conics also surface entities like cylindrical
surface, conical surface or a spherical surface.
So we study about how these are mathematically represented in our coordinate geometric course or
three dimensional solid geometric course. So these representations are mathematical but they are not
really computer friendly that means what I intend to do with this geometry cannot be fulfilled by
these definitions directly.
So I am looking for a better definition where I am able to use the mathematical representation also
for doing some calculations which are related to cad cam or also to use this representation for
visually displaying on let’s say a computer screen. And if I go by other definition that is I can
always give or I can always visually represent a three dimensional picture on computer screen
without going into mathematical definition also, it’s also possible. So, even that is not enough, so
we are looking for something which is a combination of this thing.
Parametric curves
Curve representation
There are three problems with describing curves using nonparametric equations
(1) If the slope of a curve at a point is vertical or near vertical, its value becomes infinity or very large,
a difficult condition to deal with both computationally and programming-wise. Other ill-defined
mathematical conditions may result.
(2) Shapes of most engineering objects are intrinsically independent of any coordinate system. What
determines the shape of an object is the relationship between its data points themselves and not between
these points and some arbitrary coordinate system.
(3) If the curve is to be displayed as a series of point or straight-line segments, the computations involved
could be extensive.
Parametric representation allows closed and multiple-valued functions to be easily defined and
replaces the use of slopes with that of tangent vectors, as will be introduced shortly.
In parametric form, each point on a curve is expressed as a function of a parameter u. The parametric
equation for a three-dimensional curve in space takes the following vector
Equation (3) implies that the coordinates of a point on the curve are the components of its
position vector. It is a one-to-one mapping from the parametric space (Euclidean space E1 in u
values) to the Cartesian space (E3 in x, y, z values), as shown in Figure 2.
vector components x’(u), y’(u), and z’(u) respectively. The slopes of the curve are given by the
There are two categories of curves that can be represented parametrically: analytic curves and
synthetic curves. Analytic curves are defined as those that can be described by analytic equations
such as lines, circles, and conics. Synthetic curves are the ones that are described by a set of data
Lines and circles are often expressed in analytic equations. They can also be expressed using parametric
representation:
Synthetic curves
The need for synthetic curves in design arises on two occasions: when a curve is represented by
a collection of measured data points and when an existing curve must change to meet new design
requirements. Analytic curves are usually not sufficient to meet geometric design requirements of
mechanical parts. Synthetic curves provide designers with greater flexibility and control of a curve
shape by changing the positions of the control points. Products such as car bodies, ship hulls,
airplane fuselage and wings, propeller blades, shoe insoles, and bottles are a few examples that
require free-form, or synthetic, curves and surfaces. Considering that most data of objects are
available in a discrete form, mainly key points, the curve equation should be able to accept points
Splines draw their name from the traditional draftsman’s tool called “French curves or splines.”
In drafting terminology, a spline is a flexible strip used to produce a smooth curve.
The Hermite form of a cubic spline is determined by defining positions and tangent vectors at
the data points, as shown in Figure
The parametric cubic spline curve (or cubic spline for short) connects two data (end) points
and utilizes a cubic equation. Therefore, four conditions are required to determine the coefficients
of the equation. The parametric equation of a cubic spline segment is given by
where u is the parameter and Ci are the polynomial (also called algebraic) coefficients. In scalar
form this equation is written as
Now the problem is how to relate the parametric equations to the designers’ input, namely, the two end
points and tangent vectors.Applying the boundary conditions (P0, P’0 at u=0 and P1, P’1 at u=1)
and rearranging gives
where [MH] is the Hermite matrix and V is the geometry (or boundary conditions) vector.
Both are given by
Bezier curve
The advantages of Bezier curve over cubic spline is that the direction of the curve at the joints
can be defined and changed simply by specifying the position of the second and third data points.
Changing a control point not only affects the shape of the curve near the control point but has an
influence throughout the curve. This lack of local control is a major weakness of Bezier curve. Fig.
6.29 shows Bezier cubic segments for two sets of values of X.
The Bezier cubic segment discussed above is a special case of the more general Bezier
polynomial curve segment
where u ∈ [0,1]
With blending functions: Bi,n (u) = C(n,i) ui (1 – u)n-i
where n is the binomial coefficient
and p(u) are the control points and there are n+1 of them defining the vertices of the
characteristic polygon.
