DNC

It can be defined as a manufacturing system in which a number of machines are controlled by a computer through direct connection and in real time. The tape reader is omitted in DNC thus relieving the system of its least reliable component. Instead of using tape reader the part program is transmitted to the machine tool directly from the computer memory. In principle, one computer can be used to control more than 100 separate machines.

The system consists of four components. 1. Central computer 2. Bulk memory which stores the NC part programs. 3. Telecommunication lines. 4. Machine Tools.

 The computer calls the part program instructions from bulk storage and sends data back from the machines. This two way information flow occurs in real time, which means that machine's requests for instructions must be satisfied almost instantaneously. Similarly, the computer must always be ready to receive information from the machines and respond accordingly. The remarkable feature of the DNC system is that the computer is ervicing a large number of seperate machine tools,all in real time.

 Depending upon the number of machines and computational requirements that are imposed on the computer it is sometimes necessary to make use of satellite computers

Main differences are :

1. DNC computers distribute instructional data to and collect from a large number of machines. CNC computers control only one machine or a small number of machines. 2. DNC computers occupy a location that is typically remote from the machines under their control. CNC computers are located very near their machine tools. 3. DNC software is developed not only to control individual pieces of production technology, but also to serve as part of management information system in the manufacturing sector of the firm. CNC software is developed to augment the capabilities of a particular machine tool.

Advantages of DNC

The computer can be remotely located, even a thousand miles away. The computer can program simultaneously many NC machines.

ADVANTAGES OF CNC MACHINES (a) High Repeatability and Precision, e.g. Aircraft parts. (b) Volume of production is very high. (c) Complex contours/surfaces need to be machined, e.g. Turbines. (d) Flexibility in job change, automatic tool settings, less scrap. (e) Safer, higher productivity, better quality. (f) Less paper work, faster prototype production, reduction in lead times. (g) Easier to program. (h) Easy storage of existing programs. (i) Avoids human errors. (j) Usually generates closer tolerances than manual machines. (k) Program editing at the machine tool. (l) Control systems upgrades possible. (m) Option -resident CAM system at machine tool. (n) Tool path verification.

DISADVANTAGES OF CNC MACHINES

(a) Costly setup, skilled operators. (b) Computers, programming knowledge required. (c) Maintenance is difficult. (d) Machines have to be installed in air conditioned places.

 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.