Introduction to NC

Numerical Control (NC) is the operation

of a machine tool by a series of coded
instructions.
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These instructions are converted into

electrical pulses that the machine uses to
carry out machining on a workpiece.
The coded instructions consist of
numbers, letters, and symbols
that refer to specific positions and
functions which the machine tool uses as
it machines the workpiece.
G20
N0010 M06 T1
N0020 M03 S1500
N0030 G00 X0 Y.2500
N0040 G01 Z-.1000 F8
N0050 G01 X.3750 Y.3750 F8
N0060 G01 X.2500 Y0
N0070 G00 Z1
N0080 G00 X0 Y0
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 NC -to- CNC
HISTORY
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The introduction of software-based controls

in the early 1970's replaced the NC design.
This incorporated complete computer logic
that made it possible to revise or update
CNC programs easily on a computer. In
turn, CNC machines with menu-selected
displays and advanced graphics, became
increasingly easier to operate.

CNC - Computer Numerical Control

A method of controlling a machine where a dedicated, stored computer
program is used to perform the CNC functions
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 Introduction to CNC
CNC Machines
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CNC is being used on all types of machines,

from the simplest to most complex. The most
common machine tools are:

Single-Spindle Drilling Machine:

One of the simplest numerically controlled machine.
Most drilling machines are programmed on three axes:

•The X axis controls the left and right table movement.

•The Y axis controls the table movement toward or away
from the column.
•The Z axis controls the up and down spindle movement to
drill holes to depth.
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 Introduction to CNC
CNC Machines
Lathe:
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The engine lathe, one of the

most productive machines,
has always been a very
efficient means of producing
round parts. Most lathes are
programmed on two axes:

TThe X axis controls the cross

motion (in or out) of the cutting
tool (diameter control).

The Z axis controls the carriage

travel toward or away from the
headstock (length control).
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 Introduction to CNC
CNC Machines
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Milling Machine:
The milling machine has always been
one of the most versatile machine tools
used in industry. Operations such as
milling, contouring, gear cutting,
drilling, boring, and reaming are only a
few of the many operations that can be
performed on a mill. The three main
axes are:
 
•The X axis controls the left or right
table movement.
•The Y axis controls the table movement
toward or away from the column.
•The Z axis controls the vertical (up-
down) spindle movement.
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 Introduction to CNC
CNC Machines
Turning Center:
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Turning centers were developed in the mid-1960's after studies showed that
about 40% of all metal-cutting were performed on lathes. These NC machines
are capable of greater accuracy and higher production rates than were
possible with the engine lathe. The two axes are:

• The X axis controls the cross motion of the cutting tool (diameter control).
The Z axis controls the lengthwise travel toward or away from the headstock
(length control).
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 Introduction to CNC

CNC Machines
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Machining Center:
 
Machining centers were
developed in the 1960's so parts
did not need to be moved from
machine to machine in order for
completion. These machines
increased production rates
because more operations could
be performed on a workpiece in
one setup. There are two types
of machining centers - Horizontal
Spindle and Vertical Spindle.
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 Introduction to CNC
ADVANTAGES OF CNC
CNC has grown at an ever-increasing rate and its use will continue to grow because of the many
advantages it offers. Some of the most important advantages are:
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• Greater Operator Safety - CNC Systems are generally operated from a console that is usually away
from the machining area. Therefore, the operator is not exposed to moving machine parts.

• Greater Operator Efficiency - Since a CNC machine does not require much attention, the operator can
perform other tasks while the machine is running.

• Reduction of Scrap - Because of the accuracy of CNC system and the elimination of most human
errors, scrap is reduced.

• Reduction of Human Error - The CNC program eliminates the need for an operator to make manual
trial cuts, trial measurements, or trial table movements.

• High Degree of Accuracy - CNC ensures that all parts produced will be accurate and uniform.

• Complex Machining - Complex operations can be done quickly and accurately.

• Lower Tooling Costs - CNC generally requires simple holding fixtures and few tools.

• Increased Productivity - Because CNC controls all machine functions, parts are produced faster with
less setup and lead time.

• Greater Machine Use - Production rates can increase up to 80%.