B-spline:
This form of cubic segments uses a third set of basis functions different from the types
discussed earlier. A cubic β-spline curve is a special case of spline curve. The equation for this
curve can be written as:
This generates what is known as piecewise polynomial. The N(u) blending functions are
defined recursively as :
The resulting parametric polynomials are of degree (k - 1). The t are called knot values. For an
open curve there are
The blending functions confine the effects of a control point movement to the immediate
locale. Thus the curve change shape is local and not global as it is for Bezier curves.
When the control points are distinct, this curve is continuous in slope and in curvature
between successive segments but it does not pass through any of the intermediate control
points. The cubic β-spline has the advantage that the control points may be moved without
affecting slope and curvature continuity and only four spans of the overall curve will be
affected by the change. Moreover, by allowing two control points to coincide it is possible to
curve shapes by considering composite curves constructed from individual segments, in the
Unit-II
DESIGN OF SURFACES:
The design of surfaces may be based on quadrics like ellipsoid, hyperboloid, cone,
surface may be generated by sweeping a pattern curve along a spline curve. The swept
Parametric surfaces may be defined in one of the following methods: i. In terms of points
of data (positions, tangents, normals) ii. In terms of data on a number of space curves
lying in these surfaces. The resulting surface will either interpolate or approximate the
rectangular domain in u-v space. A surface patch defined in terms of point data will
array of data points which may be regarded as defining a series of curves in one
parameter direction which in turn are interpolated or approximated in the direction of the
other parameter to generate the surface. shows the parameter curves on a surface patch
V = [1 v v2 v3 ]
For Coon’s patch, the basis function M is identical to that of cubic spline segment.
The position and derivative data on two adjacent corners effectively define not only the edge
curve which joins them but also the cross slope at each point on the edge. This makes it
possible to combine two or more patches with continuity of position and slope.
forming a characteristic polyhedron. Fig. 6.31 shows the characteristic polyhedron for a
Bezier surface. The four corner points R (0,0), R (3,0), R (3,3) and R (0,3) lie at the corners
of the surface patch itself whereas remaining points do not lie on the patch. The four points
along each edge of the polyhedron define the four edge curves of the patch. The four interior
points determine the cross derivatives at the corner and cross slopes along the nearest edges
to them.
The basis function for a cubic B-spline surface is the same as that of cubic B-spline curve.
As in the case of B-spline curve, none of the control points forming the characteristic
polyhedron lies on the surface. Composite surfaces can be obtained by combining several
surface patches. gives the properties of the surfaces generated by the common methods.
Definition of B-Spline Surface Extending the Idea of B-Spline curve, we obtain a Cartesian
points – If k,l set to 1, then only a plot of the control points • Bi,j is the input set of
(n+1)x(m+1) control points (polygon net vertices) • Parameters u,w now depend on how we
choose the other parameters (no longer locked to 0-1) • N i,k , M j,l , blending functions
The highest order in each parametric direction is limited to the number of defining polygon
vertices in that direction • The continuity of the surface in each parametric direction is k-2,l-
diminishing property of B-spline surface is not well known • The influence of any polygon
net vertex is limited to ±k/2, ±l/2 spans in the respective parametric direction
If the number of polygon net vertices is equal to the order of basis in that direction and if
there are no interior knot values, then the B-spline surface reduces to a Bezier surface
both parametric direction • The flexibility of B-spline curves and surfaces is increased by
raising the order of the basis function and hence the defining polygon/grid segments. • An
alternative to degree raising is increasing the knot values in the knot vector used. • The basic
idea of degree raising or knot insertion is to achieve the flexibility without changing the
shape of the curve or surface. • The nature of the knot vector is preserved (uniform, open)
Surface Modeling
A surface model represents the skin of an object,these skins have no thickness or material
type. Surface models define the surface features, as well as the edges, of objects. • A
mathematical function describes the path of a curve (parametric techniques). • Surfaces are
Advantages:
Eliminates ambiguity and non-uniqueness present in wireframe models by hiding lines not
seen. Renders the model for better visualization and presentation, objects appear more
realistic. Provides the surface geometry for CNC machining. Provides the geometry needed
for mold and die design. Can be used to design and analyze complex free formed surfaces
(ship hulls, airplane fuselages, car bodies, …). Surface properties such as roughness, color
Disadvantages:
Surface modeling was essentially the situation in the early 1940s. The pressures of wartime
production, particularly in the aircraft industry, led to changes in the way the geometry was
represented. The use of parametric techniques became popular in the 1960s, largely due to
manufacturing forgings,castings.
