COMPUTER NUMERICAL

CONTROL SYSTEMS (CNC)

COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROL
SYSTEMS (CNC)
 COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROL SYSTEMS
Definitions:
Numerical Control (NC)
It is the control of the machine tool operations by means of numerical
data. Data are stored on paper, magnetic tape, computer disks, or direct
computer information.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
It is a control system that uses a built in computer that supports the
machine tool operations.
The basic function of a CNC system is automatic precise motion and
positioning of the tool and w/p.
DNC
- DNC may stand for “direct numerical control”. Several machine
tools are directly controlled by a central mainframe computer.
- DNC also may stand for “distributed numerical control”. This is
more recent definition of DNC. Here, also a central computer is used, but
it serves several CNC machines, having onboard microprocessors. The
information may be returned by the microprocessors to the central
computer and a variety of reports and actions are represented for
management interpretation.
(+) Advantages of CNC and NC
1. The non-productive time is less and “chip time” is increased.
2. The number of jigs and fixtures is reduced because the tool has
better access to w/p because of the program.
3. Because of the program, complicated parts can be easily produced.
4. Time required for machine set-up and cycle time are reduced.
5. CNC machines are more flexible than special-purpose machines (adaptable
to short runs).
6. More reliability and quality  less rejects.
7. Machine modification may be performed just by changing the program.
8. Inspect costs are reduced.

(-) Disadvantages
1. High cost of the machine tool.
2. The machine becomes non-productive if the control system breaks down.
3. Control systems are expensive.
4. High cost of the control system because of its sophistication.
TYPES OF CONTROLLERS (CONTROL PROGRAMS)
1. Sequential Control: uses electromechanical devices to control
machine’s motion (perforated paper-tape programmers are used.
2. Programmable Logic Control (PLC): is a solid state device with a
central processing unit with input and output devices.
3. Automatic Adaptive Control (AAC): identities continuously online
performance of operations, compares it with the expected value and
automatically adjust s one or more parameters to improve the process.
4. Numerical Control: uses pre-recorded written symbolic instructions
Depending on the type of the feedback, controllers can be open or closed
loop control.

1. Open Loop Control:

The output has no effect (feedback) on the control of the input. Main
variable to be controlled is related to the stepping motor (e.g. step angle,
angle of rotation, and rotational speed of the stepping motor).
One input pulse at the stepping motor drives one step at the output
(leadscrew). Each slide on the machine tool has its own motor.
2. Closed Loop Control
The system is equipped with various sensors and transducers that
measure accurately the real position of the work table (output). Through
feedback control, the position of the work table is compared against the
input signal. The position of the work table is corrected until it reaches.
CNC Coding (G-codes)
CNC OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE
I. Parts Programming
1. Manual programming (manuscript).
2. Computer-aided part programming.
II. Tape Preparation
1. For manual programming: perforated paper or tape
2. If the computer is used, a list of NC steps is provided on a tape.
III Verification
The NC tape is run through a computer to simulate the movements of
the tool and w/p. This uncovers major mistakes that can be avoided
before the real cutting.
IV Production
•The NC tape is loaded onto a tape reader.
•Coded instructions are converted into machine tool actions by the
machine control unit (MCU).
RECTANGULAR COORDINATES (Cartesian Coordinates)
•It is used to define the relation between the tool and w/p.
•Each machine tool has a standard coordinate axis system.
•Machine tool constructions is based on two or three perpendicular
axes of motion and an axis of rotation.
•Z -axis is parallel to the spindle , X –axis is horizontal and Y –axis
is perpendicular to X and Z –axes.
 PROGRAM FORMATING AND CODING
In NC systems a tape of 1 – in width and eight channels is used to carry
the program. Holes are punched in these channels. A tape reader senses
the hole pattern and then feeds the instructions into the controller’s data
buffer.
The punching is performed according to the binary coded decimal (BCD)
system. The number 2 is used as a base number to represent any number
in the more familiar 10 or decimal system. The binary system uses only
0 or 1 to fill in these channels (NO-HOLE or HOLE).
First four channels (0,1,2,3) represent 1,2,4, and 8 (powers of 2). For
example to present number 6 hole must be punched in channel no. 1 and
2 (21+22=6).
Tape format: is the organisation of words within blocks.
Types: word address format & tab sequential.
Most CNC machines use word address format (sentence like commands).