AUTOMATION & NUMERICAL CONTROL MACHINES

1.0 AUTOMATION IN MANUFACTURING

MODULE-I

Automation is the technology by which a process or procedure is accomplished without

human assistance. It is implemented using a program of instructions combined with a control
system that executes the instructions. To automate a process, power is required, both to drive
the process itself and to operate the program and control system. Although automation can be
applied in a wide variety of areas, it is most closely associated with the manufacturing
industries.
Automated manufacturing systems operate in the factory on the physical product. They
perform operations such as processing, assembly, inspection, or material handling, in some
cases accomplishing more than one of these operations in the same system. They are called
automated because they perform their operations with a reduced level of human participation
compared with the corresponding manual process. In some highly automated systems, there
is virtually no human participation. Examples of automated manufacturing systems include:
automated machine tools that process parts
transfer lines that perform a series of machining operations
automated assembly systems
manufacturing systems that use industrial robots to perform processing or assembly
operations
automatic material handling and storage systems to integrate manufacturing
operations
automatic inspection systems for quality control
Thus, Automation is a technology concerned with the application of mechanical, electronic,
and computer-based systems to operate and control production. This technology includes:
Automatic machine tools to process parts
Automatic assembly machines
Industrial robots
Automatic material handling and storage systems
Automatic inspection systems for quality control
Feedback control and computer process control
Computer systems for planning, data collection, and decision making to support
manufacturing activities
1.1 ELEMENTS OF AUTOMATED SYSTEM
An automated system consists of three basic elements:
(1) power to accomplish the process and operate the system.
(2) a program of instructions to direct the process, and
(3) a control system to actuate the instructions.
The relationship amongst these elements is illustrated in Figure 1.1. All systems that qualify
as being automated include these three basic elements in one form or another.

Figure 1.1 Elements of an automated system

(1) Power to accomplish the automated process
An automated system is used to operate some process, and power is required to drive the
process as well as the controls. The principal source of power in automated systems is
electricity. Electric power has many advantages in automated as well as non-automated
processes
Electrical power is widely available at moderate cost.
Electrical power can be readily converted to alternative energy forms: mechanical,
thermal, light, acoustic, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
Electrical power at low levels can be used to accomplish functions such as signal,
transmission, information processing, and data storage and communication.
Electrical energy can be stored in long-life batteries for use in locations where an
external source of electrical power is not conveniently available.
Power is required in automation for the followings:
Processing operations
Loading and unloading the work unit
Material transport between operations
Controller unit
Power to actuate the control signals
Data acquisition and information processing
(2) Program of Instructions
The actions performed in an automated process are defined by a program of instructions.
Each part or product style made in the operation requires one or more processing steps that
are unique to that style, These processing steps are performed during a work cycle. A new
part is completed during each work cycle (in some manufacturing operations, more than one
part is produced during the work cycle; e.g., a plastic injection molding operation may
produce multiple parts each cycle using a multiple cavity mold). The particular processing
steps for the work cycle are specified in a work cycle program.
Work Cycle Programs. In the simplest automated processes, the work cycle consists of
essentially one step, which is to maintain a single process parameter at a defined level.
However, the system becomes complicated when the process involves a work cycle
consisting of multiple steps with more number of process parameters are required to be
controlled. Most discrete part manufacturing operations are in this category.

Process parameters are inputs to the process such as temperature setting of a furnace,
coordinate axis value in a positioning system, valve opened or closed in a fluid flow system,
and motor on or off. Process parameters are distinguished from process variables, which are
outputs from the process; for example, the actual temperature of the furnace, the actual
position of the axis, the actual flow rate of the fluid in the pipe, and the rotational speed of the
motor. As our list of examples suggests, the changes in process parameter values may be
continuous (gradual changes during the processing step; for example, gradually increasing
temperature during a heat treatment cycle) or discrete (stepwise changes; for example,
on/off).
The work cycle may include manual steps, where the operator performs certain activities
during the work cycle and the automated system performs the rest. A common example is the
loading and unloading of parts by the operator to and from a numerical control machine
between machining cycles where the machine performs the cutting operation under part
program control. Initiation of the cutting operation of each cycle is triggered by the operator
activating a "start" button after the part has been loaded.
Decision-Making in the Programmed Work Cycle. In automated work cycles the only two
features are (1) the number and sequence of processing steps and (2) the process parameter
changes in each step. Each work cycle consists of the same steps and associated process
parameter changes with no variation from one cycle to the next. The program of instructions
is repealed each work cycle without deviation. In fact, many automated manufacturing
operations require decisions to be made during the programmed work cycle to cope with
variations in the cycle. In many cases, the variations are routine elements of the cycle, and the
corresponding instructions for dealing with them are incorporated into the regular part
program. These cases include:
Operator interaction. Although the program of instructions is intended to be carried out
without human interaction, the controller unit may require input data from a human
operator in order to function.
Different part or product styles processed by the System. In this instance, the automated
system is programmed to perform different work cycles on different part or product
styles.
Variations in the starting work units. In many manufacturing operations the starting
work units are not consistent. A good example is a sand casting as the starting work unit
in a machining operation. The dimensional variations in the raw castings sometimes
necessitate an extra machining pass to bring the machined dimension to the specified
value. The part program must be coded to allow for the additional pass when necessary.
In all of these examples, the routine variations can be accommodated in the regular work
cycle program. The program can be designed to respond to sensor or operator inputs by
executing the appropriate subroutine corresponding to the input. In other cases, the variations
in the work cycle are not routine at all. They are infrequent and unexpected, such as the
failure of an equipment component. In these instances, the program must include contingency
procedures or modifications in the sequence to cope with conditions that lie outside the
normal routine.
(3) Control System
The control element of the automated system executes the program of instructions. The
control system causes the process to accomplish its defined function which is to carry out
some manufacturing operation. The controls in an automated system can be either closed loop
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or open loop. A closed loop control system, also known as a feedback control system is one in
which the output variable is compared with an input parameter, and any difference between
the two is used to drive the output into agreement with the input. As shown in Figure 1.2, a
closed loop control system consists of six basic elements: (1) input parameter, (2) process, (3)
output variable, (4) feedback sensor. (5) controller and (6) actuator.

Figure 1.2 A feedback control system

The input parameter often referred to as the set point, represents the desired value of the
output. The process is the operation or function being controlled. In particular, it is the output
variable that is being controlled in the loop. A sensor is used to measure the output variable
and close the loop between input and output. Sensors perform the feedback function in a
closed loop control system. The controller compares the output with the input and makes the
required adjustment in the process to reduce the difference between them. The adjustment is
accomplished using one or more actuators, which are the hardware devices that physically
carry out the control actions, such as an electric motor or a flow valve. The model in Figure 2
shows only one loop, however, most industrial processes require multiple loops, one for each
process variable that must be controlled
In contrast to the closed loop control system, an open loop control system operates without
the feedback loop, as in Figure 1.3. In this case, the controls operate without measuring the
output variable so no comparison is made between the actual value of the output and the
desired input parameter. The controller relies on an accurate model of the effect of its
actuator on the process variable. With an open loop system, there is always the risk that the
actuator will not have the intended effect on the process, and that is the disadvantage of an
open loop system. Its advantage is that it is generally simpler and less expensive than a closed
loop system. Open loop systems are usually appropriate when the following conditions apply:
(1) The actions performed by the control system are simple, (2) the actuating function is very
reliable, and (3) any reaction forces opposing the actuation are small enough to have no effect
on the actuation. If these characteristics are not applicable, then a closed loop control system
may be more appropriate.

Figure 1.3 An open loop control system

1.3 ADVANCED AUTOMATION FUNCTIONS

In addition to executing work cycle programs, an automated system may be capable of
executing advanced functions that are not specific to a particular work unit. In general, the
functions are concerned with enhancing the performance and safety of the equipment.
Advanced automation functions include the following: (1) safety monitoring, (2) maintenance
and repair diagnostics, and (3) error detection and recovery.
Advanced automation functions are made possible by special subroutines included in the
program of instructions. In some cases, the functions provide information only and do not
involve any physical actions by the control system. An example of this case includes
reporting a list of preventive maintenance tasks that should be accomplished. Any actions
taken on the basis of this report are decided by the human operators and managers of the
system and not by the system itself. In other cases, the program of instructions must be
physically executed by means of the control system using available actuators. A simple
example of this case is a safety monitoring system that sounds an alarm when a human
worker gets dangerously close to the automated system.
(1) Safety Monitoring
One of the significant reasons for automating a manufacturing operation is to remove
worker(s) from a hazardous working environment. An automated system is often installed to
perform a potentially dangerous operation that would otherwise be accomplished manually
by human workers. However, even in automated systems workers are still needed to service
the system at periodic time intervals If not full-time. Accordingly, it is important that the
automated system be designed to operate safely when workers are in attendance. In addition
it is essential that the automated system carry out its process in a way that is not selfdestructive. Thus there are two reasons for providing an automated system with a safety
monitoring capability: (1) to protect human workers in the vicinity of the system and (2) to
protect the equipment associated with the system. It should be mentioned that a given safety
monitoring system is limited in its ability to respond to hazardous conditions by the possible
irregularities that have been foreseen by the system designer. If the designer has not
anticipated a particular hazard, and consequently has not provided the system with the
sensing capability to detect that hazard, then the safety monitoring system cannot recognize
the event if and when it occurs.
(2) Maintenance and Repair Diagnostics
Modem automated production systems are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated,
thus complicating the problem of maintaining and repairing them. Maintenance and repair
diagnostics refers to the capabilities of an automated system to assist in the identification of
the source of potential or actual malfunctions and failures of the system. Three modes of
operation are typical of a modern maintenance and repair diagnostics subsystem.
Status monitoring: In the status monitoring mode, the diagnostic subsystem monitors and
records the status of key sensors and parameters of the system during normal operation.
On request, the diagnostics subsystem can display any of these values and provide an
interpretation of current system status, perhaps warning of an imminent failure.
Failure diagnostics: The failure diagnostics mode is invoked when a malfunction or
failure occurs. Its purpose is to interpret the current values of the monitored values and to
analyze the recorded values preceding the failure so that the cause of the failure can be
identified.
Recommendation of repair procedure: The subsystem provides a recommended
procedure to the repair crew as to the steps that should be taken to effect repairs.
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Methods for developing the recommendations are sometimes based on the use of expert
systems in which the collective judgments of many repair experts are pooled and
incorporated into a computer program that uses artificial intelligence techniques.
Status monitoring serves two important functions in machine diagnostics: (1) providing
information for diagnosing a current failure and (2) providing data to predict a future
malfunction or failure. First, when a failure of the equipment has occurred, it is usually
difficult for the repair crew to determine the reason for the failure and what steps should be
taken to make repairs. It is often helpful to reconstruct the events leading up to the failure.
The computer is programmed to monitor and record the variables and to draw logical
inferences from their values about the reason for the malfunction. This diagnosis helps the
repair personnel make the necessary repairs and replace the appropriate components.
This is especially helpful in electronic repairs where it is often difficult to determine on the
basis of visual inspection which components have failed. The second function of status
monitoring is to identify signs of an impending failure, so that the affected components can
be replaced before failure actually causes the system to go down. These part replacements
can be made during the night shift or other time when the process is not operating with the
result that the system experiences no loss of regular operation.
(3) Error Detection and recovery
In the operation of any automated system, there are hardware malfunctions and unexpected
events that occur during operation. These events can result in costly delays and loss of
production until the problem has been corrected and regular operation is restored.
Traditionally equipment malfunctions are corrected by human workers, perhaps with the aid
of maintenance and repair diagnostics subroutine. With the increased use of computer control
for manufacturing processes, there is a trend toward using the control computer not only to
diagnose the malfunctions but also to automatically take the necessary corrective action to
restore the system to normal operation. The term error detection and recovery is used when
the computer performs these functions,
Error Detection: As indicated by the term error detection and recovery consists of two steps:
(1) error detection and (2) error recovery. The error defection step uses the automated
system's available sensor systems to determine when a deviation or malfunction has occurred,
correctly interpret the sensor signal(s), and classify-the error. Design of the error detection
subsystem must begin with the classification of the possible errors that can occur during
system operation. The errors in a manufacturing process tend to be very application specific.
They must be anticipated in advance in order to select sensors that will enable their detection
In analyzing a given production operation, the possible errors can be classified into one of
three general categories:
(1) random errors,
(2) systematic errors, and
(3) aberrations,
Random errors occur as a result of the normal stochastic nature of the process. These errors
occur when the process is in statistical control. Large variations in part dimensions, even
when the production process is in statistical control, can cause problems in downstream
operations. By detecting these deviations on a part-by-part basis, corrective action can be
taken in subsequent operations.
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Systematic errors are those that result from some assignable cause such as a change in raw
material properties or a drift in an equipment setting. These errors usually cause the product
to deviate from specifications so as to be unacceptable in quality terms.
The third type of error aberrations, results from either an equipment failure or a human
mistake. Examples of equipment failures include fracture of a mechanical shear pin, bursts in
a hydraulic line, rupture of a pressure vessel, and sudden failure of a cutting tool. Examples
of human mistakes include errors in the control program, improper fixture setups, and
substitution of the wrong raw materials,
The two main design problems in error detection are: (1) to anticipate all of the possible
errors that can occur in a given process and (2) to specify the appropriate sensor systems and
associated interpretive software so that the system is capable of recognizing each error.
Solving the first problem requires a systematic evaluation of the possibilities under each of
the three error classifications. If the error has not been anticipated, then the error detection
subsystem cannot correctly detect and identify it.
Error recovery: It is concerned with applying the necessary corrective action to overcome the
error and bring the system back to normal operation. The problem of designing an error
recovery system focuses on devising appropriate strategies and procedures that will either
correct or compensate for the variety of errors that can occur in the process. Generally, a
specific recovery strategy and procedure must be designed for each different error. The types
of strategies can be classified as follows:
1. Make adjustments at the end of the current work cycle. When the current work cycle is
completed, the part program branches to a corrective action subroutine specifically
designed for the error detected, executes the subroutine, and then returns to the work
cycle program. This action reflects a low level of urgency and is most commonly
associated with random errors in the process.
2. Make adjustments during the current cycle. This general1y indicates a higher level of
urgency than the preceding type. In this case, the action to correct or compensate for the
detected error is initiated as soon as the error is detected. However, it must be possible to
accomplish the designated corrective action while the work cycle is still being executed.
3. Stop the process to invoke corrective action. In this case, the deviation or malfunction
requires that the execution of the work cycle be suspended during corrective action. It is
assumed that the system is capable of automatically recovering from the error without
human assistance. At the end of the corrective action, the regular work cycle is
continued.
4. Stop the process and call for help. In this case, the error requiring stoppage of the
process that cannot be resolved through automated recovery procedures. This situation
arises because: (1) the automated cell is not enabled to correct the problem or (2) the
error cannot be classified into the predefined list of errors. In either case, human
assistance is required to correct the problem and restore the system to fully automated
operation.
Error detection and recovery requires an interrupt system. When an error in the process is
sensed and identified, an interrupt in the current program execution is invoked to branch to
the appropriate recovery subroutine, This is done either at the end of the current cycle (type 1
above) or immediately (types 2, 3, and 4).At the completion of the recovery procedure,
program execution reverts back to normal operation.
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1.4 LEVELS OF AUTOMATION

The concept of automated systems can be applied to various levels of factory operations. One
normally associates automation with the individual production machines. However, the
production machine itself is made up of subsystems that may themselves be automated.
For example, a modern numerical control (NC) machine tool is an automated system.
However, the NC machine itself is composed of multiple control systems. Similarly, a NC
machine is often part of a larger manufacturing system, and the larger system may itself be
automated. Thus there are various levels of automation is depicted in Figure 1.4.

