Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Areas of Technology
Areas of Technology
BAAC 2A
Areas of Technology
Machine Technology
The act of implementing the control of equipment with technology; usually involving electronic
hardware.
Numerical Controlled Machines
o Numerical Control (CN)
Machine that is controlled by set of instructions in the form of numbers, letter, and
symbols called program.
Programs are fed into the punch cards.
It is very difficult to modify the program in numerical control machine if some error
occurs and debugging is needed. You will have to change the program in the tape
and feed it to the machine again even for the tiny change.
To operate a numerical control machine, the high skilled operator is required.
Maintenance cost is less for NC machine.
In numerical control machines, the programs cannot be stored. It has no memory
storage, and it runs off the tape each time the machine cycles.
Have a controller known as machine control unit or MCU that is capable of reading
and interpreting a stored program and using the instructions in this to control a
machine via an actuation device.
Offer less flexibility and computational capability. Has more time consumed for the
execution of the job and it is not possible to run continuously.
o Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
Used to control motions of the workpiece and tool with a computer program written
in alphanumeric data. The program consists of precise instructions about the
manufacturing method as well as the movements.
Programs are fed directly into the computer using small keyboard.
Modification of the program is very easy. You just have changed a variable in the
computer to modify the program.
This machine has memory storage and programs can be stored in its control.
To operate a computer numerical control, the less skilled operator will work.
The programs can be stored in the computer and can be used again and again.
CNC machines offer additional flexibility and computational capability.
The accuracy of CNC machines is higher as compared to NC. It takes less time on
CNC machines for the execution for the job.
You can run CNC machine continuously for 24 hours a day.
Cost of CNC machines are very high while cost of NC machines is less.
o Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
A process set in a manufacturing unit where a set of machines is controlled by a
programed computer with the help of direct connection to the same.
Also called Distributed Numerical Control.
Based on real-time data and involves data collection from the machines and passing
the same to the mainframe, at regular intervals. The operator will be in control of
the mainframe computer through remote accesses.
Will not contain a tape reader. Instead, it has several part programs that are
transferred to the machines from the computer memory.
Designed in such away that it provides separate instructions to every machine on
the systems. In case, where the machine immediate control command, they are sent
across immediately.
Contains a mainframe computer, huge memory capacity, connectivity between the
machine and computers, and machine tools.
DNC avoids the wage of punched taps and the reader from the system.
Useful for time management and increased productivity.
Helps in building centralized control for the machines.
Helps the business to increase computational ability.
It supports management information systems effectively.
DNC systems can be placed at a distance from machines, because it not a integral
part of machines.
Has high processing power.
An automated tracking system that displays other vessels in the vicinity. It is a broadcast
transponder system which operates in the VHF mobile maritime band.
Provides a means for ships to electronically exchange ship data including identification, position,
course, and speed with other nearby ships and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) stations. This
information can be displayed on a screen or an Electronic Chart Display and Information System
(ECDIS) display.
AIS is intended to assist the vessel’s watch standing offices and allow maritime authorities to track
and monitor vessel movements. It works by integrating a standardized VHF transceiver system
with an electronic navigating system.
Used in navigation primarily for collision avoidance.
Objectives of Automatic Identification Systems:
o Safety of life at sea
o Safety and efficiency of navigation
o Protection of the marine environment
Barcodes
o A visual representation of data that is scanned and interpreted for information. Each
barcode contains a certain code which works as tracking technology for products; and is
represented in a sequence of lines or other shapes.
o This barcode technology can be scanned by barcode readers along with newer technology
on devices such as smartphones and desktop printers.
o Barcodes work with the same accuracy on various materials in which they are placed.
o Barcodes are a universal technology in that they are the norm for retail products; stores
that own a barcode reader can process barcodes from anywhere in the world.
Process Control
Defined as a prebuilt solution that is ready to configure and deploy, containing the sensor,
processor, and software.
Generally used to automate manufacturing and secure product quality, the use of vision
systems in non-industrial applications such as medical, traffic, sports or entertainment is
becoming common.
Smart cameras and sensors
o Smart cameras are an elegant solution that combines the sensor, processor, and I/O in a
compact housing, often no bigger than a standard industrial camera. These products offer
an intuitive user interface that can be understood easily with training. For configuration of
the inspection task a separate computer (i.e., a laptop) is required that will be connected to
the smart camera via a network interface, however, during runtime no connection to this
computer is necessary. Accessories such as expanded I/O, display units or extended
interface modules are also available.