Machining center

Class: CAM

Professor: Loranca Regules José Héctor Martin

Benemérita Universidad de Puebla
May 22,2018
Machining center

A machining center is a highly automated machine capable of performing multiple machining

operations in a facility under CNC (numerical control by computer) with minimal human
intervention. Typical operations are those that use rotary cutting tools such as cutters and
bits. This machining system stands out for its speed of production as an advantage and high
costs as a disadvantage.

The machining centers have the following characteristics:

 They are reconfigurable, so they can quickly change settings to perform different
machining tasks on a piece.
 The flexibility and versatility due to the high degree of automation makes them
capable of performing various machining operations in one piece.
 Uniformity in production, which is important in mass production.
 High production speed, since they perform a large number of operations
automatically on the piece.
 Good surface finish, which makes them suitable to give final shape to the
manufactured parts.

A CNC tool machine differs from a conventional tool machine in the following aspects:

 The operator can handle several CNC machines at the same time.
 You do not need to consult just the plan.
 The program has full control of the cutting parameters.
 There is the possibility of practically any type of machining.
 It has a high cost of machines, accessories and maintenance.
 It is necessary to maintain large production volumes to amortize costs.
Electro-computer architecture with a machining center

A machining center has a structure very similar to classic computer systems, being able to
communicate with each other. Currently they can become part of a computer network.
Basically the following parts or structures are distinguished in the systems of the machining
centers:

 Central unit of processes or CPU.

 Input peripherals.
 Data storage units.
 Output peripherals.
 Link unit, PLC.

Central Processing unit CPU

It is the heart of the system. It is composed of a computer structure where the

microprocessor determines the real capacity of the CNC machine. Among the functions you
have to perform are:

 Calculate the position of the axes and the displacements of the machine.
 Control the different operating modes of the machine.

Input peripherals

They are all the elements that serve to supply the information to the CPU. Among the most
important are the following:

 Optical rules and positioners.

 Connection with the computer.
 Keyboard and control panel.

Data storage units

Currently the most used types are:

 HDD.
 RS232 connection with computer.
Output peripherals

They are all those elements that serve to receive the information supplied by the CPU.
Among the most important are:

 RS232 communications.
 Display.
 Control of movement of the axes and other elements of the machine.

The monitor informs the operator of all the events that are taking place between the different
communication processes, both the input data and the output data.

Link unit, PLC

Once the data has been processed by the CPU, the information is transmitted to the different
organs of the machine, so that it can be executed. This data does not send directly to the
machine but it does so through the PLC, also called a programmable automaton.

Special applications

High speed machining

The ranges of cutting speeds are classified as:

 High speed: 600 -1800 m / min.

 Very high speed: 1800-18000 m / min.
 Ultrahigh speed: > 18000 m / min.

Machining center