Figure 1.4 Level of automation

1. Device level. This is the lowest level in automation hierarchy. It includes the
actuators, sensors, and other hardware components that comprise the machine level.
The devices are combined into the individual control loops of the machine; for
example, the feedback control loop for one axis of a CNC machine or one joint of an
industrial robot.
2. Machine level. Hardware at the device level is assembled into individual machines.
Examples include CNC machine tools and similar production equipment, industrial
robots, powered conveyors, and automated guided vehicles. Control functions at this
level include performing the sequence of steps in the program of instructions in the
correct order and making sure that each step is properly executed.
3. Cell or system level. This is the manufacturing cell or system level, which operates
under instructions from the plant level. A manufacturing cell or system is a group of
machines or workstations connected and supported by a material handling system,
computer and other equipment appropriate to the manufacturing process. Production
lines are included in this level. Likely functions include part dispatching and machine
loading, coordination among machines and material handling system, and collecting
and evaluating inspection data.
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4. Plant level. This is the factory or production systems level. It receives instructions
from (he corporate information system and translates them into operational plans for
production. Likely functions include: order processing, process planning, inventory
control, purchasing, material requirements planning, shop floor control, and quality
control.
5. Enterprise level. This is the highest level consisting of the corporate information
system. It is concerned with all of the functions necessary to manage the company:
marketing and sales, accounting, design, research, aggregate planning, and master
production scheduling.
1.5 TYPES OF AUTOMATION
Automated production systems are classified into three basic types:
1. Fixed automation
2. Programmable automation
3. Flexible automation
Fixed automation
Fixed automation is a system in which the sequence of processing (or assembly) operations is
fixed by the equipment configuration. The operations in the sequence are usually simple. It is
the integration and coordination of many such operations into one piece of equipment that
makes the system complex. The typical features of fixed automation are:

High initial investment for custom-engineered equipment

High production rates

Relatively inflexible in accommodating product changes

The economic justification for fixed automation is found in products with very high demand
rates and volumes. The high initial cost of the equipment can be spread over a very large
number of units, thus making the unit cost attractive compared to alternative methods of
production.
Programmable automation
In programmable automation, the production equipment is designed with the capability to
change the sequence of operations to accommodate different product configurations. The
operation sequence is controlled by a program, which is a set of instructions coded so that the
system can read and interpret them. New programs can be prepared and entered into the
equipment to produce new products. Some of the features that characterize programmable
automation include:

High investment in general-purpose equipment

Low production rates relative to fixed automation

Flexibility to deal with changes in product configuration

Most suitable for batch production

Automated production systems that are programmable are used in low and medium- volume
production. The parts or products are typically made in batches. To produce each new batch
of a different product, the system must be reprogrammed with the set of machine instructions
that correspond to the new product. The physical setup of the machine must also be changed
over: Tools must be loaded, fixtures must be attached to the machine table, and the required
machine settings must be entered. This changeover procedure takes time. Consequently, the
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typical cycle for a given product includes a period during which the setup and
reprogramming takes place, followed by a period in which the batch is produced.
Flexible automation
Flexible automation is an extension of programmable automation. The concept of flexible
automation has developed only over the last 15 to 20 years, and the principles are still
evolving. A flexible automated system is one that is capable of producing a variety of
products (or parts) with virtually no time lost for changeovers from one product to the next.
There is no production time lost while reprogramming the system and altering the physical
setup (tooling, fixtures and machine settings). Consequently, the system can produce various
combinations and schedules of products, instead of requiring that they be made in separate
batches. The features of flexible automation can be summarized as follows:
High investment for a custom-engineered system
Continuous production of variable mixtures of products
Medium production rates
Flexibility to deal with product design variations
The essential features that distinguish flexible automation from programmable automation
are (1) the capacity to change part programs with no lost production time, and (2) the
capability to change over the physical setup, again with no lost production time. These
features allow the automated production system to continue production without the downtime
between batches that is characteristic of programmable automation. Changing the part
programs is generally accomplished by preparing the programs offline on a computer system
and electronically transmitting the programs to the automated production system. Therefore,
the time required to do the programming for the next job does not interrupt production on the
current job. Changing the physical setup between parts is accomplished by making the
changeover offline and then moving it into place simultaneously as the next part comes into
position for processing. The use of pallet fixtures that hold the parts and transfer into position
at the workplace is one way of implementing this approach. For these approaches to be
successful, the variety of parts that can be made on a flexible automated production system is
usually more limited than a system controlled by programmable automation.
The relative positions of the three types of automation for different production
volumes and product varieties are depicted in Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5 Types of automation as a function of volume of production verses product variety

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1.6 REASONS FOR AUTOMATING

The important reasons for automating include the following:
1. Increased productivity: Automation of manufacturing operations holds the promise of
increasing the productivity of labor. This means greater output per hour of labor input.
Higher production rates (output per hour) are achieved with automation than with the
corresponding manual operations.
2. High cost of labor: The trend in the industrialized societies of the world has been toward
ever-increasing labor costs. As a result, higher investment in automated equipment has
become economically justifiable to replace manual operations. The high cost of labor is
forcing business leaders to substitute machines for human labor. Because machines can
produce at higher rates of output, the use of automation results in a lower cost per unit of
product.
3. Labor shortages: In many advanced nations there has been a general shortage of labor.
Labor shortages also stimulate the development of automation as a substitute for labor.
4. Trend of labor toward the service sector: This trend has been especially prevalent
in the advanced countries. First around 1986, the proportion of the work force employed
in manufacturing stands at about 20%. In 1947, this percentage was 30%. By the year
2000, some estimates put the figure as low as 2%, certainly, automation of production
jobs has caused some of this shift. The growth of government employment at the federal,
state, and local levels has consumed a certain share of the labor market which might
otherwise have gone into manufacturing. Also, there has been a tendency for people to
view factory work as tedious, demeaning, and dirty. This view has caused them to seek
employment in the service sector of the economy.
5. Safety: By automating the operation and transferring the operator from an active
participation to a supervisory role, work is made safer. The safety and physical wellbeing of the worker has become a national objective with the enactment of the
Occupational. Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA). It has also provided an impetus
for automation.
6. High cost of raw materials: The high cost of raw materials in manufacturing results in the
need for greater efficiency in using these materials. The reduction of scrap is one of the
benefits of automation.
7. Improved product quality: Automated operations not only produce parts at faster rates
than do their manual counterparts, but they produce parts with greater consistency
and conformity to quality specifications.
8. Reduced manufacturing lead time: For reasons that we shall examine in sub sequent
chapters, automation allows the manufacturer to reduce the time between customer order
and product delivery. This gives the manufacturer a competitive advantage in promoting
good customer service.
9. Reduction of in-process inventory: Holding large inventories of work-in-process
represents a significant cost to the manufacturer because it ties up capital. In- process
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inventory is of no value. It serves none of the purposes of raw materials stock or finished
product inventory. Accordingly, it is to the manufacturer's advantage to reduce work-inprogress to a minimum. Automation tends to accomplish this goal by reducing the time a
workpart spends in the factory.
10. High cost of not automating: A significant competitive advantage is gained by
automating a manufacturing plant. The advantage cannot easily be demonstrated on a
company's project authorization form. The benefits of automation often show up in
intangible and unexpected ways, such as improved quality, higher sales, better labor
relations, and better company image. Companies that do not automate are likely to find
themselves at a competitive disadvantage with their customers, their employees, and the
general public.
All of these factors act together to make production automation a feasible and attractive
alternative to manual methods of manufacture.
1.7 TYPES OF PRODUCTION
Another way of classifying production activity is according to the quantity of product made.
In this classification, there are three types of production:
1. Job shop production
2. Batch production
3. Mass production
1. Job shop production: The distinguishing feature of job shop production is low volume.
The manufacturing lot sizes are small, often one of a kind. Job shop production is
commonly used to meet specific customer orders, and there is a great variety in the type
of work the plant must do. Therefore, the production equipment must be flexible and
general purpose to allow for this variety of work. Also, the skill level of job shop workers
must be relatively high so that they can perform a range of different work assignments.
Examples of products manufactured in a job shop include space vehicles, aircraft,
machine tools, special tools and equipment, and prototypes of future products.
Construction work and shipbuilding are not normally identified with the job shop
category, even though the quantities are in the appropriate range. Although these two
activities involve the transformation of raw materials into finished products, the work is
not performed in a factory.
2. Batch production: This category involves the manufacture of medium-sized lots of the
same item or product. The lots may be produced only once, or they may be produced at
regular intervals. The purpose of batch production is often to satisfy continuous customer
demand for an item. However, the plant is capable of a production rate that exceeds the
demand rate. Therefore, the shop produces to build up an inventory of the item. Then it
changes over to other orders. When the stock of the first item becomes depleted,
production is repeated to build up the inventory again. The manufacturing equipment
used in batch production is general-purpose but designed for higher rates of production.
Examples of items made in batch-type shops include industrial equipment, furniture,
textbooks, and component parts for many assembled consumer products (household
appliances, lawn mowers, etc.). Batch production plants include machine shops, casting

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foundries, plastic molding factories, and press working shops. Some types of chemical
plants are also in this general category.
3. Mass production: This is the continuous specialized manufacture of identical products.
Mass production is characterized by very high production rates, equipment that is
completely dedicated to the manufacture of a particular product, and very high demand
rates for the product. Not only is the equipment dedicated to one product, but the entire
plant is often designed for the exclusive purpose of producing the particular product. The
equipment is special-purpose rather than general-purpose. The investment in machines
and specialized tooling is high. In a sense, the production skill has been transferred from
the operator to the machine. Consequently, the skill level of labor in a mass production
plant tends to be lower than in a batch plant or job shop.

1.8 FUNCTIONS IN MANUFACTURING

For any of the three types of production, there are certain basic functions that must be carried
out to convert raw materials into finished product. For a firm engaged in making discrete
products, the functions are:
1. Processing
2. Assembly
3. Material handling and storage
4. Inspection and test
5. Control
The first four of these functions are the physical activities that "touch" the product as it is
being made. Processing and assembly are operations that add value to the product. The third
and fourth functions must be performed in a manufacturing plant, but they do not add value
to the product. The Figure 1.6 shows the model of the functions of manufacturing in factory.

Figure 1.6 Model of the factory showing five functions of manufacturing

(1)Processing operations
Processing operations transform the product from one state of completion into a more
advanced state of completion. Processing operations can be classified into one of the
following four categories:
1. Basic processes
2. Secondary processes
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3. Operations to enhance physical properties

4. Finishing operations
Basic processes are those which give the work material its initial form. Metal casting and
plastic molding are examples. In both cases, the raw materials are converted into the basic
geometry of the desired product.
Secondary processes follow the basic process and are performed to give the work part its
final desired geometry. Examples in this category include machining (turning, drilling,
milling, etc.) and press working operations (blanking, forming, drawing, etc.).
Operations to enhance physical properties do not perceptibly change the physical geometry
of the work part. Instead, the physical properties of the material are improved in some way.
Heat-treating operations to strengthen metal pans and preshrinking used in the garment
industry are examples in this category.
Finishing operations are the final processes performed on the work part. Their purpose is, for
example, to improve the appearance, or to provide a protective coating on the part. Examples
in this fourth category include polishing, painting, and chrome plating.
Figure 6 presents an input/output model of a typical processing operation in manufacturing.
Most manufacturing processes require five inputs:
1. Raw materials
2. Equipment
3. Tooling, fixtures
4. Energy (electrical energy)
5. Labor
(2) Assembly operations
Assembly and joining processes constitute the second major type of manufacturing operation.
In assembly, the distinguishing feature is that two or more separate components are joined
together. Included in this category are mechanical fastening operations, which make use of
screws, nuts, rivets, and so on, and joining processes, such as welding, brazing, and
soldering. In the fabrication of a product, the assembly operations follow the processing
operations.
(3) Material handling and storage
A means of moving and storing materials between the processing and assembly operations
must be provided. In most manufacturing plants, materials spend more time being moved and
stored than being processed. In some cases, the majority of the labor cost in the factory is
consumed in handling, moving, and storing materials. It is important that this function be
carried out as efficiently as possible.
(4) Inspection and testing
Inspection and testing are generally considered part of quality control. The purpose of
inspection is to determine whether the manufactured product meets the established design
standards and specifications. For example, inspection examines whether the actual
dimensions of a mechanical part are within the tolerances indicated on the engineering
drawing for the part and testing is generally concerned with the functional specifications of
the final product rather than the individual parts that go into the product.
14

(5) Control
The control function in manufacturing includes both the regulation of individual processing
and assembly operations, and the management of plant-level activities. Control at the process
level involves the achievement of certain performance objectives by proper manipulation of
the inputs to the process. Control at the plant level includes effective use of labor,
maintenance of the equipment, moving materials in the factory, shipping products of good
quality on schedule, and keeping plant operating costs at the minimum level possible. The
manufacturing control function at the plant level represents the major point of intersection
between the physical operations in the factory and the information processing activities that
occur in production.
1.8 PRODUCTION CONCEPTS AND MATHEMATICAL MODELS
A number of production concepts are quantitative, or require a quantitative approach to
measure them.
(1) Manufacturing lead time
Production consists of a series of individual steps: processing and assembly operations.
Between the operations are material handling, storage, inspections, and other nonproductive
activities. Therefore, the activities in production are divided into two main categories,
operations and non-operation elements. An operation on a product (or work part) takes place
when it is at the production machine. The non-operation elements are the handling, storage,
inspections, and other sources of delay. Let;
To
Tno
nm

Q
Tsu

= Time per operation at a given machine or workstation

= Non operation time associated with the same machine
= Number of separate machines or operations through which the product must be
routed in order to be completely processed.
= Units of the product in the batch (for batch production)
= Setup time

The manufacturing lead lime (MLT) is the total time required to process a given product (or
work part) through the plant. It can be expressed as:
MLT

nm

(T

sui

QToi Tnoi )

i 1

Where i indicates the operation sequence in the processing, i = 1, 2,.n. The MLT equation
does not include the time the raw work part spends in storage before its turn in the production
schedule begins.
Let us assume that all operation times, setup times, and non-operation times are equal,
respectively then MLT is given by
MLT nm

nm

(T

su

QTo Tno )

i 1

For mass production, where a large number of units are made on a single machine, the MLT
simply becomes the operation time for the machine after the setup has been completed and
production begins.

