Chapter 2 Constructional

Features of CNC m/cs

Prepared by: V.G Chhaya
 GENERATIONS OF CNC
MACHINES
First Generation: The control system of the first
generation numerically controls machines was built
with vacuum tubes and associated devices. The
system was bulky, consumed lot of power and
reliability was poor.
Second Generation: Second Generation machines
were built with transistors. The size of the control
elements was reduced. However, all the functions
had to be realized through electronic circuits. The
number of printed circuits boards was large. Since
there werethousands of components and
connections involved, the reliability was again poor.
 Third Generation: Third generation NC machines
were built with integrated circuits. The ICs with
medium scale integration improved the reliability
of the system. Drive technology also made
considerable progress. Thyristor controlled DC
drive become popular during this period. Reliable
and compact DC controllers were developed both
for main drives and for the control of servomotors
for axes feed drive.The various logic functions in
the early NC systems (during 50s and 60s) were
realized through fixed circuitry and hence were
called hard-wired systems. The integration
ofminicomputers with NC machines that led to
the development of CNC machine tools wasone of
the two major significant developments during
mid 60s. Initially minicomputerswere interfaced
with NC machine tools. This development helped
 possible to store the program in the computer memory and
execute the program. Several limitations of the NC systems
could also be overcome by CNC systems. Program editing
became much easier and several NC functions could be
implemented in software. The other development was the
evolution the concept of Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
technique by which several NC machine tools could be
controlled from a single computer. This technology enabled
the NC user to by-pass the tape reader and control a
number of NC machine tools from a single computer. DNC
system manufacturers also introduced the concept of NC
data transfer from a computer or remote station using
telecommunicationwires. A detailed description of DNC
systems is provided later in this chapter.
 Fourth Generation: Towards the end of 70s the computer design
underwent changesand microprocessor came to be used as the
CPU of computers. This change also influenced the design of NC
machines. The designers started developing NC systems around
microprocessors. This simplified the logic and control and design
and instead of several PCBs in the case of NC machines, the
entire control could be implemented with just one PCB for CNC
machines. Initially 8 and 16 bit microprocessors were used.
Later control systems with several processors (Multi-processing
Systems) were introduced. The reliability of the system was
considerably improved. The developments in CNC systems still
continue. Today many CNC systems are based on 32 bit as well
as 64 bit microprocessors. Several personal computer based
CNC systems are also available in the market. Features available
in modern CNC systems are discussed later in this chapter.
TYPES OF CNC MACHINES
i. Machining Centre
Horizontal
Vertical
Universal
ii. CNC Lathes
iii. CNC Turning Centres
iv. Turn-mill Centres
v. CNC Milling/Drilling Machines, Plane Milling
Machines
vi. Gear Hobbing Machines
vii. Gear Shaping Machines
viii. Wire Cut EDM/EDM
ix. Tube Bending
x. Electron Beam Welding
xi. Laser/Arc/Plasma Cutting
xii. Co-ordinate Measuring Machines
xiii. Grinding Machines
Surface Grinder
Cylindrical Grinder
Centreless Grinder
xiv. Tool and Cutter Grinder
xv. CNC Boring and Jig Boring Machines
xvi. PCB Drilling Machines
xvii. Press Brakes
xviii. CNC Guillotines
xix. CNC Transfer Lines, SPMs
xx. Electrochemical Milling Machines
xxi. Abrasive Water Jet Cutting Machines
xxii. Flow Forming Machines
xxiii. Roll Forming Machines
xxiv. Turret Punch Press