GLA UNIVERSITY, MATHURA

Module 1: CNC MACHINES

(MEE-401)
Ajay Goyal
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering Department
GLA University

METAL CUTTING

HISTORY
1947 JOHN T. PARSONS : Start experimenting for using 3-axis curvature data
to control different machine components( to control machine different
directions :x, y, z) to manufacture air craft components.
1949 JOHN T. PARSONS : Contract awarded to develop first NC machine By
US Air force.
1951: US Air Force commissioned MIT to develop the first "numerically
controlled" machine.
1952: NC machine was developed and it was demonstrated that simultaneous
3 axis movement , then 3 axis movement was possible using a laboratory ( by
using separate type of controllers)
1955: After a complete refinement they are able to achieve first NC machine
launched into the industry.

HISTORY Contt....
1959: MIT start using APT ( Automatic program tool) language.
1960: Punch tape eliminates completely and Started using APT
language by using a set of instruction which are directly send to
controller unit.

1960 : Direct Numerical Control (DNC).

This eliminates paper tape punch

programs and allows programmers to send files directly to machine tools

1968: First machining centre was developed by kearney and

Trecker M/c tool builder.

1970: CNC and DNC(Distributed Numerical Control) came into

existence.

Machine tool
Machine tool provides:

Work holding
Tool holding
Relative motion between tool and workpiece
1. Primary motion
2. Secondary motion

NC

What is numerical control (NC)?

NC is a machine system in which actions are controlled by the direct insertion of
numerical data at some points. The system must automatically interpret at least some
portion of this data

NC Contt..
The functions and motions such as;
Turning the spindle on and off
Setting cutting speeds
Setting feed rate
Turning coolant on and off
Moving tool with respect to workpiece are performed by Machine Control Unit (MCU) in
NC machine tools.
In general there are three basic components of an operational NC
1.
Programme of instruction.
2.
A machine control unit.
3.
Machine tool.
Machine tool

Control unit

Program of
instruction

NC Contt..
The program of instruction is a numerical or symbolic code that is detailed step-bystep to tell the machine tool what to do.
The controller unit is the unit that reads the programme of instructions and converts it
to real movement of a machine tool.
The machine tool performs the mechanical work and deals directly with the part being
machined.

NC SYSTEM ELEMENTS

APPLICATIONS OF NC

NC Application Characteristics (Machining)

Batch and High Volume production

Repeat and/or Repetitive orders

Complex part geometries

Mundane operations

Many separate operations on one part

Applications of NC
Machine tool applications:
1.

Milling machines.

2.

Drilling machines.

3.

Boring machines.

4.

Turning machines.

5.

Grinding machines.

6.

Sawing machines.

Non- machine tool applications:

7.

Welding machines- flame cutting machines.

8.

Press-working machines- assembly machines.

9.

Inspection machines- automatic drafting machines

COST-BENEFITS OF NC

Costs
High investment cost
High maintenance effort
Need for skilled programmers
High utilization required
Benefits
Cycle time reduction
Nonproductive time reduction
Greater accuracy and repeatability
Lower scrap rates
Reduced parts inventory and floor space
Operator skill-level reduced

NC PART PROGRAMMING

1.

Manual part programming

2.

Manual data input

3.

Computer-assisted part programming

4.

Part programming using CAD/CAM

Manual Part Programming

Binary Coded Decimal System

Each of the ten digits in decimal system (0-9) is coded with four-digit
binary number
The binary numbers are added to give the value
BCD is compatible with 8 bits across tape format, the original storage
medium for NC part programs
Eight bits can also be used for letters and symbols

CREATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NC

Bit - 0 or 1 = absence or presence of hole in the tape

Character - row of bits across the tape
Word - sequence of characters (e.g., y-axis position)
Block - collection of words to form one complete instruction
Part program - sequence of instructions (blocks)

Block Format

Organization of words within a block in NC part program

Also known as tape format because the original formats were designed
for punched tape
Word address format - used on all modern CNC controllers
Uses a letter prefix to identify each type of word
Spaces to separate words within the block
Allows any order of words in a block
Words can be omitted if their values do not change from the previous block

Types of Words

N - sequence number prefix

G - preparatory words
Example: G00 = PTP rapid traverse move

X, Y, Z - prefixes for x, y, and z-axes

F - feed rate prefix
S - spindle speed
T - tool selection
M - miscellaneous command
Example: M07 = turn cutting fluid on