15

For flow type mass production, the entire production line is set up in advance. Also, the nonoperation time between processing steps consists simply of the time to transfer the product
(or part) from one machine or workstation to the next. If the workstations are integrated so
that parts are being processed simultaneously at each station, the station with the longest
operation time will determine the MLT value. Hence,
MLT nm (transfer time longest To )

In this case, nm represents the number of separate workstations on the production line.
The values of setup time, operation time, and non-operation time are different for the
different production situations. Setting up a flow line for high production requires much more
time than setting up a general purpose machine in a job shop. However, the concept of how
time is spent in the factory for the various situations is valid.
Example 1
A certain part is produced in a batch size of 50 units and requires a sequence of eight
operations in the plant. The average setup time is 3 h, and the average operation time per
machine is 6 min. The average non operation time due to handling, delays, inspections, and
so on, is 7 h. compute how many days it will take to produce a batch, assuming that the plant
operates on a 7-hh shift per day.
Solution:
The manufacturing lead time is computed from
MLT nm

nm

(T

su

QTo Tno )

i 1

nm

(3 50 0.1 7) 120 hrs

MLT 8

i 1

(2) Production Rate

The production rate ( R p ) for an individual manufacturing process or assembly operation is
usually expressed as an hourly rate (e.g. units of product per hour). Considering a batch
production scenario;
Batch time
T su QTo
machine

If the value of Q represents the desired quantity to be produced, and there is a significant
scrap rate, denoted by q, the quantity started through the process must be Q / (1 q) and
therefore the batch time becomes;
QTo
Batch time
T su
machine
(1 q )

Dividing the batch time by the quantity in the batch yield the average production time ( Tp )
per unit of product for the given machine:
Tp

batch time / machine

Q
16

The average production rate for the machine is simply the reciprocal of the production time:
Rp

1
Tp

For job shop production, if the quantity Q 1 , the production time per unit is
Tp T su To

For quantity-type mass production, the production rate equals the cycle rate of the machine
(reciprocal of operation time) after production has started and the effects of setup are
neglected.
For flow-type mass production, the production time approximates to the cycle time of the
production line (transfer time + longest operation time), again neglecting the setup time.
Components of the operation time
The operation time ( To ) is the time an individual workpart spends on a machine, but not all of
this time is productive. Let us try to relate the operation time to a specific process. Operation
time for a machining operation is composed of three elements such as the actual machining
time ( Tm ), the workpiece handling time ( Th ), and any tool handling time per workpiece ( Tth ).
Hence,
To Tm Th Tth

The tool handling time represents all the time spent in changing tools when they wear out,
changing from one tool to the next for successive operations performed on a turret lathe,
changing between the drill bit and tap in a drill-and-tap sequence performed at one drill
press, and so on. Tth is the average time per workpiece for any and all of these tool handling
activities.
Each of the terms Tm , Th and Tth has its counterpart in many other types of discrete-item
production operations. There is a portion of the operation cycle, when the material is actually
being worked ( Tm ), and there is a portion of the cycle when either the work part is being
handled ( Th ) or the tooling is being adjusted or changed ( Tth ). Therefore, the equation for
operation time as mentioned above can be generalized for many manufacturing processes in
addition to machining.
(3) Capacity
The term capacity, or plant capacity, is used to define the maximum rate of output that a
plant is able to produce under a given set of assumed operating conditions. The assumed
operating conditions refer to the number of shifts per day (one, two, or three), number of days
in the week (or month) that the plant operates, employment levels, whether or not overtime is
included, and so on. For continuous chemical production, the plant may be operated 24 h per
day, 7 days per week.
Let PC be the production capacity (plant capacity) of a given work center or group of work
centers under consideration. Capacity will be measured as the number of good units produced
per week. Let W is the number of work centers. A work center is a production system in the
plant typically consisting of one worker and one machine. It might also be one automated
machine with no worker, or several workers acting together on a production line.

17

It is capable of producing at a rate R p units per hour. Each work center operates for H hours
per shift. H is an average that excludes time for machine breakdowns and repairs,
maintenance, operator delays, and so on. Provision for setup time is also included in R p . Let
S w be the shifts per week. Hence, the plant capacity can be given by;

PC WSw HR p

If there is a possibility that in a batch production plant, each product is routed through nm
machines, the plant capacity equation must be amended as follows:
PC

WS w HR p
nm

Another way of using the production capacity equation is for determining how resources
might be allocated to meet a certain weekly demand rate requirement. Let Dw be the demand
rate for the week in terms of number of units required. Replacing PC by Dw and rearranging,
WS w H

Dw nm
Rp

Given a certain hourly production rate for the manufacturing process, the above equation
indicates three possible ways of adjusting the capacity up or down to meet changing weekly
demand requirements:
1. Change the number of work centers, W, in the shop. This might be done by using
equipment that was formerly not in use and by hiring new workers. Over the long term,
new machines might be acquired.
2. Change the number of shifts per week, 5W. For example, Saturday shifts might be
authorized.
3. Change the number of hours worked per shift, W. For example, overtime might be
authorized.
In cases where production rates differ, the capacity equations can be revised, summing the
requirements for the different products.
WS w H

Dw nm
Rp

Example 2
The turret lathe section has six machines, all devoted to production of the same pad. The
section operates 10 shifts per week. The number of hours per shift averages 6.4 because of
operator delays and machine breakdowns. The average production rate is 17 units/h.
Determine the production capacity of the turret lathe section.
Solution:
PC = 6(10) (6.4) (17) = 6528 units/week

18

Example 3
Three products are to be processed through a certain type of work center. Pertinent data are
given in the following table.
Product Weekly demand Production rate (units/h)
1
2
3

600
1000
2200

10
20
40

Determine the number of work centers required to satisfy this demand, given that the plant
works 10 shifts per week and there are 6.5 h available for production on each work center for
each shift. The value of nm = 1.
Solution:
Product Weekly demand
1
600
2
1000
3
2200
Total production hours required

Production hours required

600/10 = 60
1000/20 = 50
2200/40 = 55
165

Since each work center can operate (10 shifts/week)(6.5 h) or 65 h/week, the total number of
work centers is
W = 165/65 = 2.54 work centers 3
(4) Utilization and Availability
Utilization (U) refers to the amount of output of a production facility relative to its capacity.
It can be expressed by;
U

output
capacity

The term can be applied to the entire plant, a single machine in the plant, or any other
productive resource (e.g., labour). For convenience it is also defined as the proportion of time
that the facility is operating relative to the time available under the definition of capacity.
Utilization is usually expressed as percentage.
The availability is sometimes used as a measure of reliability for equipment. It is especially
germane for automated production equipment. Availability is defined using two other
reliability terms, the mean time between failures (MTBF) and the mean time to repair
(MTTR). The MTBF indicates the average length of time between breakdowns of the piece
of equipment. The MTTR indicates the average time required to service the equipment and
place it back into operation when a breakdown does occur:
Availability

MTBF MTTR
MTBF

19

Example 4
A production machine is operated 65 h/week at full capacity. Its production rate is 20
units/hr. During a certain week, the machine produced 1000 good parts and was idle the
remaining time.
(a) Determine the production capacity of the machine.
(b) What was the utilization of the machine during the week under consideration?
Solution:
(a) The capacity of the machine can be determined using the assumed 65-h week as follows:
PC = 65(20) = 1300 units/week
(b) The utilization can be determined as the ratio of the number of parts made during
productive use of the machine relative to its capacity.
U

output
1000

0.7692 76.92%
capacity 1300

(5) Work-in-process
Work-in-process (WIP) is the amount of product currently located in the factory that is either
being processed or is between processing operations. WIP is inventory that is in the state of
being transformed from raw material to finished product. A rough measure of work-inprocess can be obtained from the equation
WIP

PC U
( MLT ) ,
Sw H

where WIP represents the number of units in-process.

Two measures that can be used to assess the magnitude of the work-in-process problem in a
given factory are the WIP ratio and the TIP ratio. The WIP ratio provides an indication of the
amount of inventory-in-process relative to the work actually being processed. It is the total
quantity of a given part (or assembly) in the plant or section of the plant divided by the
quantity of the same part that is being processed (or assembled). The WIP ratio is therefore
determined as;
WIP ratio

WIP
Number of machines processing

The number of machines processing is given by;

Numbers of machine processing =WU

QTo
Tsu QTo

The ideal WIP ratio is 1: 1, which implies that all parts in the plant are being processed. In a
high-volume flow line operation, it is expected that the WIP ratio to be relatively close to 1: 1
if we ignore the raw product that is waiting to be launched onto the line and the finished
product that has been completed. In a batch production shop, the WIP ratio is significantly
higher, perhaps 50: 1 or higher, depending on the average batch size, nonproductive time,
and other factors in the plant.
The TIP ratio measures the time that the product spends in the plant relative to its actual
processing time. It is computed as the total manufacturing lead time for a part divided by the
sum of the individual operation times for the part.

20

TIP ratio =

MLT
nmTo

Again, the ideal TIP ratio is 1: 1, and again it is very difficult to achieve such a low ratio in
practice. In an actual factory situation, the WIP and TIP ratios would not necessarily be
equal, owing to the complexities and realities encountered in the real world. For example,
assembled products create complications in evaluating the ratio values because of the
combination of parts into one assembly.
1.9 AUTOMATION PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES
There are certain fundamental principles and strategies that can be employed to improve
productivity in manufacturing operations. The approaches are (A) the USA Principle, (B) the
Ten Strategies for Automation and Production Systems, and (C) an Automation Migration
Strategy.
(A) USA Principle
The USA Principle is a common sense approach to automation projects. Similar procedures
have been suggested in the manufacturing and automation trade literature, but none has a
more captivating title than this one. USA stands for;
1. Understand the existing process
2. Simplify the process
3. Automate the process.
Understand the Existing Process. The obvious purpose of the first step in the USA approach
is to comprehend the current process in all of its details. What arc the inputs? What are the
outputs? What exactly happens to the work unit between input and output? What is the
function of the process? How does it add value to the product? What are the upstream and
downstream operations in the production sequence, and can they be combined with the
process under consideration?
Some of the basic charting tools used in methods analysis are useful in this regard, such as
the operation process chart and the flow process chart. Application of these tools to the
existing process provides a model of the process that can be analyzed and searched for
weaknesses (and strengths). The number of steps in the process, the number and placement of
inspections, the number of moves and delays experienced by the work unit, and the time
spent in storage can be ascertained by these charting techniques Mathematical models of the
process may also be useful to indicate relationships between input parameters and output
variables. What are the important output variables? How are these output variables affected
by inputs to the process, such as raw material properties, process settings, operating
parameters, and environmental conditions? This information may be valuable in identifying
what output variables need to be measured for feedback purposes and in formulating
algorithms for automatic process control.
Simplify the Process. Once the existing process is understood, then the search can begin for
ways to simplify. This often involves a checklist of Questions about the existing process.
What is the purpose of this step or this transport? Is this step necessary? Can this step be
eliminated? Is the most appropriate technology being used in this step? How can this step be
simplified? Are there unnecessary steps in the process that might be eliminated without
detracting from function?

21

Automate the Process. Once the process has been reduced to its simplest form, then
automation can be considered. The possible forms of automation include those listed in the
ten strategies discussed in the following section. An automation migration strategy might be
implemented for a new product that has not yet proven itself.
(B) Ten Strategies for Automation
If automation seems a feasible solution to improving productivity, quality, or other measure
of performance, then the following ten strategies provide a road map to search for these
improvements.
1. Specialization of operations: The first strategy involves the use special purpose
equipment designed to perform one operation with the greatest possible efficiency. This
is analogous to the concept of labor specialization, which has been employed to improve
labor productivity. Reduce To .
2. Combined operations: Production occurs as a sequence of operations. Complex parts
may require dozens, or even hundreds, of processing steps. The strategy of combined
operations involves reducing the number of distinct production machines on workstations
through which the part must be routed. Reduce nm , Th , and Tno .
3. Simultaneous operations: A logical extension of the combined operations strategy is to
perform at the same time the operations that are combined at one workstation. In effect,
two or more processing (or assembly) operations are being performed simultaneously on
the same workpart, thus reducing total processing time. Reduce nm , Th , Tno and To .
4. Integration of operations: Another strategy is to link several workstations into a single
integrated mechanism using automated work handling devices to transfer parts between
stations. In effect, this reduces the number of separate machines through which the
product must be scheduled. With more than one workstation, several parts can be
processed simultaneously, thereby increasing the overall output of the system. Reduce nm
, Th , and Tno .
5. Increased flexibility: This strategy attempts to achieve maximum utilization of
equipment for job shop and medium-volume situations by using the same equipment for
a variety of products. This normally translates into lower manufacturing lead time and
lower work-in-process. Reduce Tsu , MLT, WIP; increase U.
6. Improved material handling and storage: A great opportunity for reducing
nonproductive time exists in the use of automated material handling and storage systems.
Reduce Tno , MLT and WIP.
7. On-line inspection: Inspection for quality of work is traditionally performed after the
process. This means that any poor-quality product has already been produced by the time
it is inspected. Incorporating inspection into the manufacturing process permits
corrections to the process as product is being made. This reduces scrap and brings the
overall quality of product closer to the nominal specifications intended by the designer.
Reduce Tno and q.
8. Process control and optimization: This includes a wide range of control schemes
intended to operate the individual processes and associated equipment more efficiently.
By this strategy, the individual process times can be reduced and product quality
improved. Reduce To and q.
9. Plant operations control: Whereas the previous strategy was concerned with the control
of the individual manufacturing process, this strategy is concerned with control at the
plant level. It attempts to manage and coordinate the aggregate operations in the plant
22

more efficiently. Its implementation usually involves a high level of computer

networking within the factory. Reduce Tno , MLT and increase U.

10. Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM: Taking the previous strategy one step
further, we have the integration of factory operations with engineering design and many
of the other business functions of the firm. CIM involves extensive use of computer
applications, computer databases, and computer networking in the company. Reduce
MLT, design time, production planning time and increase U.
(C) Automation Migration Strategy
Owing to competitive pressures in the marketplace, a company often needs to introduce a
new product in the shortest possible time. As mentioned previously, the easiest and least
expensive way to accomplish this objective is to design a manual production method, using a
sequence of workstations operating independently. The tooling for a manual method can be
fabricated quickly and allow cost. If more than a single set of workstations is required to
make the product in sufficient quantity, then the manual cell is replicated as many times to
meet demand. If the product turns out to be successful and high future demand is anticipated,
then it makes sense for the company to automate production. The improvements are often
carried out in phases. Many companies have an automation migration strategy: that is, a
formalized plan for evolving the manufacturing system, used to produce new products as
demand grows. A typical automation migration strategy is the following
Phase 1: Manual production using single-station manned cells operating independently. This
is used for introduction of the new product for reasons already mentioned: quick and low-cost
tooling to get started.
Phase 2 Automated production using single-station automated cells operating independently.
As demand for the product grows, and it becomes clear that automation can be justified, then
the single stations are automated to reduce labor and increase production rate. Work units are
still moved between workstations manually.
Phase 3: Automated integrated production using a multi-station automated system with serial
operations and automated transfer of work units between stations. When the company is
certain that the product will be produced in mass quantities and for several years, then
integration of the single-station automated cells is warranted to further reduce labor and
increase production rate.
Details of the automation migration strategy vary from company to company, depending on
the types of products they make and the manufacturing processes they perform. But well
managed manufacturing companies have policies like the automation migration strategy.
Advantages of such a strategy include:
It allows introduction of the new product in the shortest possible time, since
production cells based on manual workstations are the easiest to design and
implement.
It allows automation to be introduced gradually (in planned phases), as demand for
the product grows, engineering changes in the product are made, and time is allowed
to do a thorough design job on the automated manufacturing system.
It avoids the commitment to a high level of automation from the start, since there is
always a risk that demand for the product will not justify it.
23

1.10 COSTS IN MANUFACTURING

Decisions on automation and production systems are usually based on the relative costs of
alternatives. Manufacturing costs can be classified into two major categories: (1) fixed costs
and (2) variable costs.
A fixed cost is one that remains constant for any level of production output which includes
the cost of the factory building and production equipment, insurance, and property taxes. All
of the fixed costs can be expressed as annual amounts. Expenses such as insurance and
property taxes occur naturally as annual costs. Capital investments such as building and
equipment can be converted to their equivalent uniform annual costs using interest rate
factors.
A variable cost is one that varies in proportion to the level of production output. As the
output increases, variable cost increases. Examples include direct labor, raw materials, and
electric power to operate the production equipment. The ideal concept of variable cost is that
it is directly proportional to output level. When fixed cost and variable cost are added, we
have the following total cost equation:
TC == FC + VC (Q)

Figure 1.7 Fixed and variable costs as a function of production output for manual and
automated production methods.
where TC = total annual cost (Rs./yr), FC = fixed annual cost (Rs./yr), VC = variable cost
(Rs./pc), and Q = annual quantity produced (pc/yr).
When comparing automated and manual production methods, it is typical that the fixed cost
of the automated method is high relative to the manual method, and the variable cost of
automation is low relative to the manual method, as pictured in Figure 1.7. Consequently, the
manual method has a cost advantage in the low quantity range, while automation has an
advantage for high quantities.
Direct labor, Material, and Overhead

24

Fixed versus variable are not the only possible classifications of costs in manufacturing. An
alternative classification separates costs into: (1) direct labor, (2) material, and (3) overhead.
This is often a more convenient way to analyze costs in production. The direct labor cost is
the sum of the wages and benefits paid to the workers who operate the production equipment
and perform the processing and assembly tasks. The material cost is the cost of all raw
materials used to make the product. In the case of a stamping plant, the raw material consists
of the steel sheet stock used to make stampings. For the rolling mill that made the sheet stock,
the raw material is the iron ore or scrap iron out of which the sheet is rolled. In the case of an
assembled product, materials include component parts manufactured by supplier firms. Thus
the definition of "raw material" depends on the company. The final product of one company
can be the raw material for another company. In terms of fixed and variable costs, direct labor
and material must be considered as variable costs.
Overhead costs are all of the other expenses associated with running the manufacturing firm.
Overhead divides into two categories: (I) factory overhead and (2) corporate overhead.
Factory overhead consists of the costs of operating the factory other than direct labor and
materials. Factory overhead is treated as fixed cost, although some of the items in our list
could be correlated with the output level of the plant. Corporate overhead is the cost of
running the company other than its manufacturing activities. A list of typical factory and
corporate overhead expenses is presented in Table 1. Many companies operate more than one
factory, and this is one of the reasons for dividing overhead into factory and corporate
categories. Different factories may have significantly different factory overhead expenses.
Table 1 Factory and Corporate Overhead expenses
Factory Overhead
Plant supervision
Line foreman
Maintenance crew
Custodial services
Security personnel
Tool crib attendant
Material handling
Shipping and receiving
Applicable taxes
Insurance
Heat and air conditioning
Light
Power for machinery
Factory depreciation
Equipment depreciation
Fringe benefits

Corporate Overhead
Corporate executives
Sales and marketing
Accounting department
Finance department
Legal counsel
Engineering
Research and development
Other support personnel
Applicable taxes
Cost of office space
Security personnel
Heat and air conditioning
Light
Insurance
Fringe benefits
Other office costs

25

1.11 AUTOMATED FLOW LINES

An automated flow line consists of several machines or workstations which arelinkedtogether
by work handling devices that transfer parts between the stations. The transfer of workparts
occurs automatically and the workstations carry out theirspecialized functions automatically.
The flow line can be symbolized as shown in Figure 1.8 using the symbols presented in Table
2. A raw workpart enters one end of theline and the processing steps are performed
sequentially as the part moves from onestation to the next. It is possible to incorporate buffer
storage zones into the flow line, either at a single location or between every workstation. It is
also possible to includeinspection stations in the line to automatically perform intermediate
checks on the quality of the workparts. Manual stations might also be located along the flow
line toperform certain operations which are difficult or uneconomical to automate.

Figure 1.8 Flow line (Inline type)

Figure 1.9 Symbols used in production systems diagrams

The objectives of the use of flow line automation are, therefore:
To reduce labor costs
26

To increase production rates

To reduce work-in-process
To minimize distances moved between operations
To achieve specialization of operations
To achieve integration of operations

1.11.1 Configurations of automated flow line.

(1) In-line type: The in-line configuration consists of a sequence of workstations in a
moreorless straight line arrangement as shown in Figure 1.8. An example of an in-line
transfermachine used for metalcutting operations is illustrated in Figure 1.10 and 1.11.

Figure 1.10 Example of 20 stations In-line

Figure 1.11 Example of 20 stations In-line configuration

27

(2) Segmented In-Line Type: The segmented in-line configuration consists of two or more
straight line arrangementwhich are usually perpendicular to each other with L shaped or U
shaped orrectangular shapedas shown in Figure 1.12-1.14. The flow of work can take a few
90turns, either for workpiece reorientation, factory layout limitations, or other reasons,and
still qualify as a straight-line configuration.

Figure 1.12 L-shaped configuration

Figure 1.13 U-shaped configuration

Figure 1.14 Rectangular-shaped configuration

3) Rotary type: In the rotary configuration, the workparts are indexed around a circular table
or dial. The workstations are stationary and usually located around the outside periphery of
the dial. The parts ride on the rotating table and arc registered or positioned, in turn, at each
station for its processing or assembly operation. This type of equipment is often referred to as
an indexing machine or dial index machine and the configuration is shown in Figure 1.15 and
example of six station rotary shown in Figure 1.16.
28

Figure 1.15 Rotary configuration

Figure 1.16 Example of 6 station rotary configuration

1.11.2 Methods of workpart transport
The transfer mechanism of the automated flow line must not only move the partially
completed workparts or assemblies between adjacent stations, it must also orient and locate
the parts in the correct position for processing at each station. The general methods of
transporting workpieces on flow lines can be classified into the following three categories:
1. Continuous transfer
2. Intermittent or synchronous transfer
3. Asynchronous or power-and-free transfer
The most appropriate type of transport system for a given application depends on such factors
as:
The types of operation to be performed
The number of stations on the line
The weight and size of the work parts
Whether manual stations are included on the line
Production rate requirements
Balancing the various process times on the line

29

(1) Continuous transfer: With the continuous method of transfer, the workparts are moved
continuously at constant speed. This requires the workheads to move during processing in
order tomaintain continuous registration with the workpart. For some types of operations,this
movement of the workheads during processing is not feasible. It would bedifficult, for
example, to use this type of system on a machining transfer linebecause of inertia problems
due to the size and weight of the workheads. In othercases, continuous transfer would be very
practical. Examples of its use are in beverage bottling operations, packaging, manual
assembly operations where thehuman operator can move with the moving flow line, and
relatively simpleautomatic assembly tasks. In some bottling operations, for instance, the
bottles aretransported around a continuously rotating drum. Beverage is discharged into
themoving bottles by spouts located at the drum's periphery. The advantage of thisapplication
is that the liquid beverage is kept moving at a steady speed and hencethere are no inertia
problems.
Continuous transfer systems are relatively easy to design and fabricate and canachieve a high
rate of production.
(2) Intermittent transfer: As the name suggests, in this method the workpieces are
transported with an intermittent or discontinuous motion. The workstations are fixed in
position and theparts are moved between stations and then registered at the proper locations
forprocessing. All workparts are transported at the same time and, for this reason, theterm
"synchronous transfer system" is also used to describe this method ofworkpart transport.
(3) Asynchronous transfer: This system of transfer, also referred to as a "power-and-free
system," allows each workpart to move to the next station when processing at the current
station has beencompleted. Each part moves independently of other parts. Hence, some parts
are beingprocessed on the line at the same time that others are being transported between
stations.
Asynchronous transfer systems offer the opportunity for greater flexibility than do theother
two systems, and this flexibility can be a great advantage in certain circumstances. In-process
storage of workparts can be incorporated into the asynchronous systemswith relative ease.
Power-and-free systems can also compensate for line balancingproblems where there are
significant differences in process times between stations.Parallel stations or several series
stations can be used for the longer operations, andsingle stations can be used for the shorter
operations. Therefore, the averageproduction rates can be approximately equalized.
Asynchronous lines are often usedwhere there are one or more manually operated stations
and cycle-time variationswould be a problem on either the continuous or synchronous
transport systems. Larger workparts can be handled on the asynchronous systems. A
disadvantage of the power and free systems is that the cycle rates are generally slower than
for the other types.
1.12 TRANSFER MECHANISMS
There are various types of transfer mechanisms used to move parts between stations. These
mechanisms can be grouped into two types: those used to provide linear travelfor in-line
machines, and those used to provide rotary motion for dial indexingmachines.
1.12.1 Linear transfer mechanisms
The commonly used linear transfer mechanisms are (a) the walking beam transfer bar system,
(2) the powered roller conveyor system, and (3) the chain-drive conveyor system.
30

(a) Walking beam systems

With the walking beam transfer mechanism, the work-parts are lifted up from their
workstation locations by a transfer bar and moved one position ahead, to the nextstation. The
transfer bar then lowers the pans into nests which position them moreaccurately for
processing. For speed and accuracy, the motion of the beam is most often generatedby a
rotating camshaft powered by an electric motor or a roller movement in aprofile powered by
hydraulic cylinder. Figure 1.17 shows the working of the beam mechanism.

Figure 1.17 Walking beam transfer system, showing various stage during transfer stage
(b) Powered roller conveyor system
This type of system is used in general stock handling systems as well as in automated flow
lines. The conveyor can be used to move pans or pallets possessing flat riding surfaces. The
rollers can be powered by either of two mechanisms. The first is a belt drive, in which a flat
moving belt beneath the rollers provides the rotation of the rollers by friction. A chain drive
is the second common mechanism used to power the rollers. Powered roller conveyors are
versatile transfer systems because they can be used to divert work pallets into workstations or
alternate tracks. This is shown in Figure 1.18.
(c) Chain-drive conveyor system
In chain-drive conveyor system either a chain or a flexible steel belt is used to transport the
work carriers. The chain is driven by pulleys in either an "over-and under" configuration, in
which the pulleys turn about a horizontal axis, or an "around-the-corner" configuration, in
which the pulleys rotate about a vertical axis. Figure 1.19 shows the chain conveyor transfer
system.

31

Figure 1.18 Powered roller conveyor

Figure 1.19 Chain drive conveyor

This general type of transfer system can be used for continuous, intermittent, or nonsynchronous movement of workparts. In the non-synchronous motion, the workparts are
pulled by friction or ride on an oil film along a track with the chain or belt providing the
movement. It is necessary to provide some sort of final location for the workparts when they
arrive at their respective stations.
1.12.2 Rotary transfer mechanisms
There are several methods used to index a circular table or dial at various equal angular
positions corresponding to workstation locations.
(a) Rack and pinion
This mechanism is simple but is not considered especially suited to the high-speed operation
often associated with indexing machines. The device is pictured in Figure 1.20 and uses a
piston to drive the rack, which causes the pinion gear and attachedindexing table to rotate, A
clutch or other device is used to provide rotation in the desired direction.

Figure 1.20 Rack and pinion mechanism

32

(b) Ratchet and pawl

A ratchet is a device that allows linear or rotary motion in only one direction, while
preventing motion in the opposite direction. Ratchets consist of a gearwheel and a pivoting
spring loaded finger called a pawl that engages the teeth. Either the teeth, or the pawl, are
slanted at an angle, so thatwhen the teeth are moving in one direction, the pawl slides up and
over each tooth inturn, with the spring forcing it back with a 'click' into the depression before
the nexttooth. When the teeth are moving in the other direction, the angle of the pawl causes
it to catch against a tooth and stop further motion in that direction. This drive mechanism is
shown in Figure 1.21.

