This describes the mechanism of Computer Numerical Control along with its types, control system, motion system, Programming of CNC, G codes, Part programming, adaptive control machining etc.
2. • Introduction to CNC
• Types of CNC machines
• Numerical Control Coordinate System
• CNC controller
• Part Programming for CNC
• Direct Numerical Control
• Applications of CNC
• Adaptive control machining and developments
Contents
3. Introduction
• CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is the
name received to machines that are able to
position a tool without human assistance
• To position the tool, CNC machines have an
interpreter that translate a series of
instructions (G-Code) to electronic orders
(for example, step and direction signals)
5. We can classify these machines by:
• Number of axis
• Tool used
• Control system
• Motion system
There are other variable elements in a CNC machine, but these
elements don’t change the way our machine works (for example the
materials used to build it).
Types of CNC machines
6. 1. Two axis machines
They are two axis machines work like a plotter
Classification based on number of axis
7. 2. Three axis CNC Machines
Classification based on number of axis
They are commonly used in
wood carving and 3D
modelling
8. 3. Four or more axis
With four or more axis we can orientate the tool, adding more
possibilities of machining:
Classification based on number of axis
They are more popular
in CNC Lathes for
metalworks
10. • We can use a open loop or closed loop control system
• Open loop uses stepper motors to reach a position. We’ll study them
later.
Control system
11. • When we use DC, AC or lineal motors we have to use a closed loop
control system
• To capture the position of the tool we need an encoder for each axis,
increasing total cost
• Most CNC machines use stepper motors due to their low cost and
high precision (0.9º per steep
Control system
12. • There are two type of motion elements:
• Active elements: They transmit movement from position motors to mobile
elements
• Passive elements: They act like a guide or rail for mobile elements
Motion system
14. Stepper motor
Motion Actuators
• AC or DC motors are less used in CNC machines than stepper
motors due to requirement of encoders,
• Linear motors are not suitable for heavy loads and are expensive
AC or DC motor Linear motors
15. Numerical Control
• 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
Machine
Control Unit
Power
Program
Instructions
Transformation
Process
16. NC Co-ordinate System
Fig: NC Co-ordinate system [5]
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
17. 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)
Fig: Motion Control systems [5]
18. • It has to receive a list of G-code instructions and translate it to
electronic signals
• These electronics signals are sent to motor controllers. These
controllers act like a power stage, amplifying and translating the
signals that motors will receive
CNC Motor controller
19. Programming a CNC
• The code used to program CNC machines is generically called Part
Programming
• G-code instructions are the major part of the programming language
20. • Specifically, G-codes give CNC machines the coordinates from which
to hold and engage the machining tool in order to cut and shape
metal to certain specifications.
• The entire series of codes used to operate CNC machines also include
M-codes and T-Codes, which manage the CNC machine and drill tool,
respectively. Tooling speed and feed controls are dictated by S-Codes
and F-Codes, while X, Y, and Z-codes determine absolute position.
G-code (Geometric code)
21. Part Programming Key Letters
O - Program number (Used for program identification)
N – Sequence / Line number (Used for line identification)
G - Motion
X,Y,Z - Axis designation
R - Radius designation
F – Feed rate designation
S - Spindle speed designation
T - Tool Designation
H - Tool length offset designation
D - Tool radius offset designation
M - Miscellaneous function
22. Motion instructions (G Codes)
G00 – Positioning at rapid
speed
G01 – Linear interpolation
(machining a straight line)
G02 – CW Circular
interpolation (machining arcs)
G03 – CCW Circular
interpolation
G09 – Exact stop
G12 – Circular pocket milling, CW
G13 – Circular pocket milling, CCW
G17 – X-Y plane for arc machining
G18 – Z-X plane for arc machining
G19 – Z-Y plane for arc machining
G20 – Imperial units (Inch)
G21 – Metric units (mm)
23. Miscellaneous functions (M Codes)
M00 – Program stop
M01 – Optional program stop
M02 – End of program
M03 – Spindle on clockwise
M04 – Spindle on CCW
M05 – Spindle stop
M06 – Tool change
M08 – Flood coolant on
M09 – Flood coolant off
M30 – End of program/return to
start
M41 – Spindle low gear range
M42 – Spindle high gear range
25. Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
• Direct Numerical Control or Distributed Numerical Control (DNC) is a
common manufacturing term for networking CNC machine tools
consisting of central computer connected to machine tool MCUs
• In some CNC machine controllers, the available memory is too small
to contain the machining program (for example machining complex
surfaces), in this case the program is stored in a separate computer
and sent directly to the machine, one block at a time
26. • DNC networking or DNC communication is always required
when CAM programs are to run on some CNC machine control
• Usually, the CNC manufacturer provides suitable DNC software
Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
28. Applications of CNC
• Batch and High Volume production
• Repeat and/or Repetitive orders
• Complex part geometries
• Mundane operations
• Many separate operations on one part
29. Adaptive Control Machining
NC System
CNC Machine
Tool
Sensors
Adaptive
Controller
Part Program
Constraints, Strategy and
Performance Index
Drive
Command
Position
Command
Fig: Block diagram of adaptive control Machining
30. Adaptive Control Machining
• It is a logical extension of the CNC-mechanism
• In CNC mechanism the cutting speed and feed rates are prescribed by
the part programmer
• Adaptive control determines proper speeds and feeds during
machining as a function of variation in work piece hardness, width of
cut, air gaps in part geometry etc.
• there is improvement in the production rate and reduction in the
machining cost as a result of calculating and setting of optimal
parameters during machining
• Recent adaptive control uses microprocessor based controls and is
typically integrated with an existing CNC system [7]
31. Functions of adaptive Control
The three functions of adaptive control are:
1. Identification
Using the feedback data from the process performance quality of the system is
identified
2. Decision
Once the system performance is determined, the decision is carried out by
comparison with pre-programmed logic provided by the designer
3. Modification
Modification is concerned with a physical or mechanical change in the system
32. Developments in Computer Numerical Control
• Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is widely implemented
• Adaptive control machining Increased production rates, Increased
tool life, Greater part protection and Less operator intervention
• Direct Numerical Control reduced the required memory size of CNC
machine controllers and distributed control of many CNCs in the same
network
• Laser cutting, Plasma Cutting and 3D printing technologies are the
latest developments of CNC technology