CONTROL OF ATC & APC BY CNC & PLC OF A HMC

MACHINE
Abstract:
Machining is the milling process of using rotary cutters to remove material from a
work piece advancing in a direction at an angle with the axis of the tool. It covers a wide
variety of different operations and machines, on scales from small individual parts to
large, heavy-duty gang milling operations. It is one of the most commonly used processes
in industry and machine shops today for machining parts to precise sizes and shape.
This project gives us an insight on the control of ATC and APC by CNC and PLC
of a horizontal machining center machine.
The original class of machine tools for milling was the milling machine. After the
advent of computer numerical control (CNC), milling machines evolved into machining
centers, generally classified as vertical machining centers (VMCs) and horizontal
machining centers (HMCs).
As this machine deals with heavy components, it is difficult and increases the idle
time of the machine to change the tool and pallet manually. Hence, it is equipped with the
Auto tool changer and Auto pallet changer.
The Operating system of such machines is a closed loop system and functions on
feedback. These machines have developed from the basic NC (NUMERIC CONTROL)
machines. A computerized form of NC machines is known as CNC machines. A set of
instructions (called a program) is used to guide the machine for desired operations. A
CNC machine is operated by a single operator called a programmer. This machine is
capable of performing various operations automatically and economically.
A programmable logic controller, PLC is a digital computer used for automation
of typically industrial electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery and are
used in many industries and machines. PLCs are designed for multiple analog and digital
input and output arrangements. PLCs are well adapted to a range of automation tasks.