Form of programmable automation in which the mechanical actions of a machine tool or other

equipment are controlled by a program (through punched tape) containing coded alphanumeric
data.

The alphanumeric data represent relative positions between a work-head (e.g., cutting tool)
and a work-part.
When the current job is completed, a new program can be entered for the next job.

Basic Components of an NC System:

Program of instructions

Part program in machining

Machine control unit
Controls the process
Processing equipment
Performs the process

Program:

Is a set of detailed step by step command that direct the action of the processing
equipment.

A person who prepare the program is called part programmer.

Individual command refer position of cutting tool relative to w/p.

Older days the part programwas punched in 1inch wide punched tape. But now, magnetic
tape, diskettes and electronic transfer .

Machine control unit:

Is a micro computer and related control hard ware that store the program of instruction and
execute it by converting each command into mechanical action.

The term cnc is used that all MCU are based on computer technology.

MCU includes control system software, calculation algorithm, and translation software .
Processing equipment :
That perform the actual productive work(e.g.machining).

Its operation directed by MCU.

The processing equipment consist of worktable, and spindle as well as motor and controls to drive them.

NC coordinate system:

First define standard axis system(x,y,z), three rotational axis(a,b,c).

In most m/c application x,y axis are used to move and position the work table And z axis for
controlling the tool movement .

NC Coordinate Systems:

For flat and prismatic (block-like) parts:

Milling and drilling operations:

Conventional Cartesian coordinate system:

Rotational axes about each linear axis:

Right hand rule:

Coordinate Axis System for Flat and Prismatic Parts:

NC Coordinate Systems

For rotational parts:

Turning operations

Conventional Cartesian coordinate system, but only x- and z-axes.

y-axis not needed in turning.

Coordinate Axis System for Rotational Parts:

Motion Control Systems:

Point-to-Point systems

Also called position systems

System moves to a location and performs an operation at that location (e.g., drilling).

Also applicable in robotics.

Continuous path systems:

Also called contouring(when continuous path control is used for simultaneous control of two or
more axes) systems in machining.

System performs an operation during movement (e.g., milling and turning).

Features of CNC:

Storage of more than one part program.

Various forms of program input(punched,magnetic,floppy diskettes,RS 232 communication).

Program editing at the machine tool.

Fixed cycles and programming subroutines.

Interpolation.

Acceleration and deceleration computations.

Communications interface.
Machine control unit:

The MCU consists of the following components and subsystems

central processing unit

memory

l/O interface controls for machine tool axes and spindle speed.

sequence controls for other machine tool functions

These subsystems are interconnected by means of a system bus. which communicates data and
signals among the components of network. indicated in the figure.

Central Processing Unit:

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the MCU.

It manages the other components in the MCU based on software contained in main memory.

The CPU can be divided into three sections:

control section.

arithmetic-logic unit.

immediate access memory.

control section : retrieves commands and data from memory and generates signals to activate
other components in the MCU. In short, it sequences. coordinates. and regulates all of the
activities of the MCU computer.

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU):

consists of the circuitry to perform various calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication),

counting. and logical functions required by software residing in memory.

Immediate access memory:

provides a temporary storage for data being processed by the CPU. It is connected to main
memory by means of the system data bus.
CNC CONFIGURATION:
Point to Point control system:

Continuous Path Control in NC Profile Milling of Part Outline:

Interpolation Methods:
Linear interpolation:

Straight line between two points in space.

Circular interpolation:

Circular arc defined by starting point, end point, center or radius, and direction.

Helical interpolation:

Circular plus linear motion.

Parabolic and cubic interpolation:

Free form curves using higher order equations.

Circular Interpolation:

Approximation of a curved path in NC by a series of straight line segments, where tolerance is

defined on only the inside of the nominal curve.
Approximation of a curved path in NC by a series of straight line segments, where tolerance is
defined on only the outside of the nominal curve.

Approximation of a curved path in NC by a series of straight line segments, where tolerance is

defined on both the inside and outside of the nominal curve.

Absolute and Incremental Positioning:

Another aspect of motion control is concern with whether position are defined relative to the
origin or relative to previous location of the tool.

Absolute positioning:

Locations defined relative to origin of axis system.

Incremental positioning.

Locations defined relative to previous position.

Example: drilling .

Absolute vs. Incremental Positioning:

The workhead is presently at point (20, 20) and is to be moved to point (40, 50).

In absolute positioning, the move is specified by x =40, y = 50.

In incremental positioning, the move is specified by x = 20, y = 30.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) :
CNC Machining is a process used in the manufacturing sector that involves the use of computers to
control machine tools like lathes, mills and grinders.

Behind the Tape Reader (BTR)

Computer is linked directly to regular NC controller unit

The connection is made behind the tape reader

Two temporary storage buffers

Less cost.

Special Machine Control Unit:

Regular NC controller is replaced by special MCU

More accuracy in circular interpolation and fast material removal rates than BTR systems

Most CNC machines are sold with computer

NC, CNC and DNC:

Functions of DNC:

Following are the functions of the DNC machine:

1.For use the central computer for storage and editing programs for all machine tools connected to it.

2. To give the stored programs to the connected machines on demand.

3. For to post-process part programs written in higher-level languages like APT.

4. To combine CAD with CAM by having a common database .

5. To provide a link between a central computer and various plant computers connected through
modems and networks even though the plants may be placed several kilometers away from each other.

Types of DNC system:

Following are the main two types of DNC system:

1.Behind the Tape Reader (BTR) system

2. Specialised MCU.
In this type of system, the computer is connected directly to the regular NC controller unit. The
operation of the system is similar to conventional NC, except for the source of command
instructions.

The controller unit employs two temporary storage buffers to get the blocks of instructions from
the DNC computer and turn them into machine operations. The one buffer is getting a block of
data, the other is providing control instructions to the specific machine tool. This system cost is
very low.
In specialised MCU system, replace the normal controller unit with the special machine control
unit. The special control unit is created to help communication between machine tools and
computers. The specialised MCU configuration achieves a better balance between the accuracy
of interpolation and the faster removal rate of the metal than is usually possible with the BTR
system.

Advantages of DNC System:

Following are the advantages of the DNC system:

The DNC rejects the use of tape readers, which are absolutely the weakest component of the NC
system.

Time-sharing by central control makes it possible to keep close control over the entire
machine shop.

The huge memory of DNC allows it to store a large number of part programs for
subsequent use. It also receives the memories of NC control unit.

Presence of a central bulk memory allows the same program to be run on different
machines at the same time without duplicating it at individual places.

Disadvantages of DNC System:

Following are the disadvantages of the DNC system:

DNC uses a central control and in an event of computer failure, the complete activities of the
machine shop would come to a standstill.

DNC is expensive and its use is practical in areas where high automation is required.