Figure 1.21 Ratchet and pawl mechanism

(c) Geneva mechanism
The two previous mechanisms convert a linear motion into a rotational motion. The Geneva
mechanism uses a continuously rotating driver to index the table, as pictured in Figure 1.22.
If the driven member has six slots for a six-station dial indexing machine, each turn of the
driver will cause the table to advance one-sixth of a turn. The driver only causes movement
of the table through a portion of its rotation. For a six-slotted driven member, 120 of a
complete rotation of the driver is used to index the table. The other 240 is dwell. For a fourslotted driven member, the ratio would be 90 for index and 270 for dwell. The usual
number of indexing per revolution of the table is four, five, six, and eight.

Figure 1.22 Geneva mechanism

33

(d) CAM Mechanisms

Various forms of cam mechanism, an example of which is illustrated in Figure 1.23, provide
probably the most accurate and reliable method of indexing the dial. They are in widespread
use in industry despite the fact that the cost is relatively high compared to alternative
mechanisms. The cam can be designed to give a variety of velocity and dwell characteristics.

Figure 1.23 CAM mechanisms

1.13 CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Controlling an automated flow line is a complex problem, owing to the sheer number of
sequential steps that must be carried out. There are three main functionsthat are utilized to
control the operation of an automatic transfer system. The first ofthese is an operational
requirement, the second is a safety requirement, and the thirdis dedicated to improving
quality.
1. Sequence control:The purpose of this function is to coordinate the sequence of actions of
the transfer system and its workstations. The various activities of the automated flowline
must be carried out with split-second timing and accuracy.Sequence control is basic to the
operation of the flow line.
2. Safety monitoring: This function ensures that the transfer system does not operate in an
unsafe or hazardous condition. Sensing devices may be added to make certain that the cutting
tool status is satisfactory to continue to process the workpart in the case of amachining-type
transfer line. Other checks might include monitoring certain criticalsteps in the sequence
control function to make sure that these steps have all beenperformed and in the correct order.
Hydraulic or air pressures might also be checkedif these are crucial to the operation of
automated flow lines.
3. Quality monitoring: The third control function is to monitor certain quality attributes of
the workpart. Its purpose is to identify and possibly reject defective workparts and
assemblies. Theinspection devices required to perform quality monitoring are sometimes
incorporatedinto existing processing stations. In other cases, separate stations are included in
theline for the sole purpose of inspecting the workpart.
4. Alternative control strategies:Conventional thinking on the control of the line has been to
stop operation when amalfunction occurred. While there are certain malfunctions
representing unsafe conditionsthat demand shutdown of the line, there are other situations
where stoppageof the line is not required and perhaps not even desirable. There are
alternative controlstrategies 1.Instantaneous control and 2. Memory control.
34

(1) Instantaneous control:This mode of control stops the operation of the flow line
immediately when a malfunction is detected. It is relatively simple, inexpensive, and trouble
free. Diagnostic features are often added to the system to aid in identifying the locationand
cause of the trouble to the operator so that repairs can be quickly made.However, stopping
the machine results in loss of production from the entire line,and this is the system's biggest
drawback.
(2) Memory control:In contrast to instantaneous control, the memory system is designed to
keep the machine operating. It works to control quality and/or protect the machine
bypreventing subsequent stations from processing the particular workpart and by segregating
the part as defective at the end of the line. The premise upon whichmemory-type control is
based is that the failures which occur at the stations will berandom and infrequent. If,
however, the station failures result from cause and tend torepeat, the memory system will not
improve production but, rather, degrade it. Theflow line will continue to operate, with the
consequence that bad parts will continueto be produced. For this reason, a counter is
sometimes used so that if a failure occursat the same station for two or three consecutive
cycles, the memory logic will cause themachine to stop for repairs.
1.14 BUFFER STORAGE
Automated flow lines are often equipped with additional features beyond the basic transfer
mechanisms and workstations. It is not uncommon for production flow lines to include
storage zones for collecting banks of workparts along the line. One example of the use of
storage zones would be two intermittent transfer systems, each without any storage capacity,
linked together with a workpart inventory area. It is possible to connect three, four, or even
more lines in this manner. Another example of workpart storage on flow lines is the
asynchronous transfer line. With this system, it is possible to provide a bank of workparts for
every station on the line.
There are two principal reasons for the use of buffer storage zones. The first is to reduce the
effect of individual station breakdowns on the line operation. The continuous or intermittent
transfer system acts as a single integrated machine. When breakdowns occur at the individual
stations or when preventive maintenance is applied to the machine, production must be
halted. In many cases, the proportion of time the line spends out of operation can be
significant, perhaps reaching 50% or more. Some of the common reasons for line stoppages
are:
Tool failures or tool adjustments at individual processing stations
Scheduled tool changes
Defective workparts or components at assembly stations, which require that the feed
mechanism be cleared
Feed hopper needs to be replenished at an assembly station
Limit switch or other electrical malfunction
Mechanical failure of transfer system or workstation
When a breakdown occurs on an automated flow line, the purpose of the buffer storage zone
is to allow a portion of the line to continue operating while the remaining portion is stopped
and under repair. For example, assume that a 20-station line is divided into two sections and
connected by a parts storage zone which automatically collects parts from the first section
and feeds them to the second section. If a station jam were to cause the first section of the line
to stop, the second section could continue to operate as long as the supply of parts in the
35

buffer zone lasts. Similarly, if the second section were to shut down, the first section could
continue to operate as long as there is room in the buffer zone to store parts. Hopefully, the
average production rate on the first section would be about equal to that of the second
section. By dividing the line and using the storage area, the average production rate would be
improved over the original 20-station Mow line. Figure 1.24 shows the Storage buffer
between two stages of a production line

Figure 1.24 Storage buffer between two stages of a production

The reasons for using storage buffers are:
To reduce effect of station breakdowns
To provide a bank of parts to supply the line
To provide a place to put the output of the line
To allow curing time or other required delay
To smooth cycle time variations
To store parts between stages with different production rates
The disadvantages of buffer storage on flow lines are increased factory floor space, higher inprocess inventory, more material handling equipment, and greater complexity of the overall
flow line system. The benefits of buffer storage are often great enough to more than
compensate for these disadvantages.
1.15 AUTOMATION FOR MACHINING OPERATIONS
Transfer systems have been designed to perform a great variety of different metalcutting
processes. In fact, it is difficult to think of machining operations that must beexcluded from
the list. Typical applications include operations such as milling, boring,drilling, reaming, and
tapping. However, it is also feasible to carry out operations suchas turning and grinding on
transfer-type systems.
There are various types of mechanized and automated machines that perform a sequence of
operations simultaneously on different work parts. These include dial indexing machines,
trunnion machines, and transfer lines. To consider these machines in approximately the order
of increasing complexity, we begin with one that really doesnot belong in the list at all, the
single-station machine.
(a) Single-station machine
These mechanized production machines perform several operations on a single workpart
which is fixtured in one position throughout the cycle. The operations are performedon
several different surfaces by work heads located around the piece. The availablespace
surrounding a stationary workpiece limits the number of machining headsthat can be used.
This limit on the number of operations is the principaldisadvantage of the single-station
machine. Production rates are usually low tomedium. The single station machine is as shown
in Figure 1.25.
36

Figure 1.25 single-station machines

(b) Rotary indexing machine
To achieve higher rates of production, the rotary indexing machine performs asequence of
machining operations on several work parts simultaneously. Parts arefixtured on a horizontal
circular table or dial, and indexed between successivestations. An example of a dial indexing
machine is shown in Figure 1.26.

Figure 1.26 Example of 6 station rotary configuration

(c) Trunnion machine
Trunnion machine is a vertical drum mounted on a horizontal axis, so it is a variation of the
dial indexing machine as shown in Figure 1.27. The vertical drum is called a trunnion.
Mounted on it are several fixtures which hold the work partsduring processing. Trunnion
machines are most suitable for small workpieces. The configuration of the machine, with a
vertical rather than a horizontal indexingdial, provides the opportunity to perform operations
on opposite sides of the workpart. Additional stations can be located on the outside periphery
of the trunnion if it is required. The trunnion-type machine is appropriate for workparts in the
medium production range.
(d) Center column machine
Another version of the dial indexing arrangement is the center column type, pictured in
Figure 1.28. In addition to the radial machining heads located aroundthe periphery of the
horizontal table, vertical units are mounted on the center column of the machine. This
increases the number of machining operations thatcan be performed as compared to the
regular dial indexing type. The center column machine is considered to be a high-production
machine which makesefficient use of floor space.
37

Figure 1.27 Six station trunnion machine

Figure 1.28 Ten-station center column machine

38

(e) Transfer machine

The most highly automated and versatile of the machines is the transfer line, asexplained
earlier the workstations are arranged in a straight-line flow pattern andparts are transferred
automatically from station to station (Figure 1.29). The transfer system canbe synchronous or
asynchronous, work parts can be transported with or without pallet fixtures, buffer storage
can be incorporated into the line operation if desired, and avariety of different monitoring and
control features can be used to manage theline. Hence, the transfer machine offers the
greatest flexibility of any of the machines discussed. The transfer line can accommodate
larger workpieces than the rotary-type indexing systems. Also, the number of stations, and
therefore the number of operations, which can be included on the line is greater than for the
circular arrangement. The transfer line has traditionally been used for machining a single
product in high quantities over long production runs. More recently, transfer machines have
been designed for ease of changeover to allow several different but similar workparts to be
produced on the same line. These attempts to introduce flexibility into transfer line design
add to the appeal of these high-production systems.

Figure 1.29 Example of 20 stations Transfer line

1.16 LINE BALANCING
In flow line production there are many separate and distinct processing & assembly
operations to be performed on the product. Invariably, the sequence of processing orassembly
steps is restricted, at least to some extent, in terms of the order in which theoperations can be
carried out. For example, a threaded hole must be drilled before it can betapped. In
mechanical fastening, the washer must be placed over the bolt before the nut can be turned
and tightened. These restrictions are called precedence constraints in the languageof line
balancing. It is generally the case that the product must be manufactured at somespecified
production rate in order to satisfy demand for the product. Whether we areconcerned with
performing these processes & assembly operations on automatic machinesor manual flow
lines, it is desirable to design the line so as to satisfy all of the foregoingspecifications as
efficiently as possible.
The line balancing problem is to arrange the individual processing and assembly tasksat the
workstations so that the total time required at each workstation is approximately thesame. If
the work elements can be grouped so that all the station times are exactly equal, wehave
39

perfect balance on the line & we can expect the production to flow smoothly. In mostpractical
situations it is very difficult to achieve perfect balance. When the workstationstimes are
unequal, the slowest station determines the overall production rate of the line.In order to
analyse line balancing problem some terminology and must be discussed.
(a) Minimum Rational Work Element:
In order to spread the job to be done on the line among its stations, the job must be
dividedinto its component tasks. The minimum rational work elements are the smallest
practical indivisibletasks into which the job can be divided. These work elements cannot be
subdivided further. Forexample, the drilling of a hole would normally be considered as a
minimum rational work element. Inmanual assembly, when two components are fastened
together with a screw & nut, it would bereasonable for these activities to be taken together.
Hence, this assembly task would constitute aminimum rational work element. We can
symbolize the time required to carry out this minimum rational work element Tej where j is
used to identify the element out of the nelements that make upthe total work or job.
The time Tej of a work element is considered a constant rather than a variable. An
automaticwork head most closely fits this assumption, although the processing time could
probably be alteredby making adjustments in the station. In a manual operation, the time
required to perform a workelement will, in fact, vary from cycle to cycle.
Another assumption implicit in the use of Tej values is that they are additive. The time
toperform two work elements is the sum of the times of the individual elements. In practice,
this mightnot be true. It might be that some economy of motion could be achieved by
combining two workelements at one station, thus violating the additivity assumption.
(b) Total Work Content:
This is the aggregate of all the work elements to be done on the line. Let Twc be the
timerequired for the total work content. Hence,
Twc

ne

ej

j 1

(c) Workstation Process Time:

A workstation is a location along the flow line where work is performed, either manually or
by some automatic device. The work performed at the station consists of one or more of the
individual work elements and the time required is the sum of the times of the work elements
done at thestation. We use Tsi to indicate the process time at station i of an n- station line. It
should be clear thatthe sum of the station process times should equal the sum of the work
element times.
n

i 1

Tsi

nc

ej

j 1

(d) Cycle Time:

This is the ideal or theoretical cycle time of the flow line, which is the time interval
betweenparts coming off the line. The design value of Tc would be specified according to the

40

requiredproduction rate to be achieved by the flow line. Allowing for downtime on the line,
the value of Tc must meet the following requirement:
Tc

E
Rp

Where E is the line efficiency Rp the required production rate.

