CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

by P.N.Rao

9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-1/9-13

9. Introduction to
Computer Numerical Control

9.1 Introduction

Numerical Control (NC) or control by numbers, is the concept, which has

revolutionised the manufacturing scene that is partially due to the rapid
advancement in microelectronics that has taken place since late 1960's.

9.2 Numerical control

Numerical control of machine tools may be defined as a method of
automation in which various functions of machine tools are controlled by
letters, numbers and symbols.
In NC machine tools one or more of the following functions may be
automatic:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

starting and stopping of machine tool spindle

controlling the spindle speed
positioning the tool tip at desired locations and guiding it along
desired paths by automatic control of the motion of slides
controlling the rate of movement of the tool tip (i.e. feed rate)
changing of tools in the spindle.

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-2/9-13

Fig. 9.1

Principle of operation of a NC machine tool

Fig. 9.2

Principle of operation of the control of axis motion in a NC

machine tool

Fig. 9.3

Elements of NC machine tool operation

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-3/9-13

Fig. 9.4

The data processing in a CNC machine tool in closed loop

control

Fig. 9.5

The data processing in a CNC machine tool in closed loop

control

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

by P.N.Rao

Fig. 9.6

9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-4/9-13

Typical CNC Machine tool operation

9.3 Numerical control modes

Fig. 9.7

Types of control systems possible in CNC operation

9.4 Numerical Control Elements

9.4.1 Machine Control Unit

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9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-5/9-13

9.4.2 Part Program

N30 G00 X120.0 Y 45.0 Z-85.0
N40 G90
N50 G03 X200.0 Y200.0 I-100.0 J0 F200
N60 G01 X120.0 Y110.0

Fig. 9.8

Machine tool control unit (Heidenhain TNC410) for machining

centres

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-6/9-13

9.4.3 NC Tooling

Fig. 9.9 Typical spindle tooling holding an End Mill

Fig. 9.10 Typical preset tooling used in CNC turning machines

9.5 NC Machine Tools

1
2
3
4.
5.
6.

For the parts having complex contours, that cannot be

manufactured by conventional machine tools.
For small lot production, often for even single (one off) job
production, such as for prototyping, tool manufacturing, etc.
For jobs requiring very high accuracy and repeatability.
For jobs requiring many set-ups and/or the setups very expensive.
The parts that are subjected to frequent design changes and
consequently require more expensive manufacturing methods.
The inspection cost is a significant portion of the total
manufacturing cost.

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

by P.N.Rao

9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-7/9-13

9.5.2 Advantages of NC
9.5.3 Limitations of NC
9.5.4 Practical NC Machines

Fig. 9.11

Early form of CNC milling machines: EZ-TRAK DX II milling

machine (Courtesy Bridgeport Machines Inc., Bridgeport,
U.S.A.)

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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Fig. 9.12

9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-8/9-13

Present day production horizontal axis CNC machining centre

Makino A55 (Courtesy Makino Milling Machines Co. Ltd.,
Tokyo, Japan)

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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Fig. 9.13

9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-9/9-13

High production horizontal axis CNC machining centre Makino

A60 with automatic tool changer and automatic pallet changer
(Courtesy Makino Milling Machines Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan)

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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Fig. 9-14

9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-10/9-

CNC copy milling machine Makino FD NC-128 (Courtesy

Makino Milling Machines Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan)

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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Fig. 9-15

Fig. 9.16

9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-11/9-

CNC Turning centre with slant bed GF NDM-16 (Courtesy

George Fischer, Switzerland)

CNC Chucker (Turning) LC16 (Courtesy ACE Designers)

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-12/9-

Fig. 9-17

CNC Turning centre with a gantry loader for workpiece

handling (Courtesy George Fischer, Switzerland)

Fig. 9.18

EDM Wire cut machine DWC 110HA (Courtesy Mitsubishi

Electric Corp., Tokyo)

CAD/CAM Principles and Applications

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9 Introduction to Computer Numerical Control 9-13/9-

Fig. 9.19

CNC Turret punching press Amada Vipros 255 (Courtesy

Amada, Japan)

Fig. 9.20

CNC Coordinate Measuring Machine Mitutoyo Super RV304

(Courtesy Mitutoyo Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Singapore)