What is CNC?

1. Definition
2. Advantages
3. Disadvantages
4. History
Prerequisites
CNC Equipment
1. Milling Machines
2. Lathes
3. Machining Centers
4. EDM Machines
5. Robots
6. CNC Control Panels
7. CNC Systems
Machine Tool Practices
Design and Setup of Fixtures Various Geometry Producing Tools Climb and Conventional Milling
Cutting Data

Machine Programming
Program Planning Blueprint Reading Selecting the proper machine Operations Sheet Tooling
Requirements Cutting Data

Tool Motion and Construction Planes

Unit Systems and Input Modes
Programming Codes
Letter Code Descriptions
Sequence Numbers
Preparatory Functions
Miscellaneous Functions
Special Cycles
Special Codes
Part and Tool Change Position
Programming Considerations
Computer Aided Manufacturing
Communications and Data Transfer
Punched Tape
Floppy Diskette
RS232
Networks
Manual Data Input
Machine Setup and Operation
Safety Rules
Startup
Home Position
Tool Length Offsets
Setting up a Part Origin
Program Loading
Machining Videos
Tool Change Procedure
Part Setup Considerations
About

CNC :-Computer Numerical Control is the control of a machine tool using numbers and letters. It is a system
in which programmed numerical values are directly inserted and stored on some form of input medium, and
automatically read and decoded to cause a corresponding movement in the machine which it is controlling.
Advantages of CNC
a) High degree of quality due to accuracy, repeatability, and freedom from operator-introduced
variations.
b) Reduced scrap. Errors due to operator fatigue, interruptions, and other factors are less likely to
occur.
c) Simplified inspection. Once the first piece has passed inspection, minimal inspection is required on
subsequent parts
d) Lower tooling costs due to less need for complex jigs and fixtures.
e) Reduced lead time.
f) Complex machining operations are more easily accomplished due to advanced machine control.
CNC Disadvantages
a) Tools on NC machines do not cut metal any faster than conventional machines.
b) NC does not eliminate the need for expensive tools. There is also a greater initial cost involved with
the NC machine.
c) NC will not totally eliminate errors. Operators can still fail to push the correct buttons, make
incorrect alignments, and fail to locate parts properly in a fixture.
d) Selection and training of programmers and maintenance personnel is required.
CNC History
a) 1947 - John Parsons began experimenting with the idea of generating thru-axis curve data and using
that data to control machine tool motions.
b) 1949 - A contract was granted to the Parsons Corporation to search for a speedy production method.
c) 1952 - MIT successfully demonstrates a model of the NC machine of today. The machine successfully
made parts with simultaneous thru-axis cutting tool movements. MIT coined the term "numerical control".
d) 1955 - Commercial models of NC machines displayed for customer acceptance.
e) 1957 - NC accepted by industry; several are installed and in use.
Prerequisites
a) Blueprint Reading
b) Workpiece and Fixture setup
c) Familiarity with machine operations - machine tools, cutting speeds, feed rates, and depth of cut.
d) Familiarity with the machine being programmed; its general operating characteristics; tape, floppy, or
network data input; and the machine's control panel operation.
e) Understanding of basic computer operations, CNC programming, and data translations.
Milling Machines
CNC Milling Machines use a rotary cutter for cutter motion and linear motion for feed. The material is pushed
into the cutter, or the cutter is pushed into the material, in 3 dimensional straight or curved paths to produce
the desired part elements. The finished part is created by removing all unnecessary material from the
workpiece. This process is called Milling.

Lathes
CNC Lathes rotate the work against a single point tool to produce cutting motion. The tool is fed along or into
the work to produce the feed motion. Machining a part on a lathe is called Turning.

Machining Centers
Machining Centers are more sophisticated CNC machines that often combine milling and turning technologies.
EDM Machines
An Electrical Discharge Machine uses electric sparks to make a cavity in a piece of metal. This process
requires an electrode, a power source, a tank, and coolant. The workpiece is connected to one side of the power
supply and placed in the tank. The electrode, which is made in the shape of the cavity that is desired, is
connected to the other side of the power supply. The tank is filled with coolant. This coolant is a dielectric
material. A dielectric resists the flow of electricity. The electrode is lowered until a spark jumps between the
electrode and the work. When the spark jumps, the dielectric quality of the coolant has been overcome. The
spark dislodges small particles of material that are carried away by the coolant. A cavity of the same shape as
the electrode is created. The electrode is lowered as the cavity is produced until the proper depth is achieved.
Robots
Industrial Robots are specialized machine tools that are a direct replacement for human labor. I/Rs are used
to consistently perform tasks that are monotonous, repetitive, and/or hazardous. Some examples are; welding,
spray painting, soldering, paletizing, transfer of materials, and tool and part changers for CNC machines.

CNC Control Panels

CNC Control panels include the controls for all aspects of the machining process. Some machines also include
part programming and tool path verification.

CNC Systems
a) Point-to-point control is the positioning of the tool from one point to another within a coordinate
system. Most often used for positioning to a point where a manual machining operation such as drilling or
boring would occur.
b) Straight-cut control has the ability move a tool, while engaged, straight in all axes of the machine and
has the ability to do angles of 45 degrees.
c) Contouring control systems generate a continuously controlled toolpath by interpolating intermediate
points or coordinates. Interpolating means the ability to generate the points that make up a path.