The line efficiency of an automated line will be somewhat less than 100%. For a manual line,
where mechanical malfunctions are less likely the efficiency will be closer to 100%.At
efficiencies less than 100%, the ideal cycletime must be reduced (or what is the same thing,
the ideal production rate Rc must be increased) to compensate for the downtime.
The minimum possible value of Tc is established by the bottleneck station, the one with the
largest of Ts . That is
Tc max Tsi

If Tc max Tsi , there will be idle time at all stations whose Ts values are less than Tc . Finally,
since the station times are comprised of element times,
Tc Tej ( for all j 1, 2.....ne )

This equation states the obvious: that the cycle time must be greater than or equal to any
ofthe element times.
(e) Precedence Constraints:
These are also referred to as technological sequencing requirements. The order in which the
work elements can be accomplished is limited at least to some extent. In the problem above,
the switch must be mounted onto the motor bracket before the cover of the appliance can be
attached.The right hand column in the table above gives a complete listing of the precedence
constraints for assembling the hypothetical electrical appliance. In nearly every processing or
assembly job, there are precedence requirements that restrict the sequence in which the job
can be accomplished.
In addition to the precedence constraints described above, there may be other types
ofconstraints on the line balancing solution. These concern the restrictions on the
arrangement of the stations rather than the sequence of work elements. The first is called a
zoning constraint. A zoning constraint may be either a positive constraint or a negative
constraint. A positive zoning constraint means that certain work elements should be placed
near each other, preferably at the same workstation. For example, all the spray painting
elements should be performed together since a special semi-enclosed workstation has to be
utilized. A negative zoning constraint indicates that workelements might interfere with one
another and should therefore not be located in close proximity. As an illustration, a work
element requiring fine adjustments or delicate coordination should not be located near a
station characterized by loud noises and heavy vibrations.
Another constraint on the arrangement of workstations is called a position constraint. This
would be encountered in the assembly of large products such as automobiles or major
appliances. The product is too large for one worker to perform work on both sides. Therefore,
for the sake of facilitating the work, operators are located on both sides of the flow line. This
type of situation is referred to as a position constraint.
In the example there are no zoning constraints or position constraints given. The line
balancing methods are not equipped to deal with these constraints conveniently. However, in
41

real-life situations, they may constitute a significant consideration in the design of the
flowline.
(f) Precedence Diagram:
This is a graphical representation of the sequence of work elements as defined by the
precedence constraints. It is customary to use nodes to symbolize the work elements, with
arrows connecting the nodes to indicate the order in which the elements must be performed.
Elements that must be done first appear as nodes at the left of the diagram. Then the sequence
of processing and/or assembly progresses to the right. The element times are recorded above
each node for convenience.
(g) Balance Delay:
Sometimes also called balancing loss, this is a measure of the line inefficiency which results
from idle time due to imperfect allocation of work among stations. It is symbolized as d and
can be computed for the flow line as follows:
d

nTc Twc
nTc

The balance delay is often expressed as a percent rather than as a decimal fraction. The
balance delay should not be confused with the proportion downtime, D, of an automated flow
line. D is a measure of the inefficiency that results from line stops. The balance delay
measures the inefficiency from imperfect line balancing.
1.16.1 Methods of Line Balancing (Manual)
(A) Largest candidate rule (LCR)
Procedure:
Step 1. List all elements in descending order of Te value, largest Te at the top of the list.
Step 2. To assign elements to the first workstation, start at the top of the list and work done,
selecting the firstfeasible element for placement at the station. A feasible element is
one that satisfies the precedence requirements and does not cause the sum of the Te
value at station to exceed the cycle time Tc .
Step 3. Repeat step 2 until no further elements can be added without exceeding Tc .
(B) Kilbridge and Wester's Method (KWM)
It is a heuristic procedure which selects work elements for assignment to stations
according to their position in the precedence diagram.
This overcomes one of the difficulties with the largest candidate rule (LCR), with
which elements at the end of the precedence diagram might be the first candidates to
be considered, simply because their values are large.
Procedure:
Step 1. Construct the precedence diagram so those nodes representing work elements of
identical precedence are arranged vertically in columns.
Step 2. List the elements in order of their columns, column I at the top of the list. If an
element can be locatedin more than one column, list all columns by the element to
show the transferability of the element.
Step 3. Assign elements to workstations, starting with the column I elements. Continue the
assignment procedure in order of column number until the cycle time is reached ( Tc ).
42

(C) Ranked Positional Weights Method (RPW)

Introduced by Helgeson and Birnie in 1961.
Combined the LCR and KWM.
The RPW takes account of both the Te value of the element and its position in the
precedence diagram.Then, the elements are assigned to workstations in the general
order of their RPWvalues.
Procedure:
Step 1. Calculate the RPW for each element by summing the elements Te together with the
Te values for all the elements that follow it in the arrow chain of the precedence
diagram.
Step 2 List the elements in the order of their RPW, largest RPW at the top of the list. For
convenience, include the Te value and immediate predecessors for each element.
Step 3. Assign elements to stations according to RPW, avoiding precedence constraint and
time-cycle violations.
EXAMPLE
A new small electrical appliance is to be assembled on a production flow line. The total job
of assembling the product has been divided into minimum rational work elements. The
industrial engineering department has developed time standards based on previous similar
jobs. This information is given in the table below. In the right hand column are the immediate
predecessors for each element as determined by precedence requirements. Assuming a cycle
time of 1.0 min, find out the balance delay.
Element No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Work element description

Te
Place frame on work holder and clamp
Assemble plug, grommet to power cord
Assemble brackets to frame
Wire power cord to motor
Wire power cord to switch
Assemble mechanism plate to bracket
Assemble blade to bracket
Assemble motor to bracket
Align blade and attach to motor
Assemble switch to motor bracket
Attach cover, inspect, and test
Place in tote pan for packing

(mins)
0.2
0.4
0.7
0.1
0.3
0.11
0.32
0.6
0.27
0.38
0.5
0.12

Must be preceded by
----1
1,2
2
3
3
3,4
6,7,8
5,8
9,10
11

SOLUTION
Construct the precedence diagram.

43

0.11
0.7
3

0.2
1

0.1

0.4

6
0.27

0.32
7

9
0.5

0.6
8

0.12
12

11

0.3

0.38
10

(A) Solution by Largest Candidate Rule

Step 1: Sorting according to the descending order of the element times.
Work element
3
8
11
2
10
7
5
9
1
12
6
4

Te (mins)

0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.38
0.32
0.3
0.27
0.2
0.12
0.11
0.1

Preceded by
1
3,4
9,10
--5,8
3
2
6,7,8
--11
3
1,2

Step 2 & 3: Assigning work elements to workstations according to LCR

Station
1

2
3
4
5

Work Element
2
5
1
4
3
6
8
10
7
9
11
12

Te (min)

0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.7
0.11
0.6
0.38
0.32
0.27
0.50
0.12

Station time (min)

1.0
0.81
0.98
0.59
0.62

Based on the assignment the work flow is as given below.

44

Balance delay d

nTc Twc
nTc

5 1 4
= 0.2
5 1

= 20 %

(B) Kilbridge and Westers Method (KWM)

Step 1: Constructing the precedence diagrams in terms of columns.

Step 2: Arranging work elements according to columns.

Work element
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Column
I
I
II
II
II,III
III
III
III
IV
IV
V
VI

Te (min)

0.2
0.4
0.7
0.1
0.3
0.11
0.32
0.6
0.27
0.38
0.50
0.12

Station time (min)

0.6

1.1

1.03
0.65
0.50
0.12

Step 3: Assigning work elements to stations.

45

Station

Element

Te

1
2
4
5
3
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0.2
0.4
0.1
0.3
0.7
0.11
0.32
0.6
0.27
0.38
0.50
0.12

2
3
4
5

at station

1.0
0.81
0.92
0.65
0.62

Since five stations are required, the balance delay is again equal to 20%, the same as
provided by LCR. However, note that the work elements which make up the five stations are
not the same as LCR. Also, for stations that do have the same elements, the sequence in
which the elements are assigned is not necessarily identical.
In general, the KWM will provide a superior line balancing solution when compared with the
LCR. However, this is also not always true as demonstrated herein.
(C) Ranked Positional Weight Method (RPW)
Step 1: Sample calculation:
For element 1, the elements that follow it in the arrow chain are 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, and 12.
The RPW for element 1 would be the sum of the Te for all these elements, plus Te for
element 1.
Step 2: Arranging work elements according to descending RPW.
Work Element
1
3
2
4
8
5
7
6
10
9
11
12

RPW
3.30
3.00
2.67
1.97
1.87
1.30
1.21
1.00
1.00
0.89
0.62
0.12

Te

0.2
0.7
0.4
0.1
0.6
0.3
0.32
0.11
0.38
0.27
0.50
0.12

Immediate predecessor
--1
--1,2
3,4
2
3
3
5,8
6,7,8
9,10
11

Step 3: Assigning work elements to stations.

46

Station

Element

Te

1
3
2
4
5
6
8
7
10
9
11
12

0.2
0.7
0.4
0.1
0.3
0.11
0.6
0.32
0.38
0.27
0.50
0.12

3
4
5

at station
0.9

0.91
0.92
0.65
0.62

In the RPW method, the number of stations required is five, but the maximum station process
time is 0.92 minute at number 3. Accordingly the line could be operated at a cycle time of Tc
= 0.92 rather than 1.0 minute. Thus,
Balance delay d

nTc Twc
nTc

5 .092 4
= 0.13
5 0.92

= 13 %

Increase the production rate = 1 / 0.92 = 1.075 units/min.

The RPW solution represents a more efficient assignment of work elements to station
than either of the two preceding solutions. However, this result is according to a
cycle time different from the specified cycle time of 1 min.
If the problem were reworked with Tc = 0.92 minute using LCR or WKM, it might be
possible to duplicate the efficiency provided by RPW method.

1.16.2 Computerized Line Balancing Methods

Computer programs have been developed based on several of the heuristic approaches for
line balancing. However, the use of the computer allows a more complete enumeration of the
possible solutions to a line balancing problem than is practical with a manual solution
method. Accordingly, the computer line balancing algorithms are normally structured to
explore a wide range of alternative allocations of elements to workstations. The computer
assisted methods are:
COMSOAL
This acronym stands for Computer Method of Sequencing Operations for Assembly Lines. It
is a method developed at Chrysler Corporation and reported by Arcus in 1966. Although it
was not the first computerized line balancing program to be developed, it seems to have
attracted considerably more attention than those which preceded it. The procedure is to iterate
through a sequence of alternative solutions and keep the best one. The basic algorithm of
COMSOAL is;
Step 1. Construct list A, showing all work elements in one column and the total number of
elements that immediately precede each element in an adjacent column. This is
illustrated in Table 1. Note that these types of data would be quite easy to compile
and manipulate by the computer.

47

Step 2. Construct list B (Table 2), showing all elements from list A that have no immediate
predecessors.
Step 3. Select at random one of the elements from list B. The computer would be
programmed to perform this random selection process. The only constraint is that the
element selected must not cause the cycle time Tc to be exceeded.
Step 4. Eliminate the element selected in step 3 from lists A and B and update both lists if
necessary. Updating may be needed because the selected element was probably an
immediate predecessor for some other elements(s). Hence, there may be changes in
the number of immediate predecessors for certain elements in list A; and there may
now be some new elements having no immediate predecessors that should be added
to list B. To illustrate, suppose in step 3 that element 1 is chosen at random for entry
into the first workstation. This would mean that element 3 no longer has any
immediate predecessors. Tables 3 and 4 show the updated lists A and B, respectively.
Step 5. Again select one of the elements from list B which is feasible for cycle time.
Step 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all elements have been allocated to stations within the Tc
constraint. One possible solution to the problem is shown in Table 5. The balance
delay is again d = 20%, the same efficiency as obtained with the largest candidate
rule and the Kilbridge and Wester method.
Step 7. Retain the current solution and repeat steps 1 through 6 to attempt to determine an
improved solution. If an improved solution is obtained, it should be retained.
Table 1 List A in COMSOAL at the beginning of the Sample Problem
Work Element
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Number of Immediate predecessor

0
0
1
2
1
1
1
2
3
2
2
1

Table 2 List B in COMSOAL at the beginning of the Sample Problem

Elements with no immediate predecessor
1
1

48

Table 3 List A in COMSOAL after Step 3

Work Element
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Number of Immediate predecessor

0
0
1
1
1
1
2
3
2
2
1

Table 4 List B in COMSOAL after Step 3

Elements with no immediate predecessor
2
3
Table 5 Possible solution with COMSOAL
Station

Element

Te

1
2
5
4
3
6
8
10
7
9
11
12

0.2
0.4
0.3
0.1
0.7
0.11
0.6
0.38
0.32
0.27
0.50
0.12

2
3
4
5

at station

1.0
0.81
0.98
0.59
0.62

The steps involved in the COMSOAL algorithm represent an uncomplicated data

manipulation procedure. It is therefore ideally suited to computer programming with large set
of work elements. Although there is much iteration in the algorithm, this is of minor
consequence because of the speed with which the computer is capable of performing the
iterations.
CALB
In 1968 the Advanced Manufacturing Methods Program (AMM) of the IIT Research Institute
introduced a computer package called CALB (for Computer Assembly Line Balancing or
Computer-Aided Line Balancing). Its applications have included a variety of assembled
products, including automobiles and trucks, electronic equipment, appliances, military
hardware, and others. CALB can be used for both single-model and mixed-model lines. For
49

the single-model case, the data required to use the program include the identification of each
work element Te for each element, the predecessors, and other constraints that may apply to
the line. Also needed to balance the line is information on minimum and maximum allowable
time per workstation (in other words, cycle time data). The CALB program starts by sorting
the elements according to their Te and precedence requirements. Based on this sort, elements
are assigned to stations so as to satisfy the minimum and maximum allowable station times.
To use CALB on mixed model lines, additional data are required such as the production
requirements per shift for each model to be run on the line, and a definition of relative
elements usage per model.
ALPACA
This computer system was developed by General Motors in 1967. The acronym represents
Assembly Line Planning and Control Activity. ALPACA is described as an interactive line
balancing system in which the user can transfer work from one station to another along the
flow line and immediately assess the relative efficiency of the change. ALPACA was
designed to cope with the complications due to product changeover on the assembly line. The
system user can quickly determine what changes in work element assignments should be
made to maintain a reasonable line balance for the ever changing product flow.
1.16.3 Other ways to improve the Line Balance
1. Dividing work elements: The minimum rational work element is to be judiciously
determined. In some cases although a work element can be further divided, still it can
be taken as minimum rational work element to avoid bottleneck situation.
2. Changing workhead speeds at automatic stations: Through a process increasing the
speed/feed combinations at the stations with long process time, and reducing the
speed/feed combinations at stations with idle time, it should be possible to improve
the balance on the flow line. This would tend to reduce the frequency of downtime
occurrences on the line.
3. Method analysis The study of human work activity may result in better workplace
layout, redesigned tooling and fixturing or improved hand and body motions.
4. Pre-assembly of components: Reduce the total amount of work done on the regular
assembly line by another assembly cell or by outsourcing. The reasons may be (a)
required process may be difficult to implement on the regular assembly line, (b)
variations in process times (adjustments or fitting) may result in a longer cycle time,
and (c) an assembly cell setup in the plant or a vendor with certain special
capabilities to perform the work may be able to achieve higher quality.
5. Inventory buffers between stations: Storage buffers may be in use to take care of the
cycle time variation due to human activity which is characterized by random
variations.
6. Parallel stations: These may be used to avoid bottleneck situation due to sequential
nature of line.
1.17 FLEXIBLE MANUAL ASSEMBLY LINES
The well defined pace of a manual assembly line has merit from the point of view of
maximizing production rate. However, the workers on the assembly line often feel as if they
are being driven too hard. Frequent complaints by the workers, poor-quality workmanship,
sabotage of the line equipment, and other problems have occurred on high-production flow
lines. To relieve some of these conditions, a new concept in assembly lines has developed in
which the pace of the work is controlled largely by the workers at the individual stations
rather than by a powered conveyor moving at a fixed speed.
50

The new concept was pioneered by Volvo in Sweden. It relies on the use of independently
operated work carriers that hold major components and/or sub assemblies of the automobile
and deliver them to the manual assembly workstations along the line. The work carriers in
the system are called automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and they are designed to follow
guide paths in the factory which are routed to the various stations. The independently
operating work carriers allow the assembly system to be configured with parallel paths,
queues of parts between stations, and other features not typically found on a conventional inline assembly system. In addition, these manual assembly lines can be designed to be highly
flexible, capable of dealing with variations in product and corresponding variations in
assembly cycle times at the different work-stations.
The type of flexible assembly system described here is generally used when there are many
different models to be produced, and the variations in the models result in significant
differences in the work content times involved. The work cycle time at any given station
might range between 4 and 10 min, depending on model type. Production throughput is
determined by the number of similar stations in parallel. A provisioning station is often used
before the bank of parallel assembly stations to load the work carrier with the components
that will be needed. This permits flexibility in the routing of the carriers to the different
stations. Hardware items common to all models are usually stocked at the workstations. The
typical operation of the system allows for time variations at a given station resulting from
worker skill and effort and from model differences. Instead of the sub assembly moving
forward at a fixed rate as in a conventional flow line, the worker takes the time needed to
accomplish the work elements required for the particular model currently being processed.
When the work is completed, the work carrier is released by the worker to proceed toward
the next assembly operation.
Benefits of this flexible assembly system compared to the conventional assembly line include
greater worker satisfaction, better-quality product, increased capability to accommodate
model variations, and greater ability to cope with problems that require more time rather than
stopping the entire production line.
1.18 AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS
Automated assembly refers to the use of mechanized and automated devices to perform the
various functions in an assembly line or cell. Automated assembly system performs a
sequence of automated operations to combine multiple components in to a single entity which
can be a final product or sub assembly. Automated assembly technology should be
considered under the following conditions.
High product demand
Stable product design
The assembly consists of no more than a limited number of components.
The product is designed for automated assembly.
Automated assembly system involves less investment compared to transfer lines because
1. Work part produced are smaller in size compared to transfer lines.
2. Assembly operations do not have the large mechanical forces and power
requirement.
3. Size is very less compared to transfer lines.

