BT ME 516
BT ME516
LECTURE 1
Introduction to Numerical
Control (NC), Computer
Numerical Control (CNC) and
Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
Definition of Numerical
Control
1- Numerical Control (NC) is a form of
programmable automation that allows
machine tools to be controlled by
computer programming. It replaces
manual control with encoded
instructions.
2- Numerical control (NC) is a method
of automating machine tools using
computer programming..
Definition:
• 3- NC (numerical control) machine is the
machine, of which the various functions are
controlled by : letters , numbers and
symbols.
• 4- The NC machine runs on a program fed
to it; without human operator. The NC
program consist of a set of instruction or
statement for controlling the motion of the
drives of the machine as well as the motion
of the cutting tool.
3
Types of Numerical Control Systems
1 Point-to-Point System
Used for operations like drilling, where
the tool moves directly from point to
Contouring System 2 point without following a continuous
Capable of following continuous path.
paths, enabling complex operations
like milling, turning, and shaping.
3 Multi-Axis System
Allows for simultaneous control of
multiple axes, enabling 3D machining
and intricate operations required for
complex parts.
Working Principle of Numerical Control
NC systems interpret digital instructions to control the movement and operation of machine tools
through motors, actuators, and sensors.
▪ In NC machine , one or more of the following
function may be automatic :
i. Starting and stopping of the machine
spindle;
ii. Controlling the spindle speed;
iii. Positioning the tool at the desired location
and guiding it along the desired path by
automatic control of the motion of slides;
iv. Controlling the feed rate; and
v. Changing the tools.
6
3. Machine Control Unit(MCU):-
Components of a Numerical Control
System
• Machine
• Controller - Machine Control Unit(MCU):-
• Software _ Part Program
• Power Supply
• Feedback Devices
8
Components of NC
machine system
1. Part program:-
Using the part drawing and the cutting parameters, the part
program is written.
The part program is a set of step by instruction to the machine
for carrying out the operation.
Method use for part programming
1. Manual part programming
2. Computer-aided part programming
9
Components of NC lathe
machine system
2. Program Tape:-
The part program is entered on the program tape.
The program is entered on the tape in the form of punched holes. The holes are
punched with the help of punching machine.
3. Machine Control Unit(MCU):-
The program tape is read by the tape reader.
The controller takes input from the tape reader.
4. The machine:-
The machine is operated by the controller of the machine control unit.
Applications of Numerical Control
Manufacturing Prototyping Artistic Sculpting
NC machines are widely NC systems enable NC systems have
used in manufacturing iterative prototyping and revolutionized artistic
industries such as rapid production of creation, allowing sculptors
automotive, aerospace, and intricate designs with high to digitally design and
electronics for precision accuracy and repeatability. carve intricate sculptures
machining. from various materials.
Advantages of Numerical Control
1 Precision & 2 Efficiency & 3 Flexibility &
Accuracy Productivity Customization
NC machines can NC systems automate NC programming allows
achieve high levels of machining processes, for easy customization
precision and accuracy, reducing production and quick adjustment of
resulting in consistent time and increasing parameters, facilitating
and reliable output. overall efficiency and production of complex
productivity. and unique parts.
ADVANTAGES of
NC Machine
Cycle time reduction Reduction of scrap and Greater operation safety
Complex machining wastage Greater operation
operation Increasing productivity efficiency
High degree of accuracy Lower tooling cost Reduction in space
Less inspection required Reduction of human error required
Operator skill-level
reduced
12
• LIMITATIONS OF NC
MACHINES
•!
High investment cost
High maintenance effort
Need for skilled programmers
High utilization required
14
• 2. Introduction to CNC machine
In CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, a dedicated
computer is used to perform the most of basic NC machine
functions.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is a NC machine
which uses a dedicated computer as the machine control unit.
The entire program is entered and stored in computer
memory. The machining cycle for each component is
controlled by the program contained in the computer memory.
The stored part program listing can be used for future
production also.
• Components of CNC lathe
machine system
The main components of CNC machine are as follows :
1. Input / Output Console.
2. Microprocessor Based control unit.
3. Memory.
4. Feedback unit.
5. The machine.
6. Interfaces.
16
Input / Output Console : It is the unit through
which part program is fed to the CNC lathe
machine system and required output is taken
out. It basically consists of monitor and
Keyboard.
