Numerical

Control I
NC - Numerical Control - Software control of manufacturing processes.
Based on a code of letters, numbers & special characters called a program.

CNC- Computerized Numerical Control NC machine with the addition of an onboard

computer referred to as a machine control unit or MCU

NC History

1725-Knitting machine controlled by sheets of punched cardboard

1863-Player piano introduced
1947-John Parsons of Parsons Corp. in Traverse City, Michigan coupled a
computer to a jig borer
1952-MIT coins phrase Numerical Control & demonstrates vertical mill with
special control unit
1955-National Machine Tool Show, commercially available NC machines were
displayed

Improvements in electronics & solid-state devices reduced size of

control units and increased capabilities

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Applications of NC
Chip producing machines: Drills, Mills, Lathes, Bores, Saws, Etc.
Chipless machining: Flame Cutting, Punches, Wire EDM, Welding,
Non machining: Paint Spraying, Tube Bending, Assembly, Etc.

NC used to
1) Position cutter (move table)
2) Change tooling
3) Adjust coolant flow (flood/mist-on/off)
4) Adjust spindle speeds
5) Perform operations at a point (plunge, tap, bore, etc.)

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STEPS INVOLVED
ON GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE:
Operation
Off Machine
Plan operation sequence
X
Select tools X
Set and change toolsX
Select feeds and speeds
X
Set feeds and speeds
X*
Position work X
Start and stop machine operations X*
Control path between work & tool X
during cutting
Rapid position tool for next cut or X
part unloading

* Performed via Numerical Control software

On Machine

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Circumstances best suited to NC

Mass production quantities

Complex geometries
Tight tolerances
Replacement parts
Parts subject to modification

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Advantages of Numerical Control

Greater operator efficiency

Greater operator safety
Reduction of scrap
Reduced lead time for production
Fewer chances for human error
Maximal accuracy and interchangeability of parts
Lower tooling costs
Increased productivity
Minimal spare parts inventory
Greater machine tool safety
Fewer man hours for inspection
Greater machine utilization

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Role of the Operator

Execute Machine Control Unit (MCU) or Console Setups

Start and Stop Machines
Load and Unload Workpieces
Maintain High- Level Machine Tool Performance Standards
Change NC Inputs as Necessary (Per Engineering)
Feedback Information to Programmer/Engineer

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Programming methods for NC

MANUAL (#4)
COMPUTER ASSISTED
A) Language (#5A)
B) Graphic (#5B)

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Two ways information is fed into an NC machine.

Auxiliary Operations:
Tool change, spindle reversal, tool on/off, coolant
on/off,
spindle speeds (RPM), spindle feeds (IPM)

Geometrical Machine Movements:

a) Translation X , Y , Z
b) Rotation about X , Y , Z axis

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Any movement under control of NC input is called an axis.
(ie)

2 axis machine: X,Y control (usually lathe)

3 axis machine: X,Y,Z control
4 axis machine: X,Y,Z, one rotational control
5 axis machine: X,Y,Z, two rotational control
*often called machining centers and include tool changes
Toshiba 9 axis mill for sub propellers

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To specify coordinate points to a machine tool, there are
two positioning point reference systems. (#7)

Absolute:
all measurements are taken from a fixed origin
(X=0,Y=0,Z=0)
*helpful to have part prints with baseline dimensioning*

Incremental:
all measurements for the next position are made from
the last or previous position