51

The following recommendations and principles can be applied in product design to facilitate
automated assembly

Reduce the amount of assembly required: This principle can be realized during
design by combining functions within the same part that were previously
accomplished by separate components in the product. The use of plastic molded parts
to substitute for sheet metal parts is an example of this principle. A more complex
geometry molded into a plastic part might replace several metal parts. Although the
plastic part may seem to be more costly, the savings in assembly time probably
justify the substitution in many cases.

Use modular design: In automated assembly, increasing the number of separate

assembly steps that are done by a single automated system will result in an increase
in the downtime of the system. To reduce this effect, it can be suggested that the
design of the product be modular, with perhaps each module requiring a maximum of
12 or 13 parts to be assembled on a single assembly system. Also, the sub assembly
should be designed around a base part to which other components are added.

Reduce the number of fasteners required: Instead of using separate screws and nuts,
and similar fasteners, design the fastening mechanism into the component design
using snap fits and similar features. Also, design the product modules so that several
components are fastened simultaneously rather than each component fastened
separately.

Reduce the need for multiple components to lie handled at once: The preferred
practice in automated assembly machine design is to separate the operations at
different stations rather than to handle and fasten multiple components
simultaneously at the same workstation. (It should be noted that robotic technology is
causing a rethinking of this practice since robots can be programmed to perform
more complex assembly tasks than a single station in a mechanized assembly
system.)

Limit the required directions of access: This principle simply means that the
numbers of directions in which new components are added to the existing
subassembly should be minimized. If all of the components can be added vertically
from above, this is the ideal situation. Obviously, the design of the subassembly
module determines this.

Require high quality in components: High performance of the automated assembly

system requires consistently good quality of the components that are added at each
workstation. Poor-quality components cause jams in the feeding and assembly
mechanisms which cause downtime in the automated system.

Implement hopperability: This is a term that is used to identify the ease with which a
given component can be fed and oriented reliably for delivery from the parts hopper
to the assembly workhead.

1.18.1 Types of automated assembly systems

Based on the type of work transfer system that is used in the assembly system:
Continuous transfer system
52

Synchronous transfer system

Asynchronous transfer system
Stationary base part system

The first three types involve the same methods of workpart transport described in automated
flow line. In the stationary base part system, the base part to which the other components are
added is placed in a fixed location, where it remains during the assembly work.
Based on physical configuration:
Dial-type assembly machine
In-line assembly machine
Carousel assembly system
Single-station assembly machine
The dial-type machine, the base parts are indexed around a circular table or dial. The
workstations are stationary and usually located around the outside periphery of the dial. The
parts ride on the rotating table and are registered or positioned, in turn, at each station a new
component is added to base part. This type of equipment is often referred to as an indexing
machine or dial index machine and the configuration is shown in Figure 1.30.

Figure 1.30 Dial type assembly machine

The in-line configuration assembly system consists of a sequence of workstations in a more
or less straight line arrangement as shown in Figure 1.31. The in-line assembly machine
consists of a series of automatic workstations located along an in-line transfer system. It is the
automated version of the manual assembly line. Continuous, synchronous, or asynchronous
transfer systems can be used with the in-line configuration.

Figure 1.31 In-line type assembly machine

53

The segmented in-line configuration consists of two or more straight-line arrangement which
are usually perpendicular to each other with L-Shaped or U-shaped or rectangular shaped as
shown in Figure 1.32-1.34. The flow of work can take a few 90 turns, either for workpieces
reorientation, factory layout limitations, or other reasons, and still qualify as a straight line
configuration.

Figure 1.32 L-shaped configuration

Figure 1.33 U-shaped configuration

Figure 1.34 Rectangular-shaped configuration

Carousel assembly system represents a hybrid between the circular flow of work provided by
the dial assembly machine and straight work flow of the in-line as shown in the Figure 1.35.
Carousels can be operated with continuous, synchronous, asynchronous transfer mechanisms.

54

Figure 1.35 Carousel assembly system

In the single-station assembly machine, the assembly operations are performed at a single
location (stationary base part system) as shown in Figure 1.36. The typical operation involves
the placement of the base part at the workstation where various components are added to the
base. The components are delivered to the station by feeding mechanisms, and one or more
workheads perform the various assembly and fastening operations.

Figure 1.36 Single station assembly machine

1.18.2 Part feeding devices
In each of the configurations described above, a means of delivering the components to the
assembly workhead must be designed. The hardware system that delivers components to the
workhead in an automated assembly system typically consists of the following elements as
shown in Figure 1.37. Parts delivery to workstations depends upon specific pieces of delivery
equipment, particularly associated with automatic assembly. These pieces of equipment are
connected together to create the parts delivery system. The hardware for parts delivery
consists of:
Hopper: This is the container into which the components are loaded at the
workstation. A separate hopper is used for each component type. The components are
usually loaded into the hopper in bulk. This means that the parts are randomly
oriented initially in the hopper.
Parts feeder: This is a mechanism that removes the components from the hopper
one at a time for delivery to the assembly workhead. The hopper and parts feeder are
often combined into one operating mechanism. The vibratory bowl feeder, pictured
in Figure 1.38, is a very common example of the hopper-feeder combination.

55

Figure 1.37 Elements of part delivery system

Figure 1.38 Vibratory bowl feeder

Selector and/or orientor: These elements of the delivery system establish the proper
orientation of the components for the assembly workhead. A selector is a device that
acts as a filter, permitting only parts that are in the correct orientation to pass
through. Components that are not properly oriented are rejected back into the hopper.
An orientor is a device that allows properly oriented pans to pass through but
provides a reorientation of components that are not properly oriented initially.
Several selector and orientor schemes are illustrated in Figure 1.39. Selector and
orientor devices are often combined and incorporated into one hopper-feeder system.

Feed track: The preceding elements of the delivery system are usually located some
distance from the assembly workhead. A feed track is used to transfer the
components from the hopper and parts feeder to the location of the assembly
workhead, maintaining proper orientation of the parts during the transfer. There are
two general categories of feed tracks: gravity and powered. The gravity feed track is
most common. In this type the hopper and parts feeder are located at an elevation that
is above the elevation of the workhead. The force of gravity is used to deliver the
components to the workhead. The powered feed track uses vibratory action, air

56

pressure, or other means to force the parts to travel along the feed track toward the
assembly workhead.

Figure 1.39 (a) Selector and (b) orientor devices used upon the feed track

Escapement and placement device: The purpose of the escapement device is to

remove components from the feed track at time intervals that are consistent with the
cycle time of the assembly workhead. The placement device physically places the
component in the correct location at the workstation for the assembly operation by
the workhead. Several types of escapement and placement devices are shown in
Figure 1.40.
Horizontal placement device: Device used on dial-type assembly machines: parts
move via horizontal delivery into vacant nests on the dial, as they appear, from
the feed track; meanwhile the circular motion of the dial table means that the
nests are revolved away from the feed track, permitting the next component in the
feed track to move into the next vacant nest, and so forth.
Vertical placement device: Device used on dial-type assembly machines: here,
the parts feeder is arranged vertically above the dial table, so that when the table
turns, to reveal an empty nest, the component can fall by gravity from the feed
track into the empty nest. Successive parts fall by gravity to take up their position
at the mouth of the feed track in turn.
Escapement device: This device is actuated by the top of the carrier contacting
the lower surface of the rivet-shaped part, causing its upper surface to press
against the spring blade, which releases the part so that it falls into the work
carrier nest. The work carriers are moved horizontally to cause the release of the
part. After the first part has escaped the work carrier released part moves off and
to be replaced by the next work carrier, and so forth.
Pick-and-place mechanism: This mechanism uses a pick-and-place unit with a
revolving arm, so that parts may be removed from the feed track, and placed into
work carriers.

57

Horizontal placement device

Vertical placement device

Escapement device

Pick-and-place mechanism

Figure 1.39 Escapement and placement devices

58

MODULE-II
2.0 OVERVIEW OF CAD
Computer aided design (CAD) can be defined as the use of computer systems to assist in the
creation, modification, analysis or optimization of a design.The computer systems consist of
the hardware and software to perform the specialized design functions required by the user.
Modern CAD systems are based on interactive computer graphics (ICG). Interactive
computer graphics denotes a user-oriented system in which the computer is employed to
create, transform and display data in the form of pictures or symbols.
The hardware of the ICG system includes a central processing unit, one or more workstations
(including the graphics display terminals) and peripheral devices such as printers, plotters
and drafting equipment. The software consists of the computer programs needed to
implement graphics processing on the system. The software would also typically include
additional specialized application programs to accomplish a particular engineering functions
required by the user. The ICG system is one component of a computer aided design system.
The other major ICG component is the human designer. Interactive computer graphics is a
tool used by the designer to solve a design problem, In effect, the ICG system magnifies the
powers of the designer. This has been referred to as the synergistic effect. The designer
performs the portion of the design process that is most suitable to human intellectual skills,
the computer performs the task best suited to its capabilities and the resulting system exceeds
the sum of its components.
2.1 REASONS FOR IMPLEMENTING CAD
1. To increase the productivity of the designer: CAD helps the designer to visualize the
product and its component sub-assemblies and parts. This reduces the time required
to synthesize, analyze and document the design. This productivity improvement
results not only into lower design cost but also into shorter design project completion
times.
2. To improve the quality of design: A CAD system permits a thorough engineering
analysis within a short time using various software and a larger number of design
alternatives can be investigated. Design errors are also reduced by the accuracy built
into the system by means of calculations and checks available with the system. These
factors lead to improvement in the quality and accuracy in the design.
3. To improve communications through documentation: The use of CAD system
provides better engineering drawings, more standardization in the drawings, better
documentation of the design, fewer drawing errors and greater legibility for the
drawing.
4. To create adatabase for manufacturing: to the process of creating the documentation
for the product design (geometry and dimension of components, bill of materials,
etc.) much of the required database to manufacture is also created which can be
applied for several computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) applications like CNC
programming, programming of robots, process planning and so on.
2.2 THE DESIGN PROCESS
Design is the act of devising an original solution to a problem by a combination of principles,
resources and products in design. Design process is the pattern of activities that is followed
by the designer in arriving at the solution of a technological problem. A preliminary design is
made based on the available information and is improved upon as more and more
information is generated. The process of design is segmented into six stages as shown in
Figure 2.1. The design process is repetitive as well as creative. The repetitive tasks can be
59

performed by computers; however, the creative tasks (stages 1 and 2) are always done only
on the efforts of human being.

Figure 2.1 CAD modified design process

Stage 1 : Recognition of need. Recognizing the fact that there is a need for a new product
for intended function. It may also include the modification in the existing product.
Stage 2 : Problem definition. Problem is fully defined in terms of functionality and meeting
other requirements such as ergonomic; performance-data, statutory, etc. Thus full
specifications of product can be yielded. [Crude representation of idea.]
Stage 3 : Synthesis. The design undergoes synthesis, joining its various elements.
Stage4 : Analysis and optimization. Product analysis reveals the weaknesses and thus
weaknesses can be considered for improvement. This process is repeated until an
acceptable design achieved.
Stage 5 : Evaluation. The optimized design is reviewed from the point of view of expected
performance. It can be done through prototype modeling and against the set
standard.
Stage6 : Presentation. Stages 4 and 5 are repeated until acceptable, optimized design is
achieved. These stages are basically iterative in nature. Iteration depends on the
creativeness, ingenuity (skill for devising) and experience of designers and the
software (tools) available. The process (stage 1 and 2) are human dependent while
the stages 3, 4, 5 and 6 (four stages) are computer based (CAD).

