Unit 5 Numerical Control

Sections: 1. Fundamentals of NC Technology 2. Computer Numerical Control 3. Distributed Numerical Control 4. Applications of NC 5. NC Part Programming

Numerical Control (NC) Defined

Programmable automation in which the mechanical actions of a machine tool are controlled by a program containing coded alphanumeric data that represents relative positions between a work head (e.g., cutting tool) and a work part
Program Instructions Machine Control Unit

Transformat ion Process

Power

NC Coordinate Systems
For flat and prismatic (block-like) parts: Milling and drilling operations Conventional Cartesian coordinate system Rotational axes about each linear axis For rotational parts: Turning operations Only x- and z-axes

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

Interpolation Methods
1. 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

1.

1. 1.

Absolute vs. Incremental Positioning

Absolute positioning Move is: x = 40, y = 50 Incremental positioning Move is: x = 20, y = 30.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

Storage of more than one part program Various forms of program input Program editing at the machine tool Fixed cycles and programming subroutines Interpolation Acceleration and deceleration computations Communications interface Diagnostics

Machine Control Unit

DNC
Direct numerical control (DNC) control of multiple machine tools by a single (mainframe) computer through direct connection and in real time 1960s technology Two way communication Distributed numerical control (DNC) network consisting of central computer connected to machine tool MCUs, which are CNC Present technology Two way communication

Distributed Numerical Control

Central Computer

NC Pgms

Computer Network
BTR BTR BTR

Machine Control Unit

Machine Control Unit

Machine Control Unit

Transformat ion Process

Applications of NC

NC Application Characteristics (Machining)

Batch and High Volume production Repeat and/or Repetitive orders Complex part geometries Mundane operations Many separate operations on one part

Cost-Benefits of NC
Costs High investment cost High maintenance effort Need for skilled programmers High utilization required Benefits Cycle time reduction Nonproductive time reduction Greater accuracy and repeatability Lower scrap rates Reduced parts inventory and floor space Operator skill-level reduced

Precision

NC Part Programming
1. 2. 3. 4. Manual part programming Manual data input Computer-assisted part programming Part programming using CAD/CAM

Manual Part Programming

Binary Coded Decimal System Each of the ten digits in decimal system (0-9) is coded with four-digit binary number The binary numbers are added to give the value BCD is compatible with 8 bits across tape format, the original storage medium for NC part programs Eight bits can also be used for letters and symbols

Creating Instructions for NC

Bit - 0 or 1 = absence or presence of hole in the tape Character - row of bits across the tape Word - sequence of characters (e.g., y-axis position) Block - collection of words to form one complete instruction Part program - sequence of instructions (blocks)

Block Format
Organization of words within a block in NC part program Also known as tape format because the original formats were designed for punched tape Word address format - used on all modern CNC controllers Uses a letter prefix to identify each type of word Spaces to separate words within the block Allows any order of words in a block Words can be omitted if their values do not change from the previous block

Types of Words
N - sequence number prefix G - preparatory words Example: G00 = PTP rapid traverse move X, Y, Z - prefixes for x, y, and z-axes F - feed rate prefix S - spindle speed T - tool selection M - miscellaneous command Example: M07 = turn cutting fluid on

Example: Word Address Format

N001 G00 X07000 Y03000 M03 N002 Y06000

Cutter Offset
Cutter path must be offset from actual part outline by a distance equal to the cutter radius

Issues in Manual Part Programming

Adequate for simple jobs, e.g., PTP drilling Linear interpolation G01 G94 X050.0 Y086.5 Z100.0 F40 S800 Circular interpolation G02 G17 X088.0 Y040.0 R028.0 F30 Cutter offset G42 G01 X100.0 Y040.0 D05

Example
NC part program code N001 G21 G90 G92 -050.0 Y X -050.0 Z010.0; N002 G00 Z -020.0 S1989 M03; N003 G01 G94 G42 Y0 D05 F398; N004 G01 X075.0; N005 G01 X150.0 Y043.02; N006 G01Y070.0; N007 G01 X080.0; N008 G17 G02 X050.0 Y100.0 R030.0; N009 G01 Y125.0; N010 G01 X0; N011 G01 Y0 N012 G40 G00 X -050.0 Y -050.0 Z010.0 M05; N013 M30; Comments Define origin of axes. Rapid to cutter depth, turn spindle on. Bring tool to starting-value, start cutter offset. y M ill lower horizontal edge of part. M ill angled edge at 35 degrees. M ill vertical edge at right of part. M ill horizontal edge leading to arc. Circular interpolation around arc. M ill vertical step above arc. M ill top part edge. M ill v ertical edge at left of part. Rapid move to target point, cancel offset, spindle End of program, stop machine.

Manual Data Input

Machine operator does part programming at machine Operator enters program by responding to prompts and questions by system Monitor with graphics verifies tool path Usually for relatively simple parts Ideal for small shop that cannot afford a part programming staff To minimize changeover time, system should allow programming of next job while current job is running

Computer-Assisted Part Programming

Write machine instructions using natural language type statements Statements translated into machine code of the MCU APT (Automatically Programmed Tool) Language

Sample Statements
Part is composed of basic geometric elements and mathematically defined surfaces Examples of statements: P4 = POINT/35,90,0 L1 = LINE/P1,P2 C1 = CIRCLE/CENTER,P8,RADIUS,30 Tool path is sequence of points or connected line and arc segments Point-to-Point command: GOTO/P4 Continuous path command: GOLFT/L1,TANTO,C1

NC Part Programming Using CAD/CAM

YouTube
CNC Milling CNC Punching CNC Adhesive Bonding CNC Drug Insertion CNC Bioprocessing CAD/CAM Etc.