RAMAIAH
Institute of Technology
Computer numerical control Machines
Definition
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is one in which the functions and motions of a machine tool are
controlled by means of a prepared program containing coded alphanumeric data. CNC can control
the motions of the work piece or tool, the input parameters such as feed, depth of cut, speed, and
the functions such as turning spindle on/off, turning coolant on/off.
Applications
The applications of CNC include both for machine tool as well as non-machine tool areas. In the
machine tool category, CNC is widely used for lathe, drill press, milling machine, grinding unit, laser,
sheet-metal press working machine, tube bending machine etc. Highly automated machine tools
such as turning center and machining center which change the cutting tools automatically under
CNC control have been developed. In the non-machine tool category, CNC applications include
welding machines (arc and resistance), coordinate measuring machine, electronic assembly, tape
laying and filament winding machines for composites etc.
Advantages and Limitations
The benefits of CNC are (1) high accuracy in manufacturing, (2) short production time, (3) greater
manufacturing flexibility, (4) simpler fixturing, (5) contour machining (2 to 5 –axis machining), (6)
reduced human error. The drawbacks include high cost, maintenance, and the requirement of
skilled part programmer.
ELEMENTS OF A CNC
A CNC system consists of three basic components
1 . Part program
2 . Machine Control Unit (MCU)
3 . Machine tool (lathe, drill press, milling machine etc)
1. Part Program
The part program is a detailed set of commands to be followed by the machine tool. Each command
specifies a position in the Cartesian coordinate system (x,y,z) or motion (workpiece travel or cutting
tool travel), machining parameters and on/off function. Part programmers should be well versed
with machine tools, machining processes, effects of process variables, and limitations of CNC
Dept. of Mechanical Engg. RIT Bengaluru. Page 2
RAMAIAH
Institute of Technology
controls. The part program is written manually or by using computer assisted language such as APT
(Automated Programming Tool).
2. Machine Control Unit (MCU)
The machine control unit (MCU) is a microcomputer that stores the program and executes the
commands into actions by the machine tool. The MCU consists of two main units: the data
processing unit (DPU) and the control loops unit (CLU). The DPU software includes control system
software, calculation algorithms, translation software that converts the part program into a usable
format for the MCU, interpolation algorithm to achieve smooth motion of the cutter, editing of part
program (in case of errors and changes). The DPU processes the data from the part program and
provides it to the CLU which operates the drives attached to the machine leadscrews and receives
feedback signals on the actual position and velocity of each one of the axes. A driver (dc motor) and
a feedback device are attached to the leadscrew. The CLU consists of the circuits for position and
velocity control loops, deceleration and backlash take up, function controls such as spindle on/off.
3. Machine Tool
The machine tool could be one of the following: lathe, milling machine, laser, plasma, coordinate
measuring machine etc. Figure shows that a right-hand coordinate system is used to describe the
motions of a machine tool . There are three linear axes (x,y,z), three rotational axes (i,j,k), and other
axes such as tilt (9) are possible. For example, a 5-axis machine implies any combination of x,y,z,
i,j,k,and 6.
Dept. of Mechanical Engg. RIT Bengaluru. Page 3