Plane surface
This is the simplest surface. It requires three non-coincident points to define an infinite
plane. The plane surface can be used to generate cross-sectional views by intersecting a
surface model with it, generate cross sections for mass property calculations, or other similar
A plane surface that passes through three points, P0, P1and P2 is given by
Once the normal unit vector is known, the surface can be also expressed in nonparametric
form as
Ruled Surface
A ruled surface is generated by joining two space curves (rails) with a straight line (ruling or
generator). If two curves are denoted by F(u) and G(u) respectively, for a value of u, then the
Lofted Surface
Revolved surface
A revolved surface is generated a space curve about an axis of rotation. The parametric
representation of the curve in the working coordinate system that has x- and y-axes on the
perpendicular plane to the axis of rotation that is z-axis can be expressed by
Tabulated cylinder:
A tabulated cylinder is generated by moving a straight line along a space curve. The
parametric representation of thecurve can be expressed by
where nv is the unit vector in the direction of generatix. ¥Defined by projecting a shape
curve (or profile) along a direction vector. ¥Curvature in one direction only (along shape
curve), linear in other direction.
This surface is formed by Hermite cubic splines running in two different directions.
It interpolates to a finite number of data points to form the surface.The bicubic interpolation is an invaluable
tool used in image processing.
Applying the boundary conditions (continuity and tangency) at data points determines all coefficients.
Here
This matrix can be determined by imposing the smoothness conditions at data points joining two adjacent panels.
Bezier Surface
Bezier curves can be extended to surfaces • Same problems as for Bezier curves: • no local modification possible •
This is a surface that can approximate or interpolate given input data. It is a synthetic surface. It is a
general surface like the Bezier surface but with the advantage of permitting local control of the surface.
• As with curves, B-spline surfaces are a generalization of Bezier surfaces • The surface approximates a
A wireframe representaion of an object is done using edges (lines curves) and vertices. Surface
representation then is the logical evolution using faces (surfaces), edges and vertices. In this sequence of
developments, the solid modeling uses topological information in addition to the geometrical information to
Unlike wireframes and surface representations which contain only geometrical data, the solid model uses
topological information in addition to the geometrical information to represent the object unambiguously and
completely. Solid model results in accurate design, helps to further the goal of CAD/ CAM like CIM,
Geometry: The graphical information of dimension, length, angle, area and transformations
Topology: The invisible information about the connectivity, neighborhood, associatively etc
Geometry Vs Topology:
Geometry: Metrics and dimensions of the solid object. Location of the object in a chosen coordinate system.
Ambiguity • Subjective human interpretation • Complex objects with many edges become confusing • Lengthy and
verbose to define • Not possible to calculate Volume and Mass properties, NC tool path, cross sectioning etc
Definition of a Solid Model : A solid model of an object is a more complete representation than its surface
(wireframe) model. It provides more topological information in addition to the geometrical information
Operation on Primitives
ƒ A desired solid can be obtained by combining two or more solids ƒ When we use Boolean (set) operations the
Operation on Primitives
A desired solid can be obtained by combining two or more solids ƒ When we use Boolean (set) operations
Solid Representation
Realworld object satisfy specific properties causing them to be
1. Bounded – limited boundary, contain interior of the solid
2. Homogeneously three-dimensional – no dangling edge or faces, the
boundary is always in contact with the interior of the solid.
3. Finite – finite in size and limited amount of information (area, mass and
volume determinations).
Formal properties of geometric modeling
1. Domain or coverage – define object classes
2. Validity – legal model
3. Completeness – complete solid with enough data for geometric calculation
performed
4. Uniqueness
Quadric surfaces are commonly used in CSG because they represent the most
commonly used surface in mechanical design produced by the stand operations of
milling, turning, rolling. E.g. planar surfaces are obtained through rolling and milling,
cylindrical surface through turning, spherical surfaces through cutting done with a
ball-end cutting tool.
Data structure for the CSG representation is based on the binary tree structure.
CSG example
Disadvantages:
1. The way of primitive combinations for the CSG representation is not
unique. It has been found through the use of different primitives and
Boolean operations.
2. The CSG doesn’t specify quantitative values for the new solid
(unevaluated model). The new model must be checked through a
boundary evaluation routine with will supply quantitative information about
its vertices, edges, faces.