Example: Word Address Format

N001 G00 X07000 Y03000 M03

N002 Y06000

Cutter Offset
Cutter path must be offset from actual part outline by a distance
equal to the cutter radius

Manual Data Input

Machine operator does part programming at

machine
Operator enters program by responding to
prompts and questions by system
Monitor with graphics verifies tool path
Usually for relatively simple parts
Ideal for small shop that cannot afford a part
programming staff
To minimize changeover time, system should
allow programming of next job while current job
is running

Computer-Assisted Part Programming

Write machine instructions using natural language type statements

Statements translated into machine code of the MCU

APT (Automatically Programmed Tool) Language

Sample Statements

Part is composed of basic geometric elements and mathematically defined surfaces

Examples of statements:
P4 = POINT/35,90,0
L1 = LINE/P1,P2
C1 = CIRCLE/CENTER,P8,RADIUS,30

Tool path is sequence of points or connected line and arc segments

Point-to-Point command: GOTO/P4
Continuous path command: GOLFT/L1,TANTO,C1

NC Part Programming Using CAD/CAM

DNC

Direct numerical control (DNC) control of multiple machine tools by a single

(mainframe) computer through direct connection and in real time
1960s technology
Two way communication
Direct Numerical control (DNC) can be defined as a set of NC machines that is connected to a
main computer system to establish a direct interface between the DNC computer memory and
the machine tools. The tape is not used in the DNC system; hence a central time-sharing
computer is used.

DNC Contt..

Direct Numerical control (DNC)

Multi-machine
controller
Direct axis and
service control

DNC Contt..
Distributed numerical control (DNC) network consisting of central computer
connected to machine tool MCUs, which are CNC
Present technology
Two way communication

Distributed NC is more advanced than DNC and is widely used in many current
applications. The distributed NC uses a local area network but not like that in DNC. It
has been indicated that the main difference between DNC and distributed NC is that
because modern NC machines have CNC capability, they have memory and
therefore computer programs can be downloaded into the memory of a CNC local
computer, rather than one block at a time as in DNC systems. Figure 4 illustrates the
distributed NC system.

DNC Contt..

DISTRIBUTED NUMERICAL CONTROL

CIM host database of
processes part
programs controller

Local area network

CNC
controller

CNC
controller

CNC
controller

CNC
controller

CNC
controller

Voice Numerical Control (VNC)

Voice Numerical Control (VNC) is similar to DNC machines but the programmer
conveys the information needed to operate the machine by means of computer
system. The programmer talks into the computer, and the memory receives the
information using a wire. This information can be taken and used to run the
machines.

CNC
In CNC (Computer Numerical Control), the instructions are stored as a program in a
micro-computer attached to the machine. The computer will also handle much of the
control logic of the machine, making it more adaptable than earlier hard-wired
controllers.
CNC refers to a computer that is joined to the NC machine to make the machine
versatile. Information can be stored in a memory bank. The programme is read from
a storage medium such as the punched tape and retrieved to the memory of the CNC
computer. Some CNC machines have a magnetic medium (tape or disk) for storing
programs. This gives more flexibility for editing or saving CNC programs.

Magnetic tape
or disk or paper
tape reader

Miscellaneous
control -e.g. limit
switches, coolant,
spindle, etc.

CNC controller
with keypad
and display

Paper
tape punch

Machine tool

Axis drive and

control
(x,y,z,a,b,w)
spindle speed

CNC SYSTEM ELEMENTS

A typical CNC system consists of the following six elements:
Part program
Program input device
Machine control unit
Drive system
Machine tool
Feedback system

OPERATIONAL FEATURES OF CNC MACHINES

CNC TERMINOLOGY
BLU: basic length unit
smallest programmable move of each axis.

Controller: (Machine Control Unit, MCU)

Electronic and computerized interface between operator and m/c

Controller components:
1. Data Processing Unit (DPU)
2. Control-Loops Unit (CLU)

CONTROLLER COMPONENTS

Data Processing Unit:

Input device [RS-232 port/ Tape Reader/ Punched Tape Reader]
Data Reading Circuits and Parity Checking Circuits
Decoders to distribute data to the axes controllers.