Microprocessor : This controller takes input from
Input / Output device, Feedback from feedback
unit and actuates the drives as well as the tool of
the lathe machine.
Memory : It consists of RAM & ROM. The RAM
stores part program, while ROM stores the
programs for machine control.
Feedback unit : The feedback unit takes input
from lathe machine and transfers it to control
unit for necessary corrections.
lathe machine : lathe machine is operated by the
control unit.
Interfaces : They are the connections between
the different components of the CNC lathe
machine system.
Classification of CNC machine systems
• 2. According
• 1 According to to type of tool • 3. According to • 4. According • 5. According to
type of Feedback program to type of axis & type of
motion
systems methods operations
control controller
1. Open loop 1. Finite 1. Absolute 1. Hybrid controller 1. CNC horizontal
Programming CNC machining centre.
type CNC positioning CNC systems.
machine systems. 2. CNC vertical
machine. control CNC 2. Straight machining centre.
machines. 2. Incremental
controller CNC 3. CNC turning centre.
2. Closed loop Programming CNC
2. Continuous path machine systems. systems 4. CNC milling centre.
type CNC control CNC
machine. machines.
Reference : The basics you can find anywhere 5 Steps To Successful Storytelling Published on April 5, 2014 Featured in: Marketing & Advertising
17
• LIMITATIONS
• OF CNC
Higher investment cost.
Higher maintenance cost.
Requires specialised operators.
• Advantages
• Of CNC
Ease of program input.
Multiple program storage.
Online part programming and editing.
Use of advanced interpolation.
Automatic tool compensation.
Auto generation of part program for existing components.
Change in system of units
•Introduction of
DNC
DNC is a manufacturing system in which a number of machines are
controlled by a computer through direct- connection and in real time.
Also, defined as: DNC is a system connecting a set of NC machines to a
common memory for part program or machine program storage with
provision for on- demand distribution of data to machines.
The tape reader is omitted.
Involves data connection and processing from the lathe machine back to the
computer.
20
20
21
•Components of DNC System
Central computer
Bulk memory which stores
the NC part programs.
Telecommunication lines
lathe machine.
A central computer connected to a number of lathe
machine and control them
Part program of all machine are stored in the memory of
the central computer and transmitted on direct
transmission lines on demand
Various machine can communicate with the computer in
real time
Programs in full or segment can be transferred to NC
machines
Computer can be used for program editing
No tape readers are used
No limitation for the number or size of programs stored
22
•Functions of
DNC
The functions which a DNC system is designed
to perform:
1. NC without punched tape.
DNC system with satellite computer
2. NC part program storage.
3. Data collection, processing, and reporting.
4. Communication
DNC system with satellite computer 23
• Advantages of
• DNC System
• Elimination of punched tapes and tape readers
• Convenient storage of NC part programs in computer files
• Greater computational capability and flexibility
• Reporting of shop performance.
• Convenient editing and diagnostic features.
25
IMPORTANT • Comparison between NC, CNC and DNC lathe
machine
NC lathe machine System CNC lathe machine System DNC lathe machine System
The part program is fed to the In CNC lathe machine system, the The part program is fed to the
machine through the tapes or program is fed to the machine through machine through the Main
the computer.
other such media. computer
The programs can be easily modified with
In order to modify the program, the help of computer. In order to modify the program,
the tapes have to be changed. The microprocessor or minicomputer
single computer is used
In NC lathe machine system, tape forms the machine control unit. The CNC 3. Large memory of DNC allows it
reader is a part of machine control
machine does not need tape reader. to store a large amount of part
unit.
It has memory storage ability, in which program.
part program can be stored.
System has no memory storage Same part program can be run
System can import CAD files and convert
and each time it is run using the it to part program.
on different machines at the
same time.
tape. The system can use feedback system.
The system is software driven. The data can be processed
It can not import CAD files.
using the MIS software so as to
It can not use feedback system. effectively carry out the
They are not software driven. Production planning and
scheduling.
THANK YOU
Neal Creative © Neal Creative | click & Learn more