3. It shorts of intersection calculation in the form of curve/curve,
curve/surface, or surface/surface intersections.
Boundary Representation – B-rep
The B-rep is built on the idea that a physical object is enclosed by a set of faces,
which themselves belong to closed and orientable surfaces.
Geometric and topology
entities Point Vertex
Curve Edge
Surface Face
A loop represents a connected portion of the boundary of a face. The face’s inner loop
represents the connected portion of the boundary of two faces.
Eular law is not only suit for solids with planar faces, but also for curved objects with
closed curved faces or edges.
Sweep representation
Translation and rotational sweeping are used to create the sweep solid.
In engineering applications sweeping can be used to detect possible interference
between moving parts, or simulate and analyze material removal operations in
manufacturing (tool moving along a predefined path intersects the raw stock of the
part).
UNIT-III
Numerical control :
NC is defined as a form of programmable automation in which the process iscontrolled by
alphanumeric data. MCU is a hardware system which reads, interprets and translates the
programof instructions into mechanical action of machine tool.
CNC is defined as a NC system that utilizes a dedicated, stored computer program to perform
some or the entire basic NC functions. Application are in aero equipment; printed circuit boards; coil
winding; automobile parts; and blue print of complex shapes . Direct numerical control system is
defined as a manufacturing system in which a number of machine tools are controlled by a
computer through direct connection and in real time.
NC procedure:
To utilize numerical control in manufacturing, the following steps must be accomplished.
Process Planning: The engineering drawing of the workpart must be interpreted in terms of the
manufacturing processes to be used. this step is referred to as process planning and it is
concerned with the preparation of a route sheet. The route sheet is a listing of the sequence of
operations which must be performed on the work part. It is called a route sheet because it also
lists the machines through which the part must be routed in order to accomplish the sequence of
operations. We assume that some of the operations will be performed on one or more NC
machines.
Part programming: A part programmer plans the process for the portions of the job to be
accomplished by NC. Part programmers are knowledgeable about the machining process and
they have been trained to program for numerical control. They are responsible for planning the
sequence of machining steps to be performed by NC and to document these in a special format.
There are two ways to program for NC.
Manual part programming In manual programming, the machining instructions are prepared
on a form called a part program manuscript. The manuscript is a listing of the relative
cutter/work piece positions which must be followed to machine the part. In computer-assisted
part programming, much of the tedious computational work required in manual part
programming is transferred to the computer. This is especially appropriate for complex work
piece geometries and jobs with many machining steps. Use of the computer in these situations
results in significant savings in part programming time.
About fixed zero and floating zero : The programmer must determine the position of the
tool relative to the origin (zero point) of the coordinate system. NC machines have either of two
methods for specifying the zero point. The first possibility is for the machine to have a fixed
zero. In this case, the origin is always located at the same position on the machine. Usually, that
position is the southwest comer (lower left-hand comer)of the table and all tool locations will be
defined by positive x and y coordinates. 48 The second and more common feature on modern
NC machines allows the machine operator to set the zero point at any position on the machine
table. This feature is called floating zero. The part programmer is the one who decides where the
zero point should be located. The decision is based on part programming convenience. For
example, the work part may be symmetrical and the zero point should be established at the center
of symmetry.
Straight-cut control systems are capable of moving the cutting tool parallel to one of the major
axes at a controlled rate suitable for machining. It is therefore appropriate for performing.
Milling operations to fabricate work pieces of rectangular configurations. With this type of NC
system it is not possible to combine movements in more than a Single axis direction. Therefore,
angular cuts on the work piece would not be possible. An example of a straight-cut operation is
shown in Figure
Parts are processed frequently and in small lot sizes.The part geometry is complex. Many
operations must be performed on the part in its processing. 49 Much metal needs to be removed.
Engineering design changes are likely. Close tolerances must be held on the work part. It is an
expensive part where mistakes in processing would be costly.The parts require l00% inspection.
Contouring motions:
Contouring commands are somewhat more complicated because the tool's position must be
continuously controlled throughout the move. To accomplish this control, the tool is directed
along two intersecting surfaces as shown in Figure 8.lO. These surfaces have very specific names
in APT: l. Drive surface. This is the surface (it is pictured as a plane in Figure 8.lO) that guides
the side of the cutter. Part surface. This is the surface (again shown as a plane in the figure) on
which the bottom of the cutter rides. The reader should note that the "part surface" mayor may
not be an actual surface of the work part. The part programmer must define this plus the drive
surface for the purpose of maintaining continuous path control of the tool. There is one
additional surface that must be defined for APT contouring motions.