Control Loops Unit:

Interpolator to supply machine-motion commands between data points
Position control loop hardware for each axis of motion

Types of CNC machines

Based on Motion Type:

Point-to-Point or

Continuous path

Based on Control Loops:

Open loop or Closed loop
Based on Power Supply:
Electric
or Hydraulic
Based on Positioning System
Incremental or Absolute

or

Pneumatic

OPEN-LOOP CONTROL SYSTEM

In open-loop control system step motors are used

Step motors are driven by electric pulses
Every pulse rotates the motor spindle through a certain amount
By counting the pulses, the amount of motion can be controlled
No feedback signal for error correction
Lower positioning accuracy

CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL SYSTEMS

Inclosed-loop control systems DC or AC motors are used

Position transducers are used to generate position feedback signals for error
correction
Better accuracy can be achieved
More expensive
Suitable for large size machine tools

Open Loop vs. Closed Loop controls

FEATURES OF CNC SYSTEM

A CNC System is fitted to a machine tool to control over

several machine functions. In order to perform these functions
CNC system is characterized by a number of features.
Memory Features

Control System Features

Features of CNC System

Programming Features

Diagnostic Features

CONTROL SYSTEM FEATURES

These features provide information about characteristics and capabilities of CNC system . It
includes
o

Technology of System : Currently two types of architectures are being used

Single Microprocessor Architecture : It uses 16,32 or 64 bit microprocessor
Multiprocessor Architecture : The control functions are carried out by set of microprocessors ,
each doing an assigned task.

Executive Program : It contains intelligence needed to carry out different tasks. It is resident
usually in EPROM/Bubble Memory.

Axis Calibration : It ensures higher positioning accuracy as it compensates errors.

Reversal Error(Backlash) Compensation : Comes into action when slides are reversed .This
system ensures automatic compensation of backlash between screw and nut or ball screws

Pitch error compensation : Positioning error that might arise due to error in pitch are
compensated.

Tool nose compensation : It compensates contouring errors arising due to radius of

tool.

Machine Setup Data (MSD) : It indicates the machine tool characteristics, specifications
and parameters. They are entered in machine by :
o
Setting through perimeter CD-ROM
o

Setting data through MDI

Setting data in EPROMs

Other System Features :

o
CRT display and alphanumeric keyboard
o

Manual data input and operator programming

System resolution

Feed and rapid traverse rates

Spindle Speeds

MEMORY FEATURES
Design

Application

Executive Storage
Part program storage

Machine constant

EPROM

Dynamic RAM
CMOS RAM
Bubble memory
EPROM

Memory (Parameter)

CMOS RAM

Scratch pad RAM

Static RAM area

MOS RAM

Offline data storage

Magnetic digital
Cassette, Magnetic disc
Floppy disc , Hard disc
CD-ROM

Features
Non-volatile and widely
used.
Semi conductor memory
Fast access and volatile
Non volatile , slower than
semiconductor memory
Nonvolatile and can be field
programmed . Needs
battery back up.
Intermediate working

PROGRAMMING FEATURES
Subroutine Programming/ Macro Programming : Repetitive operations can be written
as subroutines and main program can call these subroutines , it saves memory space.
Parametric Programming : Parameters are freely assigned by the control for purpose of
arithmetic calculation in a part program.
Canned Cycles : It shortens the length of program as they are single block multipass
fixed cycles.
Programmable Logic Controller : It is a software oriented machine interface between
the CNC system and machine tool functions .They are microprocessor based units
which are integrated to CNC system . Features of PLC :
Memory capacity 4k,8k etc
High speed microprocessors
Software timers and counters

DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES
The CNC system have diagnostic features for error and fault finding . Diagnostics
are in form of software programs, which check the functioning of CNC system at
various levels. It follows :
Real Time Diagnostics : DC power supply voltages , low voltage are monitored .In
case of failure, control system assumes emergency stop.
On-Line Diagnostics : It is active during machine operation and diagnostic
messages are either readable from CRT screen or from LED indicators.
Off-Line Diagnostics : It is provided in the form of CD-ROM or ROM board (PCB).
In case of malfunction offline programs are loaded on CNC which check
different areas of system and respond with errors on CRT display.
Remote Diagnostics : It is now possible to send diagnostic programs through
internet to check errors in CNC machines. Manufacturers can locate faults even
if machine is located in other country.

SOME FEATURES OF MODERN CNC SYSTEMS

o Advanced Hardware architecture: Very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI) are
provided which can handle several functions in a single chip.
o Software Modularity : Each function is written as discrete modules and additional
software features can be added any time to upgrade the control.
o

Adaptive Control: Reduces the production time by maximizing the utilization of

machine tool. It acts on measurements taken from external sensors and modifies the
cutting conditions suitably.