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 How CNC Works
CNC Program
CNC machines need
CNC operates the machine tools in the same numerical data to control
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way as a skilled operator would do manually the motion between the

cutting tool and workpiece
But it is done automatically through stored in accordance with the part
numeric data (coded instructions) dimensions. Other data can
set feeds, speeds, and
define tools. The
Many computers and CNC machines have
combination of all the data,
simulation software that allows the program of in a sequence understood
a part to be "virtually" machined to check for by the CNC controller, is
accuracy and remove errors. called the part program

Then CNC program is send to the MCU where Sample of CNC Program
they are turned into electrical pulses that G20
operate the motors and servomechanisms. N0010 M06 T1
N0020 M03 S1500
N0030 G00 X0 Y.2500
The program contains complete information N0040 G01 Z-.1000 F8
for moving the machine table to required N0050 G01 X.3750 Y.3750 F8
N0060 G01 X.2500 Y0
location with desired speed and feed. N0070 G00 Z1
N0080 G00 X0 Y0
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 Components of CNC
Machine Tool
Operator

CNC system
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A CNC system consists of a number of components.

The heart of the system is the computer.

The Operator interface consists of the control panel and various

connections for the CD, floppy disk, keyboard, etc.

The Machine Tool Interface consists of a control interface, axis

control, and a power supply.
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 Feedback Signals
ANALOG SIGNALS
Analog transducers, such as potentiometers and synchros, produce electrical voltage which
varies as the input shaft is turned or rotated. This voltage is in proportion to the rotation of the
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input shaft and can be converted into very accurate machine table position information

Table Analog
Motor Transducer
Sine Wave

Analog transducers produce an electrical voltage whose variations in level can be sensed,
measured, and converted into accurate distances.

DIGITAL SIGNALS
Digital feedback units (rotary resolvers), attached to the leadscrews, translate the rotary motion of the
machine screws to individual or discrete electrical pulses. This series of pulses can be counted to indicate
exactly how much the leadscrew shaft has turned, which indicates the amount of table movement.

Table Digital Electrical

Motor Transducer Pulses

Digital transducers produces electrical pulses that can be counted and converted into accurate distances.
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 Open Loop Control System
In the Open-Loop system, the program is sent to the control unit,
which energizes the servo control units. The servo control units direct
the servomotors to perform the functions. The amount each servo
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motor will move the slide depends upon the number of electrical
pulses it receives from the servo control unit. Precision leadscrews,
usually having 10 threads per inch (TPI), are used on NC machines. If
the servo motor connected to the leadscrew receives 1000 pulses, the
slide will move 1 inch (25.4 mm). Therefore, one pulse will cause the
slide to move .001 inch (0.03 mm).

MCU Motor Table

CNC
Program

Open Loop systems do not have any means of checking the accuracy
of a move.
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 Closed Loop Control System
The closed-loop system is similar to the open-loop system with the
exception that a feedback unit is introduced into the electrical circuit.
This feedback unit, often using an encoder (transducer) compares the
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amount the table has moved by the signal sent. The control unit instructs
the servo motor to make whatever necessary adjustments necessary to
match the signal and movement. In the closed-loop system, 10,000
electrical pulses are required to move the slide 1 inch (25.4 mm).
Therefore, one pulse will cause a .0001 inch (0.003 mm) movement.
Closed-loop systems are more accurate than open-loop.
Transducer
[Encoder]

MCU Motor Table

CNC
Program

Closed-Loop systems check for the accuracy of a move.

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 Features on CNC Machines
In 1970, a new term - computerized numerical control (CNC) - was introduced. The CNC machine
control unit of today has several features that were not found on the pre-1970 units such as:

By using the proper code (G90 for absolute or G91 for incremental), CNC machine will automatically
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program in that particular mode. CNC machines are capable of reading both methods in a CNC program.

CNC machines are capable of working in metric or inch dimensions. Either a switch on the control or a
code in the part program (G70 for inch or G71 for metric) can be used.

Early models of controls units were capable of only linear, circular, or parabolic interpolation. Newer
models also include helical and cubic interpolation.

All MCUs are capable of point-to-point, continuous path positioning, or any combination of each.

After manually entering the diameter and/or length of a cutter, the control unit automatically calculates the
cutter adjustments necessary for the differences in size and moves the slides accordingly.

Newer CNC machines generally provide large-capacity computing and data storage. The MCU will
recall a program from memory protecting the quality of the program and will access the data much faster.

When the program is being written and a previous used cycle must be repeated, it is only necessary to
insert a code where the cycle is required. Cycles make programming much easier.

Subroutines are used to store frequently used data sequences which can be recalled from memory. An
example of a subroutine could be a milling cycle in which a series of slots must be machined in a number
of locations of a workpiece.
CNC machines can store a large number of programs and provide tool path display and simulation.
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