Three surfaces in APT contouring motions which guide the cutting tool.
Process Planning: The engineering drawing of the work part must be interpreted in terms of the
manufacturing processes to be used. This step is referred to as process planning and it is concerned with
the preparation of a route sheet. The route sheet is a listing of the sequence of operations which must be
performed on the work part. It is called a route sheet because it also lists the machines through which the
part must be routed in order to accomplish the sequence of operations. We assume that some of the
operations will be performed on one or more NC machines.
Part programming: A part programmer plans the process for the portions of the job to be accomplished
by NC. Part programmers are knowledgeable about the machining process and they have been trained to
program for numerical control. They are responsible for planning the sequence of machining steps to be
performed by NC and to document these in a special format. There are two ways to program for NC:
Manual part programming, Computer-assisted part programming.
l. Process Planning. The engineering drawing of the work part must be interpreted in terms of the
manufacturing processes to be used. this step is referred to as process planning and it is
concerned with the preparation of a route sheet. The route sheet is a listing of the sequence of
operations which must be performed on the work part. It is called a route sheet because it also
lists the machines through which the part must be routed in order to accomplish the sequence of
operations. We assume that some of the operations will be performed on one or more NC
machines.
Part programming. A part programmer plans the process for the portions of the job to be
accomplished by NC. Part programmers are knowledgeable about the machining process and
they have been trained to program for numerical control. They are responsible for planning the
sequence of machining steps to be performed by NC and to document these in a special format.
There are two ways to program for NC:
In manual programming, the machining instructions are prepared on a form called a part program
manuscript. The manuscript is a listing of the relative cutter/work piece positions which must be
followed to machine the part. In computer-assisted part programming, much of the tedious
computational work required in manual part programming is transferred to the computer. This is
especially appropriate for complex work piece geometries and jobs with many machining steps.
Use of the computer in these situations results in significant savings in part programming time.
Tape preparation: A punched tape is prepared from the part programming NC process plan in
manual part programming, the punched tape is prepared directly from the part program
manuscript on a type writer like device equipped with tape punching capability. In computer-
assisted part programming, the computer interprets the list of part programming instructions,
performs the necessary calculations to convert this into a detailed set of machine tool motion
commands, and then controls a tape punch device to prepare the tape for the specific NC
machine.
Tape verification: After the punched tape has been prepared, a method is usually provided for
checking the accuracy of the tape. Sometimes the tape is checked by running it through a
computer program which plots the various tool movements (or table movements) on paper. In
this way, major errors in the tape can be discovered. The "acid test" of the tape involves trying it
out on the machine tool to make the part. A foam or plastic material is sometimes used for this
tryout. Programming errors are not uncommon, and it may require about three attempts before
the tape is correct and ready to use. Production. The final step in the NC procedure to use the NC
tape in production. This involves ordering the raw workparts specifying and preparing the
tooling and any special fixturing that may be required, and setting up The NC machine tool for
the job. The machine tool operator's function during production is to load the raw workpart in the
machine and establish the starting position of the cutting tool relative to the workpiece. The NC
system then takes over and machines the part according to the instructions on tape. When the
part is completed, the operator removes it from the machine and loads the nextpart.
NC COORDINATE SYSTEMS:
The programmer must determine the position of the tool relative to the origin (zero point) of the
coordinate system. NC machines have either of two methods for specifying the zero point. The
first possibility is for the machine to have a fixed zero. In this case, the origin is always located
at the same position on the machine. Usually, that position is the southwest comer (lower left-
hand comer) of the table and all tool locations will be defined by positive x and y coordinates.
The second and more common feature on modern NC machines allows the machine operator to
set the zero point at any position on the machine table. This feature is called floating zero. The
part programmer is the one who decides where the zero point should be located. The decision is
based on part programming convenience. For example, the work part may be symmetrical and
the zero point should be established at the center of symmetry. Another option sometimes
available to the part programmer is to use either an absolute system of tool positioning or an
incremental system. Absolute positioning means that the tool locations are always defined in
relation to the zero point. If a hole is to be drilled at a spot that is 8 in. above the x axis and 6in.
to the right of the y axis, the coordinate location of the bole would be specified as x = +6.OOO
and y = +8.OOO. By contrast, incremental positioning means that the next tool location must be
defined with reference to the previous tool location. If in our drilling example, suppose that the
previous hole had been drilled at an absolute position of x = +4.OOO and y=+5.OOO.
