Computer Numerical Controlled Machining

Motion ControlThe Heart Of CNC

Conventional Machine

CNC Machine

Numerical Control Programming

CNC user must be able to view the machine tool from two distinctly different perspectives First as a programmer. Secondly, when machining the component.

A programmer needs to be comfortable with:

the machines most basic components. the direction of the machines axes. any additional accessory equipment. and finally be aware of what programmable functions are included.

From the machine tool manual you should find answers to:
What is the machines maximum RPM? What is the spindle and drive axis motor horsepower? What is the maximum travel distance of each axis? How many tools can the machine hold? What is the machines rapid traverse rate? What is the machines fastest cutting speed?

Machined Example

Axis Reference Point

Most machine tool builders make the reference position the extreme plus side of each axis. Note: always make sure that all the axes are set to zero (0,0,0) before you carry out any operation on any machine tool.

Absolute Versus Incremental Motion

In the absolute mode, the end points for all motions will be specified from the program zero point. Assign By G90 In the incremental mode, end points for motions are specified from the tool's current position, not from program zero. Assign by G91

Table movement from machine reference point.

-ve Y table direction

+ve X table direction

Machine table ref. Pt 0,0

It is more convenient to think of the tool moving around the component, than thinking of the table direction when writing programs.

A
Machine

To move tool from A to B table needs to move in the ve X direction, from B to C the table moves in the Y +ve direction, and to move from C to D the table moves in the +ve direction.

table ref. Pt 0,0

Vice position with respect to machines set datum

Controller Reference Setting

Program Writing What we need to know:

Where the tool starts from. Where the tool moves to. The tool path. How it gets there. When the machine needs to start and stop. When coolant is turned on or off. What tools are available. How is the workpiece held.

Program Makeup
Programs are made up of commands and commands are made up of words or Leter
O - Program number (Used for program identification) N - Sequence number (Used for line identification) G - Preparatory function (See below) X - X-axis designation Y - Y-axis designation Z - Z-axis designation R - Radius designation F - Feedrate designation S - Spindle speed designation H - Tool length offset designation D - Tool radius offset designation T - Tool Designation M - Miscellaneous function

The preparatory function (G) specifies is commonly used to set modes. Miscellaneous functions (M words) allow a variety of special functions.

Tool Setting

Common Mistakes
Spindle not on before cutting. Coolant not turned on during machining. Toolpaths out of order. Eg. holes were tapped before they were drilled. Incorrect tool installation. Improper feed and speed entered. Start program in wrong place.

Simple Program Example 1

34
8

29

45

Start and end 50

Program start
N10 G40 G49 G90; Safe line N20 M06 T10 ; tool change sequence N30 G43 H10; tool length offset N40 G00 X410.0 Y-192.0 Z-340.0;

work ref. Pt.

N50 M03 S2000; turn spindle on Typical start to NC program ie. Set the machine parameters.

Tool path

N60 G91 G00 Z-4.0;

incremental

N70 G01 Z-9.0 F100; N80 Y45.0; N90 X50.0; N100 Y-45.0; N110 X-50.0; N120 G00 Z15.0; clear workpiece

Typical end of program.

N130 MO5; N140 G28 X0 Y0 Z0; N150 M30;

stop spindle return to machine ref. pt. end program