Introduction to NC

• Numerical control (NC) is a form of programmable automation in which the mechanical

actions of a machine tool or other equipment are controlled by a program containing
coded alphanumeric data.
• The alphanumerical data represent relative positions between a work head and a work
part as well as other instructions needed to operate the machine.
• The common operating feature of NC in all of these applications is control of the work
head movement relative to the work part.
Numerical control can be applied to a wide variety of processes.
The applications divide into two categories:
• Machine tool applications, such as drilling, milling, turning, and other metal working.
• Non machine tool applications, such as assembly, drafting, and inspection.
• Numerical control is a form of programmable automation in which processing
equipment is controlled by means of Numbers, Letters & Symbols.
The numbers, letters & symbols are coded in an appropriate format to define program
of instruction for a particular work part or a job.

BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN NC SYSTEM

An NC system consists of three basic components:-
1. Program of instructions
2. A mechanic control unit
3. Processing Equipment

1. Program of instructions
• The program of instruction is detailed step by step commands that direct the action of
the processing equipment
• In this application, the individual commands refer to positions of a cutting tool relative
to worktable on which the work part is fixture. Additional instructions are usually
included, such as spindle speed, feed rate, cutting tool selection & other functions.
2. Machine control unit (MCU)
• Machine control unit (MCU) consists of a microcomputer and related control hardware
that stores the program of instructions and executes it by converting each command
into mechanical actions of the processing equipment, one command at a time.
• The MCU also includes one or more reading devices for entering part programs into
memory.
• The MCU also includes control system software, calculation algorithms and translation
software to convert the NC part program into a usable format for the MCU, because
the MCU is a computer.
3. Processing equipment
• processing equipment that performs useful work, It accomplishes the processing steps
to transform the starting work piece into a completed part.
• Its operation is directed by the MCU.

Computer numerical control

• Computer numerical control (CNC) is the
numerical control system in which a dedicated
computer is built into the control to perform
basic and advanced NC functions.
• CNC controls are also referred to as
software NC systems because most of their
control functions are implemented by the
control software programs.
• CNC is a computer assisted process to
control general purpose machines from
instructions generated by a processor and
stored in a memory system.
 Advantages of CNC systems
• CNC machines can be used continuously
and only need to be switched off for
occasional maintenance.
• These machines require less skilled
people to operate unlike manual
lathes/milling machines etc.
• CNC machines can be updated by
improving the software used to drive the
machines.
• Training for the use of CNC machines can
be done through the use of “virtual
software”.

• The manufacturing process can be simulated virtually and no need to make a prototype
or a model. This saves time and money.
• Once programmed, these machines can be left and do not require any human
intervention, except for work loading and unloading.
• These machines can manufacture several components to the required accuracy
without any fatigue as in the case of manually operated machines.
• Savings in time that could be achieved with the CNC machines are quite significant.

Disadvantages of CNC systems

• CNC machines are generally more expensive than manually operated machines.
• The CNC machine operator only needs basic training and skills, enough to supervise
several machines.
• Increase in electrical maintenance, high initial investment and high per hour operating
costs than the traditional systems.
• Fewer workers are required to operate CNC machines compared to manually operated
machines. Investment in CNC machines can lead to unemployment
Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
• In a Direct Numerical Control system (DNC), a mainframe computer is used to
coordinate the simultaneous operations of a number NC machines.
• The main tasks performed by the computer are to program and edit part programs as
well as download part programs to NC machines.
• Machine tool controllers have limited memory and a part program may contain few
thousands of blocks. So the program is stored in a separate computer and sent directly
to the machine, one block at a time.

• Distributed NC is known by the same acronym as Direct Numerical Control (DNC).

• After the introduction of CNC, the machine tools have had the capability of storing
large amount of information. Therefore, there have been no need to have drip feed
information system, like, Direct Numerical Control. Instead, Distributed Numerical
Control is introduced. In such a system, a host computer communicate with many CNC
machine tools via networks and download or upload programs.
• With Distributed Numerical Control systems, it is possible to monitor the activities in
individual CNC machine tools on host computer. Therefore, better shop floor control
can be achieved

Application of CNC Machine Tools

• CNC was initially applied to metal working machinery: Mills, Drills, boring machines,
punch presses etc and now expanded to robotics, grinders, welding machinery, EDM's,
flame cutters and also for inspection equipment etc.
• The machines controlled by CNC can be classified into the following categories:
CNC mills and machining centers,
CNC lathes and turning centers
CNC electrical discharge machining (EDM)

CNC grinding machines

CNC cutting machines (laser, plasma, electron, or flame)
CNC fabrication machines (sheet metal punch press, bending machine, or press brake)
CNC welding machines
Classification of CNC Machines
• 1. Classification based on the motion type.
• 2. Classification based on the control loops.
• 3. Classification based on the number of axes.
• 4. Classification based on the power supply.
 Classification based on the motion
type
Point-to-Point Systems.
1. It is used in some CNC machines such as
drilling, boring and tapping machines…etc.
2. The control equipment for use with them
are known as point-to-point control equipment.
3. Feed rates need not to be programmed.
4. In theses machine tools, each axis is
driven separately

Contouring Systems (Continuous

Path Systems)
• It is used in CNC machine tools such as
milling machines.
• These machines require simultaneous
control of axes.
• Contouring machines can also be used as
point-to-point machines, but it will be
uneconomical to use them unless the work piece
also requires having a contouring operation to be
performed on it.
Classification based on the
control loops
• Open Loop Systems Programmed
instructions are fed into the controller
through an input device.
• These instructions are then
converted to electrical pulses (signals) by
the controller and sent to the servo
amplifier to energize the servo motors.
• The primary drawback of the
open-loop system is that there is no
feedback system to check whether the
program position and velocity has been
achieved.