Accordingly, the incremental position instructions would be specified as x = +2.OOO and y=
+3.OOO in order to move the drill to the desired spot. Figure illustrates the difference between
absolute and incremental positioning.
The various types of motion control system:
In order to accomplish the machining process, the cutting tool and workpiece must be moved
relative to each other. In NC, there are three basic types of motion control systems: - Point-to-
point o Straight cut o Contouring Point-to-point NC Point-to-point (PTP) is also sometimes
called a positioning system. In PTP, the objective of the machine tool control system is to move
the cutting tool to a predefined location. The speed or path by which this movement is
accomplished is not import in point-to-point NC. Once the tool reaches the desired location, the
machining operation is performed at that position.
NC drill presses are a good example of PTP systems. The spindle must first be positioned at a
particular location on the work piece. This is done under PTP control. Then the drilling of the
hole is performed at the location, and so forth. Since no cutting is performed between holes,
there is no need for controlling the relative motion of the tool and work piece between hole
locations. Figure illustrates the point-to-point type of control. Positioning systems are the
simplest machine tool control systems and are therefore the least expensive of the three types.
However, for certain processes, such as drilling operations and spot welding, PIP is perfectly
suited to the task and any higher level of control would be unnecessary.
Straight-cut NC Straight-cut control systems are capable of moving the cutting tool parallel to
one of the major axes at a controlled rate suitable for machinin to fabricate workpieces of
rectangular configurations. With this type of NC system it is not possible to combine movements
in more than a Single axis direction. Therefore, angular cuts on the workpiece would not be
possible. An example of a straight-cut operation is shown in Figure
To fabricate work pieces of rectangular configurations. With this type of NC system it is not
possible to combine movements in more than a Single axis direction. Therefore, angular cuts on
the work piece would not be possible. An example of a straight-cut operation is shown in Figure
Contouring NC
Contouring is the most complex, the most flexible, and the most expensive type of machine tool
control. It is capable of performing both PTP and straight-cut operations. In addition, the
distinguishing feature of contouring NC systems is their capacity for simultaneous control of
more than one axis movement of the machine tool. The path of the cutter is continuously
controlled to generate the desired geometry of the work piece. For this reason, contouring
systems are also called continuous-path NC systems
Straight or plane surfaces at any orientation, circular paths, conical shapes, or most any other
mathematically definable form are possible under contouring control. Figure illustrates the
versatility of continuous path NC.
Numerical control systems are widely used in industry today, especially in the metalworking
industry. By far the most common application of NC is for metal cutting machine tools. Within
this category, numerically controlled equipment has been built to perform virtually the entire
range of material removal processes, including:
Milling, Drilling and related processes Boring, Turning, Grinding, Sawing Within the machining
category, NC machine tools are appropriate for certain jobs and inappropriate for others.
Following are the general characteristics of production jobs in metal machining for which
numerical control would be most appropriate:
It has been estimated that most manufactured parts are produced in lot sizes of 5O or fewer.
Small-lot and batch production jobs represent the ideal situations for the application of NC. This
is made possible by the capability to program the NC machine and to save that program for
subsequent use in future orders. If the NC programs are long and complicated (complex part
geometry, many operations, much metal removed), this makes NC all the more appropriate when
compared to manual methods of production. If engineering design changes or shifts in the
production schedule are likely, the use of tape control provides the flexibility needed to adapt to
these changes. Finally, if quality and inspection are important issues (close tolerances, high part
cost, lOO% inspection required), NC would be most suitable, owing to its high accuracy and
repeatability. In order to justify that a job be processed by numerical control methods, it is not
necessary that the job possess every one of these attributes. However, the more of these
characteristics that are present, the more likely it is that the part is a good candidate for NC.
In addition to metal machining, numerical control has been applied to a variety of other
operations. The following, although not a complete list, will give the reader an idea of the wide
range of potential applications of NC Press working machine tools Welding machines Inspection
machines Automatic drafting Assembly machines. Tube bending Flame cutting Plasma arc
cutting Laser beam processes Automated knitting machines Cloth cutting Automatic riveting
Wire-wrap machine.