Programming Flexibility : It introduces high level commands like IF-THEN,GOTO,ELSE-WHILE which extends program power .

o Colour Graphics : This provides visual interface between operator and CNC
.Operating instructions and warning display can be colour coded for more clarity.

o Machine Interface: A high level language like C is used for

programming the machine logic in PC e.g. GE 2000 MC
o Automatic selection of cutting speeds : If we specify the tool
material , it selects cutting speed and feed from cutting condition
technology database.
o Automatic selection of tools and sequencing of tools : If operation
is specified , system selects corresponding tools and sequence of
tools. Systems like Mazak Fusion 640 provides this feature.
o Optimization of machine program : It is useful for components with
large no. of drilling , tapping , operations or repetitive end milling tool
paths.
o Display of finished component : Today CNC systems offers this
feature to display the finished component along with its dimensions.
Sectioning and rotation of model is also possible.

Background Programming : The user can edit and simulate

other program while one program is already running.

o Digital CNC :The new breed of CNC uses digital technology.It

incorporates features like acceleration with jerk limitation , use of
high level languages , execution of large programs.
o Look ahead feature : The control system scans 150 or more
blocks ahead of the block that is being executed and carries out
necessary optimizations to generate required tool path . It helps
to produce accurate profiles in high speed machining

Components of Servo-motor controlled CNC

Motor

lead screw rotation

Motor speed control

feedback

table moves
position sensed by encoder

Two types of encoder configurations

CNC Machine Components

Cutting Tool / Collet Very common to

have 100 or more diverse cutting tools
loaded into a collet caddy
They are numbered for ease of
identification
The operator must know the common
tools by simple visual observation

CNC Bench Vise

Notice the smooth machined surfaces; be careful not to

damage surfaces

CAM & X-axis Table Alignment

To machine a part with CNC,

the end of the tool must be
known relative to the bench
vise, x-axis table, or some
other fixed distance

Z-axis Arbor

Keep the lands clean and oiled

A slight tilt will cause noticeable
cut deformations
Align the protrusions with slots in
the cutting tool quick change
adapter body

Air Nozzle
Used for:
Keeping cutting area free of
excessive cutting debris
Quick cleaning
When supplied with misting,
provides cutting tool cooling

End Mill / Facing Cutter

Hogs off large amounts of
material
Radius of cut very large
Provides a known surface from
which to measure from
Requires workpiece to be robustly
supported due to high torque
created

QUICK CHANGE END MILL ADAPTER

Helps provide quick changing
of cutting tools without having
to use complex setup
procedures

Power Panel

Lockable On-Off Switch

Circuit Breakers
Power Cord

Control Panel
1.

FEED HOLD
Acts as an interrupt control to the program when pressed, preventing any
further tool movement until canceled. During an Automatic cycle, after
canceling CYCLE START must be pressed to resume the cycle.

2.

SINGLE BLOCK
With machine running in automatic mode controlled from the PC, this
allows the operation of only a single block (line) of the program at a time to
be toggled on/off. Press CYCLE START to proceed.

3.

CYCLE START
This sets the machine in automatic mode and starts the machining from
the PC program. Also used to resume an Automatic cycle after a FEED
HOLD is canceled and to action the next line if Single Block is active.

Control Panel Contt..

4. FEED SPEED CONTROL
Provides stepless control of tool feed speed in the X, Y and Z axes from 0 to 100% in 10%
increments.
5. JOG TABLE AXIS CONTROLS
These four buttons control manual movement of the table in the X and Y axes.
Move the table in the X axis while held pressed.
Move the table in the Y-axis while held pressed.
6. JOG HEAD AXIS CONTROLS
Move the head in the Z axis while held pressed.
Pressing this button together with any of the other six axis control buttons provides rapid
movement of the axes in the indicated direction.

Control Panel Contt..

7. MANUAL
When lit, machine is operated from control panel (Manual mode). Pressing MAN puts light out and
machine is controlled by computer (Automatic mode). Press MAN again to revert to manual mode
operation.
8. AIR MIST CONTROL
Switches on or off the optional air mist coolant when fitted.
9. DATUM M/C - PROGRAM ABORT
After initially powering up the machine and pressing the Power Reset button (23), with the machine
in Manual mode (Manual mode button lit) press to datum the machine axes.
With the machine in Manual mode, the machine can be re-datumed at any point. This should
always be done if a physical stall of the axes has occurred.
During an Automatic Cycle with a Feed Hold (1) active, pressing will Abort the current job.

