NC Machine Tool Numerically controlled ( NC) Machine tool are the machine tool , of which the various function are controlled by Letters, numbers and symbols NC machine tools run on programme fed to it, without human operator NC programme consist set of instruction or statement for controlling the motion of the drives of the machine , the motion of cutting tool Function of NC Machine starting and stopping of the Machine tool Controlling the spindle speed Positioning the tool at desired location and guiding it along the desired path Controlling the feed rate Changing the tool
NC Machine Tool In NC machine, numbers form program of instructions and are: 1.TO Start (or) Stop the machine tool spindle . 2. To control the spindle speed. 3.To change the tool. 4.To change the feed rate. 5.To switch the coolant on/off. 6.To position the tool at a desired position
Historical Background Conventional NC is based on the pioneering work of a man named John T. Parsons. In late 1940, parson conceived a method of using punched cards containing coordinate positioning data to control the machine. In 1948 parson demonstrated his concept to U.S. Air Force. The first demonstration of NC prototype was held in 1952 and in 1953 potential usefulness of the NC concept has been proven
Elements of NC Machine
Elements of NC Machine continue… (1 ) Part Drawing and Part Programming Part programme is set of step by step instruction to the machine tool for carrying out the operation and which tells the machine tool what to do. Part program is written by using part Drawing and cutting process parameter The set of instruction includes Instruction position of machine tool spindle with respect to the work table Instruction for cutting operation Instruction for selection of spindle speed, cutting tool etc. Method of Part Programing I. Manual Part programming II. Computer aided Part programming
Elements of NC Machine continue … (2) Programme Tape Part programme is entered on the programme tape The tape is a long wound roll of the one inch width . The programme is entered on the tape in the form of punched holes ,holes punched with the help of punching machine. Now a day punch-line tape is replaced with magnetic cassettes, floppy disc , pen drive, hard drive
Elements of NC Machine continue … (3)Machine control unit (MCU) MCU is heart of NC/CNC machine which consist of some electronics hardware that read the NC programme, interpret it and conversely translates it for mechanical action of machine tool A typical MCU consist following units Input or tape reader memory processor output channels control panel feedback channels
Elements of NC Machine continue … • Functions of MCU Read coded instruction Decode coded instruction I mplement interpolation (linier ,circular, and Helical )v to generate axis motion commands F eed axis motion command to amplified circuits for driving the axis mechanism Received the signals of position and speed for each drive axis Implement auxiliary control function such as coolant or spindle on/off, and tool change.
Elements of NC Machine continue … (4) Machine Tool • The Machine tool is operated by MCU • following function may automated by Machine tool S tarting and stopping of the machine tool spindle C ontrolling the spindle speed Positioning of tool tip at desires locations and guiding it along the desired path by automatic control of the slide motion Controlling the feed rate Changing the tool
Elements of NC Machine continue … Main component of NC Machine tool I. work Table II. Machine tool Spindle III. Drive unit IV. Machine control unit V. Feedback mechanism VI. Manual Control VII . Electrically operated control equipment or magnetic box
Steps in NC based Manufacturing 1. Process Planning The decision are made about selection of manufacturing operation , their Sequence ,machine Requirement and tooling requirements. With the use of part drawing , data about machine tooling ,etc. 2. Part Programming for converting the sequence sheet of various machine operation, understandable syntaxes and various control commands for machines so that machine perform exactly the way program 3. Coding of part program on suitable medium- part program converted into machine readable coding using tape punching machine 4. Part Program Testing And Validation The accuracy of part programming is tested and modified by using the dry run on NC Machine , and then print is taken of tool path for validation 5 . NC Machining With Tool Pre-setting once testing and validation of part programme is done operator adjust NC Machine with required tool for final batch production
Advantages of NC Machines High degree of accuracy Less inspection required Reduction of scrap and wastage Reduction lead time for production Increase productivity Lower tooling cost Reduction of human error Greater operation and machine tool safety Greater machine tool and operator efficiency Reduced space requirement
Limitation of NC Machine Limitations: High initial cost High maintenance cost High operation cost Limited life of punching tapes Limited consuming punching tape preparation Applications: N C lathe and turning NC Milling .boring , drilling and Machining centre. NC welding and Arc cutting machine NC sawing Machine NC pipe bending ,grinding ,inspection and Gauging