Advantages of NC
Following are the advantages of numerical control when it is utilized in the type of production
jobs described.
l. Reduced nonproductive time. Numerical control has little or no effect on the basic metal,
cutting (or other manufacturing) process. However; NC can increase the proportion of time the
machine is engaged in the actual process. It accomplishes this by means of fewer setups, less
time in setting up, reduced work piece handling time, automatic tool changes on some machines,
and so on.
In a University of Michigan survey reported by Smith and Evans, a comparison was made
between the machining cycle times for conventional machine tools versus the cycle times for NC
machines. NC cycle times, as a percentage of their conventional counterparts, ranged from 35%
for five-axis machining centers to 65% for presswork punching. The advantage for numerical
control tends to increase with the more complex processes.
Reduced fixturing. NC requires fixtures which are simpler and less costly to fabricate because
the positioning is done by the NC tape rather than the jig or fixture Reduced manufacturing lead
time. Because jobs can be set up more quickly with NC and fewer setups are generally required
with NC, the lead time to deliver a job to the customer is reduced.
Reduced inventory. Owing to fewer setups and shorter lead times with numerical control, the
amount of inventory carried by the company is reduced. Reduced floor space requirements.
Since one NC machining center can often accomplish the production of several conventional
machines, the amount of floor space required in an NC shop is usually less than in a
conventionalshop.
Disadvantages of NC Along with the advantages of NC, there are several features about NC
which must be considered disadvantages: Higher investment cost. Numerical control machine
tools represent a more sophisticated and complex technology. This technology costs more to buy
than its non-NC counterpart.
The higher cost requires manufacturing managements to use these machines more aggressively
than ordinary equipment. High machine utilization is essential on order to get reasonable returns
on investment. Machine shops must operate their NC machines two or three sifts per day to
achieve this high machine utilization. Higher maintenance cost. Because NC is a more complex
technology and because NC machines are used harder, the maintenance problem becomes more
acute. Although the reliability of NC systems has been improved over the years, maintenance
costs for NC machines will generally be higher than for conventional machine tools.
Finding and/or training NC personnel. Certain aspects of numerical control shop operations
require a higher skill level than conventional operations. Part programmers and NC maintenance
personnel are two skill areas where available personnel are in short supply. The problems of
finding, hiring, and training these people must be considered a disadvantage to the NC shop.
Following is a list of the different types of words in the formation of a block. Not very NC
machine uses all the words. Also, the manner in which the words are expressed will differ
between machines. By convention, the words in a block are given in the following order:
PREPARATORY WORD (g-words): This word is used to prepare the controller for
instructions that are to follow. For example, the word gO2 is used to prepare the C controller unit
for circular interpolation along an arc in the clockwise direction. The preparatory word l&
needed S9 that the controller can correctly interpret the data that follow it in the block.
COORDINATES (x-, y-, and z-words): These give the coordinate positions of the tool. In a
two-axis system, only two of the words would be used. In a four- or five- axis machine,
additional a- words and V or b-words would specify the angular positions. Although different
NC systems use different formats for expressing a coordinate, we will adopt the convention of
expressing it in the familiar decimal form: For example, x + 7.235 ory-O.5ao. Some formats do
not use the decimal point in writing the coordinate. The + sign to define a positive coordinate
location is optional. The negative sign is, of FEED RATE (f-word): This specifies the feed in a
machining operation. Units are inches per minute (ipm) by convention.
CUTTING SPEED (s-word): This specifies the cutting speed of the process, the rate at which
the spindle rotates.
TOOL SELECTION (t-word): This word would be needed only for machines with a tool turret
or automatic tool changer. The t-word specifies which tool is to be used in the operation. For
example, tO5 might be the designation of a l/2-in. drill bit in turret position 5 on an NC turret
drill.
An NC part program is made up of a series of commands that are input into the MCU in a serial
manner.
The MCU interprets these commands and generates the necessary signals to each of the drive
units of the machine to accomplish the required action.
The NC program is required to have a particular structure that the controller can understand and
it must follow a specific syntax.
Commands are inputs into the controller in units called blocks or statements.
Each command gives a specific element of control data, such as dimension or a feed rate. Each
command within a block is also called a word.
The way in which words are arranged within the block is called block format.
Three different block formats are commonly used, (Fixed sequential format, Tab sequential
format and Word address format.
