UNIT – IV

INTRODUCTION AND CONCEPTS OF NC/ CNC MACHINE

SPRX1008 – PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY - II

Numerical Control
Computer Numeric Control (CNC) is the automation of machine tools that are operated by
precisely programmed commands encoded on a storage medium (computer command
module, usually located on the device) as opposed to controlled manually by hand wheels or
levers, or mechanically automated by cams alone. Most NC today is computer (or
computerized) numerical control (CNC), in which computers play an integral part of
the control.
In modern CNC systems, end-to-end component design is highly automated using computer-
aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs. The programs
produce a computer file that is interpreted to extract the commands needed to operate a
particular machine by use of a post processor, and then loaded into the CNC machines for
production. Since any particular component might require the use of a number of different
tools – drills, saws, etc. – modern machines often combine multiple tools into a single "cell".
In other installations, a number of different machines are used with an external controller and
human or robotic operators that move the component from machine to machine. In either
case, the series of steps needed to produce any part is highly automated and produces a part
that closely matches the original CAD design.
Definition

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is one in which the functions and motions of a machine
tool are controlled by means of a prepared program containing coded alphanumeric data.
CNC can control the motions of the work piece or tool, the input parameters such as feed,
depth of cut, speed, and the functions such as turning spindle on/off, turning coolant on/off.

Applications

The applications of CNC include both for machine tool as well as non-machine tool areas. In
the machine tool category, CNC is widely used for lathe, drill press, milling machine,
grinding unit, laser, sheet-metal press working machine, tube bending machine etc. Highly
automated machine tools such as turning centre and machining centre which change the
cutting tools automatically under CNC control have been developed. In the non-machine tool
category, CNC applications include welding machines (arc and resistance), coordinate
measuring machine, electronic assembly, tape laying and filament winding machines for
composites etc.
Advantages and Limitations

The benefits of CNC are (1) high accuracy in manufacturing, (2) short production time, (3)
greater manufacturing flexibility, (4) simpler fixturing, (5) contour machining (2 to 5 -axis
machining), (6) reduced human error. The drawbacks include high cost, maintenance, and the
requirement of skilled part programmer.

ELEMENTS OF A CNC

A CNC system consists of three basic components (Figure 2) : Part Program 1 . Part program
2 . Machine Control Unit (MCU) 3 . Machine tool (lathe, drill press, milling machine etc)
The part program is a detailed set of commands to be followed by the machine tool. Each
command specifies a position in the Cartesian coordinate system (x,y,z) or motion
(workpiece travel or cutting tool travel), machining parameters and on/off function. Part
programmers should be well versed with machine tools, machining processes, effects of
process variables, and limitations of CNC controls. The part program is written manually or
by using computerassisted language such as APT (Automated Programming Tool).

Machine Control Unit

The machine control unit (MCU) is a microcomputer that stores the program and executes the
commands into actions by the machine tool. The MCU consists of two main units: the data
processing unit (DPU) and the control loops unit (CLU). The DPU software includes control
system software, calculation algorithms, translation software that converts the part program
into a usable format for the MCU, interpolation algorithm to achieve smooth motion of the
cutter, editing of part program (in case of errors and changes). The DPU processes the data
from the part program and provides it to the CLU which operates the drives attached to the
machine leadscrews and receives feedback signals on the actual position and velocity of each
one of the axes. A driver (dc motor) and a feedback device are attached to the leadscrew. The
CLU consists of the circuits for position and velocity control loops, deceleration and backlash
take up, function controls such as spindle on/off.

Machine Tool
The machine tool could be one of the following: lathe, milling machine, laser, plasma,
Coordinate measuring machine etc. Figure 3 shows that a right-hand coordinate system is
used to describe the motions of a machine tool . There are three linear axes (x,y,z), three
rotational axes (i,j,k), and other axes such as tilt (9) are possible. For example, a 5-axis
machine implies any combination of x,y,z, i,j,k,and 6.
Coordinate systems:

The machine tool is positioned by describing sets of coordinates. In the case of the VMC
(Vertical Machining Centre) shown on the left, the coordinate will be described by 3 Axes.

A basic lathe operates by describing positions using 2 axes.