Control Panel Contt..

10. TOOL CHANGE
With auto tool changer fitted, press to change to next tool automatically.
11. TOOL RELEASE
Releases the tool holder from the spindle if fitted with the auto tool changer. Guard door
must be open and tool holder held.
12. WORK HOLDING UN-CLAMP
Controls un-clamping of workpiece in pneumatic work holder vice, when fitted.
13. WORK HOLDING CLAMP
Controls clamping of workpiece in pneumatic work holder vice, when fitted.
14. DOOR OPEN
Controls opening of the automatic doors when fitted.

Control Panel Contt..

15. DOOR CLOSE
Controls closing of the automatic doors when fitted.
16. SPINDLE CONTROLS
These control the speed and direction of rotation of the spindle.
Spindle Forward - Pressing this button starts the spindle rotating forward. Holding
it down increases forward speed. Pressing and holding the 'Spindle Reverse' button
reduces speed in the forward direction.
Spindle Reverse - Pressing this button starts the spindle rotating in reverse
direction. Holding it down increases spindle speed in reverse direction. Pressing and
holding the 'Spindle Forward' button reduces speed in the reverse direction.
Spindle Stop - Pressing this button stops spindle rotation.

Control Panel Contt..

17. EMERGENCY STOP
Pressing this pushbutton stops all machine movement and switches off the electronics,
and the button locks in the depressed position.
If the machine is in production, an appropriate message is displayed on the PC screen.
The button must be turned to release it and the Hard Reset button (23) pressed to
enable the machine to be started. The machine must be datumed using the Datum M/C
key (9).
If the machine was performing a production cycle, the cycle must be repeated from the
beginning.

PROGRAM INPUT DEVICE

The program input device is the mechanism for part programs to be entered into the
CNC control. The most commonly used program input devices are keyboards,
punched tape reader, diskette drivers, throgh RS 232 serial ports and networks.

MACHINE CONTROL UNIT

The machine control unit (MCU) is the heart of a CNC system. It is used to
perform the following functions:
Read coded instructions
Decode coded instructions
Implement interpolations (linear, circular, and helical) to generate axis
motion commands
Feed axis motion commands to the amplifier circuits for driving the axis
mechanisms
Receive the feedback signals of position and speed for each drive axis
Implement auxiliary control functions such as coolant or spindle on/off, and
tool change

TYPES of CNC CONTROL SYSTEMS

Open-loop control
Closed-loop control

DRIVE SYSTEM

A drive system consists of amplifier circuits, stepping motors or servomotors and ball
lead-screws. The MCU feeds control signals (position and speed) of each axis to the
amplifier circuits. The control signals are augmented to actuate stepping motors
which in turn rotate the ball lead-screws to position the machine table.

STEPPING MOTORS
A stepping motor provides open-loop, digital control of the position of a workpiece in
a numerical control machine. The drive unit receives a direction input (cw or ccw) and
pulse inputs. For each pulse it receives, the drive unit manipulates the motor voltage
and current, causing the motor shaft to rotate bya fixed angle (one step). The lead
screw converts the rotary motion of the motor shaft into linear motion of the
workpiece .

STEPPING MOTORS

RECIRCULATING BALL SCREWS

Transform rotational motion of the motor into

translational motion of the nut attached to the machine
table.

RECIRCULATING BALL SCREWS

Accuracy of CNC machines depends on their
rigid construction, care in manufacturing, and
the use of ball screws to almost eliminate slop
in the screws used to move portions of the
machine.

POSITIONING
The positioning resolution of a ball screw drive mechanism is directly
proportional to the smallest angle that the motor can turn.
The smallest angle is controlled by the motor step size.
Microsteps can be used to decrease the motor step size.
CNC machines typically have resolutions of 0.0025 mm or better.

MACHINE TOOL

CNC controls are used to control various types of machine tools. Regardless of which
type of machine tool is controlled, it always has a slide table and a spindle to control
of position and speed. The machine table is controlled in the X and Y axes, while the
spindle runs along the Z axis.

FEEDBACK SYSTEM
The feedback system is also referred to as the measuring system. It uses position
and speed transducers to continuously monitor the position at which the cutting tool
is located at any particular time. The MCU uses the difference between reference
signals and feedback signals to generate the control signals for correcting position
and speed errors.

CNC MACHINES FEEDBACK DEVICES

POTENTIOMETERS

POTENTIOMETERS Contt..

ENCODERS

A device used to convert linear or rotational position information into an electrical

output signal.