With this type of format, each type of word is assigned as address that is identified by a letter
code within the part program.
Thus the letter code specifies the type of word that follows and then its associated numeric data
is given.
For example, the code T represents a tool number. Thus a word of the form T01 would represent
tool number 1.
Theoretically, with this approach, the words in a given block can be entered in any sequence and
the controller should be able to interpret them correctly.
With the word address format only the needed words for a given operation have to be included
within the block.
The command to which the particular numeric data applies is identified by the preceding address
code.
Word format has the advantage of having more than one particular command in one block
something that would be impossible in the other two formats.
N-CODE: Sequence number, used to identify each block with in an NC program and provides a
means by which NC commands may be rapidly located. It is program line number. It is a good
practice to increment each block number by 5 to 10 to allow additional blocks to be inserted if
future changes are required.
G-CODE: Preparatory Word, used as a communication device to prepare the MCU. The G-code
indicates that a given control function such as G01, linear interpolation, is to be requested.
X, Y & Z-CODES: Coordinates. These give the coordinate positions of the tool.
F-CODE: Feed rate. The F code specifies the feed in the machining operation.
S-CODE: Spindle speed. The S code specifies the cutting speed of the machining process.
T-CODE: Tool selection. The T code specifies which tool is to be used in a specific operation.
M-CODE: Miscellaneous function. The M code is used to designate a particular mode of
operation for an NC machine tool.
I, J & K-CODES: They specify the centre of arc coordinates from starting.
List of M codes M codes
vary from machine to machine depending on the functions available on it. They are decided by
the manufacturer of the machine. The M codes listed below are the common ones.
G00 Rapid traverse:
When the tool being positioned at a point preparatory to a cutting motion, to save time it is
moved along a straight line at Rapid traverse, at a fixed traverse rate which is pre-programmed
into the machine's control system. Typical rapid traverse rates are 10 to 25 m /min., but can be as
high as 80 m/min.
The tool moves along a straight line in one or two axis simultaneously at a programmed linear
speed, the feed rate.
Format N__ G02/03 X__ Y__Z__ I__ J__K__ F__ using the arc center or
N__ G02/03 X__ Y__Z__ R__ F__ using the arc radius
Arc center
The arc center is specified by addresses I, J and K. I, J and K are the X, Y and Z co-ordinates of
the arc center with reference to the arc start point.
When using a G90 absolute position command, each dimension or move is referenced from a
fixed point, known as ABSOLUTE ZERO (part zero).
Absolute zero is usually set at the corner edge of a part, or at the center of a square or round part,
or an existing bore. ABSOLUTE ZERO is where the dimensions of a part program are defined
from.
Absolute dimensions are referenced from a known point on the part, and can be any point the
operator chooses, such as the upper-left corner, center of a round part, or an existing bore.
Syntax: N.. G90 X.. Y.. Z.. A.. B.. C..
This code is modal and changes the way axis motion commands are interpreted. G91 makes all
subsequent commands incremental. Zero point shifts with the new position.
Today, NC means computer numerical control. Computer numerical control CNC is defined as
an NC system whose MCU is based on a dedicated microcomputer rather than on a hard-wired
controller.
Features of CNC
1. Storage of more than one part program
2. Various forms of program input
3. Program editing at the machine tool
4. Using programming subroutines and macros.
5. Interpolation.
6. Positioning features for setup
7. Cutter length and size compensation
8. Acceleration and deceleration calculations
9. Communication interface
10. Diagnostics
The MCU is the hardware that distinguishes CNC from conventional NC.
MCU consists of the following components and subsystems:
(1) Central processing unit
(2) Memory
(3) I/O interface
(4) Controls for machine tool axes and spindle speed
(5) Sequence controls for other machine tool functions
Manages the other components in the MCU based on software contained in memory.
The CPU can be divided into three sections:
Input/Output Interface
Provides communication between the various components of the CNC system, other
computer systems, and the machine operator.
Controls for Machine Tool Axes and Spindle Speed
These are hardware components that control the position and velocity (feed rate) of
each machine axis as well as the rotational speed of the machine tool spindle.
Sequence Controls for other Machine Tool Functions:
In addition to control of table position, feed rate, and spindle speed, several additional
functions are accomplished under part program control. These auxiliary functions are
generally ON/OFF (binary) actuations and interlocks.
They have to be programmed, set up, operated, and maintained by highly skilled
personnel.