The coordinate system is laid out by identifying the Z axis first. The Z axis is always in line
with the main rotating spindle. On the VMC this holds the cutting tool and is vertical; on the
lathe this holds the work piece, it is horizontal and in line with the bed.

The X axis is used next and then the Y axis. The Axes for the VMC are shown in the image,
the lathe uses just the Z and X axes.

The coordinate system used in most cases of CNC machining is a rectangular system, the
technical name for this being the Cartesian coordinate system. When writing coordinates it is
standard practise to write them in the order of X, Y, and Z.

When CNC programming the coordinate system must reference from a fixed point; this is
called the origin or more commonly in manufacturing, the datum. The datum is the position
where X, Y, and Z all equal zero. This is usually a point on the component and this position is
usually decided by the manufacturing engineer or CNC programmer.

The coordinate system is almost always an absolute coordinate system. Absolute meaning all
coordinates are measured from the datum. Other coordinate system are found in CNC
manufacturing; it is not unusual to find Incremental (Relative) coordinates used on many
machines and it is possible to use Polar coordinates on most machines.

Incremental coordinates do not refer back to the original datum, the position of the datum
moves with the programmed coordinate. The machine moves towards a programmed
position; when it gets to that position the position becomes X0Y0Z0 (the new datum). the
next position is described from this new datum.

Polar coordinates can be used in Abs and Inc modes but the coordinate system is not
rectangular; the Polar coordinate system is based on a rotating angle and length of radius.
Basic programming - such as the programming used during the 16wk college course uses
Cartesian coordinates using absolute positioning.
CARTESIAN COORDINATE

A Cartesian coordinate system is a coordinate system that specifies each point uniquely in
a plane by a pair of numerical coordinates, which are the signed distances to the point from
two fixed perpendicular directed lines, measured in the same unit of length. Each reference
line is called a coordinate axis or just axis of the system, and the point where they meet is
its origin, usually at ordered pair (0, 0). The coordinates can also be defined as the positions
of the perpendicular projections of the point onto the two axes, expressed as signed distances
from the origin.
One can use the same principle to specify the position of any point in three-
dimensional space by three Cartesian coordinates, its signed distances to three mutually
perpendicular planes (or, equivalently, by its perpendicular projection onto three mutually
perpendicular lines). In general, n Cartesian coordinates (an element of real n-space) specify
the point in an n-dimensional Euclidean space for any dimension n. These coordinates are
equal, up to sign, to distances from the point to n mutually perpendicular hyper planes.
POLAR COORDINATE

In mathematics, the polar coordinate system is a two-dimensional coordinate system in

which each point on a plane is determined by a distance from a reference point and
an angle from a reference direction.
The reference point (analogous to the origin of a Cartesian system) is called the pole, and
the ray from the pole in the reference direction is the polar axis. The distance from the pole is
called the radial coordinate or radius, and the angle is called the angular coordinate, polar
angle
AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER (ATC)
An Automatic tool changer or ATC is used in computerized numerical
control (CNC) machine tools to improve the production and tool carrying capacity of the
machine. ATC changes the tool very quickly, reducing the non-productive time. Generally, it
is used to improve the capacity of the machine to work with a numbers of tools. It is also used
to change worn out or broken tools. It is one more step towards complete automation.

Simple CNC machines work with a single tool. Turrets can work with a large number of
tools. But if even more tools are required, then ATC is provided. The tools are stored on a
magazine. It allows the machine to work with a large number of tools without an operator.
The main parts of an automatic tool changer are the base, the gripper arm, the tool holder, the
support arm and tool magazines. Although the ATC increases the reliability, speed and
accuracy, it creates more challenges compared to manual tool change, for example the tooling
used must be easy to centre, be easy for the changer to grab and there should be a simple way
to provide the tool's self-disengagement. Tools used in ATC are secured in toolholders
specially designed for this purpose.

After receiving the tool change command, the tool to be changed will assume a fixed position
known as the "tool change position". The ATC arm comes to this position and picks up the
tool. The arm swivels between machine turret and magazine. It will have one gripper on each
of the two sides. Each gripper can rotate 90°, to deliver tools to the front face of the turret.
One will pick up the old tool from turret and the other will pick up the new tool from the
magazine. It then rotates to 180° and places the tools into their due position.