ENCODERS Contt

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS of ENCODERS

RESOLVERS

A resolver is a rotary transformer that

produces an output signal that is a
function of the rotor position.

SERVOMOTOR with RESOLVER

VELOCITY FEEDBACK

Tachometers:
Electrical output is proportional to rate of angular rotation.
Encoders, Resolvers, Potentiometers:
Number of pulses per time is proportional to rate change of position.

CNC CUTTERS
Turning center cutters
Machining center cutters

TURNING CENTER CUTTERS

Types of cutters used on CNC turning centers
Carbides (and other hard materials) insert turning and boring tools
Ceramics
High Speed Steel (HSS) drills and taps

STANDART INSERT SHAPES

V used for profiling, weakest insert, 2 edges

per side.
D somewhat stronger, used for profiling when
the angle allows it, 2 edges per side.
T commonly used for turning because it has 3
edges per side.
C popular insert because the same holder can
be used for turning and facing. 2 edges per side.
W newest shape. Can turn and face like the C,
but 3 edges per side.
S Very strong, but mostly used for chamfering
because it wont cut a square shoulder. 4 edges
per side.
R strongest insert but least commonly used.

TYPICAL TURNING,
THREADING and PARTING TOOLS

MACHINING CENTER CUTTING TOOLS

Most machining centers use some form

of HSS or carbide insert endmill as the
basic cutting tool.
Insert endmills cut many times faster
than HSS, but the
HSS endmills leave a better finish
when side cutting.

MACHINING CENTER CUTTING TOOLS (contd)

Facemills flatten large surfaces quickly

and with an excellent finish. Notice the
engine block being finished in one pass
with a large cutter.

MACHINING CENTER CUTTING TOOLS (contd)

Ball endmills (both HSS and insert) are

used for a variety of profiling operations
such as the mold shown in the picture.
Slitting and side cutters are used when
deep, narrow slots must be cut.

MACHINING CENTER CUTTING TOOLS (contd)

Drills, Taps, and Reamers

Common HSS tools such as drills, taps, and
reamers are commonly used on CNC
machining centers. Note that a spot drill is used
instead of a centerdrill. Also, spiral point or gun
taps are used for through holes and spiral flute
for blind holes. Rarely are hand taps used on a
machining center.

TOOL HOLDERS

All cutting tools must be held in a holder that fits in the

spindle. These include end mill holders (shown), collet
holders, face mill adapters, etc. Most machines in the
USA use a CAT taper which is a modified NST 30, 40,
or 50 taper that uses a pull stud and a groove in the
flange. The machine pulls on the pull stud to hold the
holder in the spindle, and the groove in the flange gives
the automatic tool changer something to hold onto.
HSK tool holders were designed a number of years ago
as an improvement to CAT tapers, but they are gaining
acceptance slowly.

CNC APPLICATIONS
Machining

2.5D / 3D

Turning ~ Lathes, Turning Centre

Milling ~ Machining Centres

Forming

2D

Plasma and Laser Cutting

Blanking, nibbling and punching

3D

Rapid Prototyping

CNC MACHINES EXAMPLES

CNC TURNING

CNC MILLING

CONTT

CNC LASER CUTTING

CNC PLASMA CUTTING

CNC PRESS

CNC RAPID PROTOTYPING

INDUSTRIES MOST AFFECTED BY CNC

Aerospace
Machinery
Electrical
Fabrication
Automotive
Instrumentation
Mold making

SAMPLES PRODUCT OF CNC MACHINES

ADVANTAGES OF CNC
PRODUCTIVITY

Machine utilization is increased because more time is spent cutting and less time is
taken by positioning.

Reduced setup time increases utilization too.

QUALITY

Parts are more accurate.

Parts are more repeatable.

Less waste due to scrap

REDUCED INVENTORY

Reduced setup time permits smaller economic batch quantities.

Lower lead time allows lower stock levels.

Lower stock levels reduce interest charges and working capital requirements.

ADVANTAGES OF CNC
Machining Complex shapes

Slide movements under computer control.

Computer controller can calculate steps.

First NC machine built 1951 at MIT for aircraft skin milling.

Management Control

CNC leads to CAD

Process planning

Production planning

DRAWBACKS OF CNC
High capital cost : Machine tools cost.
Retraining and recruitment of staff
New support facilities
High maintenance requirements
Not cost-effective for low-level production on simple parts
Maintenance personnel must have both mechanical and electronics expertise

THANKS