CNC Machines

PRPC17-Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Systems

Fundamentals of numerical control – NC and CNC - classification of NC/CNC systems –
introduction to multi-axes machines, configurations, control strategies - role of NC / CNC in
CAM – applications, benefits and limitations of NC/CNC – DNC – Adaptive Control: ACO and
ACC systems. 1
 PRPC17-Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Systems

Updated**** Credits: 03

COURSE ASSESSMENT METHODS

Sl. No. %
Mode of Assessment Week/Date Duration
Weightage
1 Class Test-I 6th Week 1 hour* 20
2 Cycle Test – II 10th Week 1 hour* 20

3 Assignments in Google Classroom/Seminar - - 10

4 CNC Programming/Surprise test I & II - - 10

5 Final Assessment 14th Week 3 hours 40

(*Assessment time duration will be more than 1 hour for modes of test 1 and 2)
 INTRODUCTION
Definition
➢ The word NC which stands for numerical control refer to control of a machine or a process using symbolic codes
consisting of characters and numerals.
➢ CNC (Computer Numerical Control (CNC) refers to the method of controlling a machine tool or the machining
process by means of a computer.
➢ CNC: microprocessors and microcomputers
➢ Coded numerical instructions are inserted into the CNC.

Brief history
1942 Bendix Corporation, a USA helicopter blade manufacturing company, needs
three-dimensional cam parts.
-Coordination of movements is necessary.

1947 John T Parson (a Bendix corporation worker) using punched tapes

is able to control simultaneously axes movements of a machine
- MIT collaborates

1953 Numerical Control (NC) term appears at M.I.T.

1970 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is created

- Microprocessors origin. NC Punched Tape

1980 Direct Numerical Control (DNC) is possible.

A large number of machines are controlled by a computer.

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THE HISTORY OF CNC MACHINE

NC MACHINE

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THE HISTORY OF CNC MACHINE

MODERN CNC MACHINE 5

 INTRODUCTION-Numerical Control (NC)

Numerical Control (NC)

➢ NC (numerical control) machine tools are the machine tool, of which the various functions are controlled by :
letters , numbers and symbols.

➢ The NC machine tool runs on a program fed to it; without human operator. The NC program consist of a set of
instruction or statement for controlling the motion of the drives of the machine tools as well as the motion of
the cutting tool.

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 INTRODUCTION-CNC Machine Tools

CNC Machine Tools

➢ In CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, a dedicated computer is used to perform the most of basic NC
machine functions.
➢ CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is a NC machine which uses a dedicated computer as the machine
control unit.
➢ The entire program is entered and stored in computer memory. The machining cycle for each component is
controlled by the program contained in the computer memory.

Input / Output
Devices

Memory (ROM) Control Memory (RAM)

program for : Z Slide Part Program
X Slide

Feed Back Unit Machine Tool

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 INTRODUCTION-CNC Machine Tools

CNC Machine Tools

➢ Input / Output Console : It is the unit through which part program is fed to the CNC machine tool system and
required output is taken out. It basically consists of monitor and Keyboard.

➢ Microprocessor : This controller takes input from Input / Output device, Feedback from feedback unit and
actuates the drives as well as the tool of the machine tool.

➢ Memory : It consists of RAM & ROM. The RAM stores part program, while ROM stores the programs for
machine control.

➢ Feedback unit : The feedback unit takes input from machine tool and transfers it to control unit for necessary
corrections.

➢ Machine tool : Machine tool is operated by the control unit.

➢ Interfaces : They are the connections between the different components of the CNC machine tool system.

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 INTRODUCTION-DNC Machine Tools

DNC Machine Tools

➢ DNC is a manufacturing system in which a number of machines are controlled by a computer through
direct- connection and in real time.

The configuration of the DNC system can be divided into:

Satellite computers are minicomputers and they serve to take some of the burden off central computer. Each satellites
controls several machine tools.

➢ DNC system without satellite computer.

➢ DNC system with satellite computer.

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 INTRODUCTION-DNC Machine Tools

DNC system without satellite computer

DNC system with satellite computer

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 Comparison between NC, CNC and DNC machine tools

NC Machine Tool System CNC Machine Tool System DNC Machine Tool System

1. The part program is fed to the machine 1.In CNC machine tool system, the 1. The part program is fed to
through the tapes or other such program is fed to the machine the machine through the
media. through the computer. Main computer
2. In order to modify the
2.In order to modify the program, the 2.The programs can be easily modified program, single
with the help of computer. computer is used
tapes have to be changed.
3. Large memory of DNC
3.The microprocessor or minicomputer allows it to store a large
3. In NC machine tool system, tape reader forms the machine control unit. The amount of part program.
is a part of machine control unit. CNC machine does not need tape
reader.
4. Same part program can be
run on different machines at
4. System has no memory storage and 4.It has memory storage ability, in which the same time.
each time it is run using the tape. part program can be stored.
5. The data can be processed
using the MIS software so as
5. It can not import CAD files. 5. System can import CAD files and to effectively carry out the
convert it to part program. Production planning and
6.It can not use feedback system. scheduling.
6.The system can use feedback system.

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 Advantages CNC machine tools

➢ 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.

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 Disadvantages CNC machine tools

➢ 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

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 Applications of NC/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.
➢ CNC lathes and turning centers
➢ CNC 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
➢ CNC coordinate measuring machines

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 Applications of NC/CNC machine tools

CNC Coordinate Measuring Machines

➢ A coordinate measuring machine is a dimensional measuring device, designed to move the measuring
probe to determine the coordinates along the surface of the work piece.
➢ Apart from dimensional measurement, these machines are also used for profile measurement,
angularity, digitizing or imaging.
➢ A CMM consists of four main components: the machine, measuring probe, control system and the
measuring software.

Cantilever type CMM Gantry type CMM

4 axis CNC Tig welding machine

Wire cut EDM 15