The use of automatic changers increases the productive time and reduces the unproductive
time to a large extent. It provides the storage of the tools which are returned automatically to
the machine tool after carrying out the required operations, increases the flexibility of the
machine tool. makes it easier to change heavy and large tools, and permits the automatic
renewal of cutting edges.

DIRECT NUMERICAL CONTROL

Direct numerical control (DNC), also known as distributed numerical

control (also DNC), is a common manufacturing term for networking CNC machine tools.
On some CNC machine controllers, the available memory is too small to contain the
machining program (for example machining complex surfaces), so in this case the program is
stored in a separate computer and sent directly to the machine, one block at a time. If the
computer is connected to a number of machines it can distribute programs to different
machines as required. Usually, the manufacturer of the control provides suitable DNC
software. However, if this provision is not possible, some software companies provide DNC
applications that fulfill the purpose. DNC networking or DNC communication is always
required when CAM programs are to run on some CNC machine control.
Wireless DNC is also used in place of hard-wired versions. Controls of this type are very
widely used in industries with significant sheet metal fabrication, such as the automotive,
appliance, and aerospace industries.
One of the issues involved in machine monitoring is whether or not it can be accomplished
automatically in a practical way. In the 1980s monitoring was typically done by having a
menu on the DNC terminal where the operator had to manually indicate what was being done
by selecting from a menu, which has obvious drawbacks. There have been advances in
passive monitoring systems where the machine condition can be determined by hardware
attached in such a way as not to interfere with machine operations (and potentially void
warranties). Many modern controls allow external applications to query their status using a
special protocol. MT Connect is one prominent attempt to augment the existing world of
proprietary systems with some open-source, industry-standard protocols and XML
schemas and an ecosystem of massively multiplayer app development and
mashups (analogous to that with smart phones) so that these long-sought higher levels of
manufacturing business intelligence and workflow automation can be realized.
A challenge when interfacing into machine tools is that in some cases special protocols are
used. Two well-known examples are Mazatrol and Heidenhain. Many DNC systems offer
support for these protocols. Another protocol is DNC2 or LSV2 which is found
on Fanuc controls. DNC2 allows advanced interchange of data with the control, such as
tooling offsets, tool life information and machine status as well as automated transfer without
operator intervention.

DIRECT NUMERICAL CONTROL

ECONOMICS OF CNC MACHINES

It is normal for a company to embark on a feasibility study prior to the purchase of any
capital equipment such as a CNC machine tool. This study fulfils many functions, such as
determining the capacity and power required together with its configuration -
horizontal/vertical spindle for a machining centre, or flat, or slant bed for a turning centre.
Many other features must also be detailed in the study, encompassing such factors, in the age
of 5-axis machining, as the number of axes required and whether the machine tool should be
loaded manually, by robot, or using pallets. An exhaustive list is drawn up of all the relevant
points to be noted and others that at first glance seem rather esoteric, but will affect the ability
of the company to manufacture its products. It has been shown time and again that many
mistakes have been made in the past when companies rush into the purchase of new
equipment without considering all of the problems, not only of the machine tool itself, but of
the manning and training requirements together with its effect on the rest of the machine
shops productive capability. Often the fact that an advanced, highly

productive machine is now present in the shop could affect the harmonious flow of
production, causing bottlenecks later, when the purpose of purchasing the machine was to
overcome those problems at an earlier production stage. Aerospace machine tools have even
been purchased in the past without due regard for the components they must manufacture, or
without correct assessment of future work.

This latter point is not often considered, as many companies are all too concerned with
today's production problems rather than those of the future. Taking this theme a little further,
in a volatile market a feasibility study should perceive not only the short and medium term
productivity goals, but also the long term ones, as it is often the long term trends of
productive capability which are the most important if a company is tc amortise their costs.
When highly sophisticated plant such as an FMS is required, it can be several years from its
original conception before this is a reality on the shop floor, and a company's production
demands may have changed considerably in the meantime. If, for any reason, the wrong
machine has been purchased, or more likely, something has been overlooked during the
feasibility study, then the "knock-on effect" of this poor judgement is that it will have cost the
company dearly and, at the very least, any future study will be looked on by the upper
management with disdain and scepticism.
COST ANALYSIS