60

Application of computers in design

Engineering design has traditionally been accomplished on drawing boards with the design
being documented in the form of a detailed engineering drawing. This process is iterative in
nature and is time consuming. The computer can beneficially be used in the design process in
CAD. The design task is performed by a CAD system rather than a single designer working
over a drawing board. The various design related tasks, which are performed by the CAD
system, can be grouped into four functional areas (Figure 2.1):
1. Geometric modeling
2. Engineering analysis
3. Design review and evaluation
4. Automated drafting
1. Geometric Modeling
Geometric modeling is concerned with the computer compatible mathematical description of
the geometry of an object. The mathematical description allows the image of the object to be
displayed and manipulated on a graphics terminal through signals from the CPU of the CAD
system. The software that provides geometric modeling capabilities must be designed for
efficient use both by the computer and the human designer.
There are different methods of representing the object in geometric modeling. The basic form
uses wire frames to represent the object. In this form, the object is displayed by
interconnected lines. Geometric modeling is classified into three types.
a. 2D
: Two-dimensional representation is used for a flat object.
b. 2 D
: This goes somewhat beyond the 2D capability by permitting a threedimensional object to be represented as long as it has no side-wall details.
c. 3D
: This allows for full three-dimensional modeling of a more complex
geometry.
Geometric models in CAD can also be classified as wire-frame models, or solid models.
Wire-frame models use inter-connecting lines to depict the object drawn; these interconnecting lines can sometimes be confusing when used on complex part geometries, as
multiple overlapping lines may occur. Solid models are objects that have been modelled in
solid three dimensions, providing the user with a vision of the object that is similar to its
appearance in reality This method typically uses solid geometry shapes called primitives to
construct the object.
2. Engineering Analysis
Once a design has been developed, it must then be subjected to engineering analysis. This
analysis may include various tests, depending on the product, but may include: stress-strain
calculations, heat transfer analysis, or dynamic simulation. These analyses tend to be quite
complex, which has led to the development of computer-aided engineering (CAE) software
packages, so that complicated engineering analysis may be performed by computer. FEM and
dynamic analysis software packages are generally used for this purpose. The engineering
analysis includes:
Mass properties analysis- involving the computation of features on the solid model,
such as volume, surface area, weight, and centre of gravity;
Tolerance analysis- this determines how product tolerances would affect product
function and performance, how easy it would be to assemble the product, and how
variations in component dimensions may affect the overall size of the assembly;
61

Finite element analysis- this aids in stress-strain, heat transfer, fluid flow, and other
engineering calculations;
Kinematic and dynamic analysis- this studies the operation of mechanical linkages
and analyzes their motions; and
Discrete event simulation- this models complex operational systems where events
occur at discrete moments in time and affect the status and performance of the
system.

3. Design Review and Evaluation

Following comprehensive engineering analysis, the proposed design must be evaluated and
reviewed for consistency. Some CAD features that are helpful in evaluating and reviewing a
proposed design include:
Automatic dimensioning- upon model completion, the CAD software can
automatically generate the dimensions of the drawn model;
Error checking- this checks the accuracy and consistency of dimensions and
tolerances, to assess whether the proper design documentation format has been
followed;
Animation of discrete-event simulation solutions- this displays the result as a discrete
event simulation, where input parameters, probability distributions, and other factors
can be changed to assess their effect on the performance of the system being
modelled; and
Plant layout design scores- this provides numerical scores for plant layout designs,
based upon such factors as material flow, and closeness ratings.
In many cases, the geometric model is now used to replace the physical prototype that would
traditionally be built at this stage. Physical prototypes are usually time-consuming to create,
and analyse; and so replacements in the form of rapid prototyping, and virtual prototypingboth based upon the geometric model, may be used instead.
Rapid prototyping is a term applied to a family of fabrication technologies that allow
engineering prototypes of solid parts to be made in a minimum lead time, based upon the
CAD geometric model. This is done by dividing the solid object into layers, and then
defining the area of each layer. The rapid prototyping process then fabricates the object by
starting at the base layer, and building towards the top layer. The fidelity of the
approximation that is produced by this method is dependent on the layer thickness used at the
start (with greater accuracy achieved with thinner layers used).
Virtual prototyping is based upon virtual reality technology, and uses the CAD geometric
model to construct a digital mock-up of the product. This mock-up allows the designer to
obtain the sensation of the real physical product, without actually building the physical
prototype.
Rapid prototyping creates a physical prototype by means of segmenting the CAD geometric
model into a series of layers, and building to that specification; while virtual prototyping uses
the CAD geometric model to construct a digital mock-up of the product.
A procedure called layering is often helpful in design review. For example, a good
applicationof layering involves over-layering the geometric image of the final shape of the
machined part on top of the image of the rough casting. This ensures that sufficient material
62

is available on the casting to accomplish the final machined dimensions. This procedure can
be performed in stages to check each successive step till the processing of the part,
Another related procedure for design review is interference checking. This involves the
analysis of an assembled structure in which the risk that the components of the assembly may
occupy the same space. This risk occurs in the design of large chemical plants, air-separation
cold boxes and other complicated piping structure.
One of the most interesting evaluation features available on some CAD system is kinematics;
the available kinematics packages provide the capability to animate the motion of simple
designed mechanisms such as hinged components and linkages. This capability enhances the
designers visualization of the operation of the mechanism and helps to ensure against
interference with other components without graphical kinematics on a CAD system.
4. Automated Drafting
Automated drafting involves the creation of hardcopy engineering drawings directly from the
CAD database. In some early computer aided design departments, automation of the drafting
represented the principal justification for investing in the CAD system. Indeed, CAD systems
can increase productivity in the drafting function by roughly five times over manual drafting.
Some of the graphics features of computer aided design systems lend themselves especially
well to the drafting process. These features include automatic dimensioning generation of
crosshatched areas, seating of the drawing and capability to develop sectional views and
enlarged views of particular part details, the ability to rotate the part or to perform other
transformations of the image (e.g., oblique isometric or perspective views).
2.3 CREATING MANUFACTURING DATA BASE
The important reason for using a CAD system is that it offers the opportunity to develop the
database needed to manufacture the product. In the conventional manufacturing cycle,
engineering drawings were prepared by design draftsmen and then used by manufacturing
engineers to develop the process plan (i.e., route sheets). The activities involved in designing
the product were separated from the activities associated with process planning. Basically a
two-step procedure was employed. This was both time consuming and involved duplication
of effort by design and manufacturing engineers. In an integrated CAD/CAM system, a direct
link is established between product design and manufacturing. It is the goal of CAD/CAM
not only to automate certain phases of design and certain phases of manufacturing but also to
automate the transition from design to manufacturing. Computer based systems have been
developed which create much of the data and documentation required to plan and manage the
manufacturing operations for the product.
The manufacturing database is an integrated CAD/CAM database. It includes all the data on
the product generated during design, i.e., geometry data, bill of material and assembly lists,
material specifications, etc. as well as additional data required for manufacturing, much of
which is based on the product design. Figure 2.2 shows how the CAD/CAM database is
related to design and manufacturing.

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Figure 2.2 Relationship of CAD/CAM database to CAD and CAM

2.4 BENEFITS OF CAD
There are many benefits of computer aided design, only some of which call be easily
measured. Some of the benefits are intangible which are reflected in improved work quality
and more pertinent and usable information. Some of the benefits are tangible which are
discussed hereinafter.
1. Productivity improvement in design: CAD helps in increased design productivity by
reducing the time for developing conceptual design, analysis and drafting. It is also
possible to reduce the manpower requirements for a given project. Productivity
improvement in computer aided design process is dependent on factors such as;
Complexity of the drawing
Degree of repetitiveness of features in the designed parts
Degree of symmetry in the parts
Extensive use of library of user defined shapes and commonly used entities
2. Shorter lead times: Interactive CAD is inherently faster than traditional manual design
process. CAD tools reduce the number of iterations. It speeds up the task of preparing
reports and bill of materials using a CAD system. A finished set of component drawings
and documentation can be prepared in a relatively short time. Shorter lead times in design
result in reduction of the elapsed time between receipt of customer order and delivery of
the finished product. The enhanced productivity of the designers working in CAD
environment will reduce the importance of design, engineering analysis and drafting as
critical time elements in the overall manufacturing lead time.
3. Design analysis: The design analysis routines available in a CAD system help to
optimize the design into an appropriate logical work pattern. The use of design analysis
software such as finite element analysis and kinematics analysis reduces the time and
improves the design accuracy. Instead of having feedback sessions between design and
analysis groups, the designer can perform the analysis while working on a CAD
workstation. This enhances the concentration of designers, since the process is interactive
in nature, Calculation of mass properties can be made almost instantaneously.
4. Fewer design errors: Interactive CAD systems have inherent capability for avoiding
errors in design, drafting and documentation. These errors occur during manual handling.
Errors are avoided because interactive CAD systems perform time consuming and
repetitive functions such as multiple symbol placements,
64

5. Flexibility in design: Interactive CAD systems apart from generating designs with
repetitive accuracy offers the advantage of easy modification of design to satisfy
customer's specific requirements.
6. Standardization of design, drafting and documentation: The single database and
operating system used in CAD provide a common basis for design, analysis and drafting
process with interactive CAD systems, drawings are "standardized" as they are drawn, It
is also possible to reuse previous modules in developing a range of products.
7. Drawings are more understandable: With the increase in the use of 3D views and solid
modelling, it has become easier to comprehend the features of the component readily.
One does not have to reconstruct mentally the solid shape from 20 objects. Many
software packages allow 3D view generation from a 2D model. This has several
advantages from the manufacturing pointof view.
8. Improved procedures for engineering changes: Control and implementation of
engineering changes can be significantly improved with computer-aided design. Original
drawings and reports are stored in the database of the CAD system and are easily
accessible. Revision information can be retained and new drawings with changes can be
created without destroying previous features.
9. Benefits in manufacturing: The benefits of computer aided design can be used as a basis
for a number of downstream manufacturing operations. Some of the manufacturing
benefitsare:
(a) Tool and fixture design for manufacturing
(b) Computer aided process planning
(c) Computer aided inspection
(d) Preparation of numerical control programs for manufacturing of components
oncomputer numerical control machines
(e) Preparation of assembly lists and bill of materials for production
(f) Coding and classification of components
(g) Production planning and control
(h) Assembly sequence planning
2.5 CAD SYSTEM HARDWARE
Hardware components for computer aided design are available in a variety of sizes,
configurations and capabilities. Hence it is possible to select a CAD system that meets
theparticu1ar computational and graphics requirements of the user firm. Engineering firms
that are not involved in production would choose a system exclusively for drafting and design
related functions. Manufacturing firms would choose a system to be part of a company-wide
CAD/CAM system.
A modem CAD system is based on interactive computer graphics (lCG). However the scope
of CAD includes other computer system as well. For example, computerized design has also
been accomplished in a batch mode, rather than in an interactive mode. With interactive
graphics the system provides an immediate response to inputs by the user.The user and the
system are in direct communication with each other. The user enters commands and responds
to the questions generated by the system. Presently it is restricted to CAD systems which
utilize interactive computer graphics.Typically a stand-alone CAD system would include the
following hardware components:
Graphics terminal
Operator output devices
Operator input devices
Secondary storage
Central processing unit (CPU)
These hardware components would be arranged in a configuration as shown in Figure 2.3.
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Secondary storage
device

CPU

Design workstation
Graphics
terminal

Input
devices

Output devices
Figure 2.3 Typical configuration of hardware components in a standalone CAD system
2.5.1 DESIGN WORKSTATION
The CAD workstation is the system interface with the outside world. It represents an
important factor in determining how convenient and efficient it is for a designer to use the
CAD system. The workstation must accomplish five functions:
1. It must interface with the central processing unit.
2. It must generate a steady graphic image for the user.
3. It must provide digital descriptions of the graphic image.
4. It must translate computer commands into operating functions.
5. It must facilitate communication between the user and the system.
The use of interactive graphics has been found to be the best approach to accomplish these
functions. A typical interactive graphics workstation would consist of the following hardware
components:
Graphics terminal
Operator input devices
2.5.2 GRAPHIC TERMINAL
There are various different approaches which have been applied to the development of
graphics terminals. The technology continues to improve their products and reduce their
costs.
(I) Image Generation in Computer Graphics
All computer graphics terminals which are in use today use the cathode ray tube (CRT) as the
display device. Television sets use a form of the same device as the picture tube. The
operation of the CRT is shown in Figure 2.4. A heated cathode emits a high speed electron
beam onto a phosphor-coated glass screen. The electrons energize the phosphor coating
causing it to glow at the points where the beam makes contact. By focusing the electron
beam, changing its intensity and controlling its point of contact against the phosphor coating
through the use of a deflector system, the beam can be made to generate a picture on the CRT
screen.
There are two basic techniques used in current computer graphics terminals for generating the
image on the CRT screen. They are:
1. Stroke writing
2. Raster scan
Other names for the stroke writing technique include line drawing, random position, vector
writing, and directed beam. Other names for the raster scan technique include digital TV and
scan graphics.
66

Figure 2.4 Diagram of cathode ray tube (CRT)

The stroke writing system uses an electron beam which operates like a pencil to create a line
image on the CRT screen. The image is constructed out of a sequence of straight line
segments. Each line segment is drawn on the screen by directing the beam to move from one
point on the screen to the next where each point is defined by its x and y coordinates. The
process is illustrated in Figure 2.5.

Figure 2.5 Stroke writing for generating images in computer graphics

Although the procedure results in images composed of only straight lines, smooth curves can
be approximated by making the connecting line segments short enough. In the raster scan
approach, the viewing screen is divided i.nto a large number of discrete phosphor picture
elements called pixels. The matrix of pixels constitutes the raster. The number of separate
pixels in the raster display might typically range from 256 x 256 to 1024 x 1024 (a total of
over 65,000 points to 1,000,000 points). Each pixel on the screen can be made to glow with a
different brightness. Colour screens provide for the pixels to have different colours as well as
brightness.
During operation an electron beam creates the image by sweeping along a horizontal line on
the screen from left to right and energizing the pixels in that line during the sweep when the
sweep of one line is completed. The electron beam moves to the next line below and proceeds
in a fixed pattern as portrayed in Figure 2.6. After sweeping the entire screen the process is
repeated at a rate of 30 to 60 entire scans of the screen per second.

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Figure 2.6 Raster scan approach for generating images in computer graphics
(II) Graphics Terminals
The two approaches described earlier are used till the majority of current day CAD graphics
terminals. There are also a variety of other technical factors which result in different types of
graphics terminals. These factors include the type of phosphor coating on the screen, whether
the colour is required, the pixel density and the amount of computer memory available to
generate the picture. The three types of graphics terminals are:
(a) Directed beam refresh tube (DBRT)
(b) Direct view storage tube (DVST)
(c) Raster scan terminals (Digital TV)
(a) Directed Beam Refresh Tube (DBRT)
The directed beam refresh terminal utilizes the stroke writing approach to generate the image
on the CRT screen. The term refresh in the name refers to the fact that the image must be
regenerated many times per second in order to avoid noticeable flicker of the image. The
phosphor elements on the screen are capable of maintaining their brightness for only a short
time. In order for the image to be continued, these picture tubes must be refreshed by causing
the directed beam to retrace the image repeatedly on densely filled screens (very detailed line
images or many characters of text). It is difficult to avoid flickering of the image with this
process.
There are several advantages associated with the directed beam refresh systems. Because the
image is being continually refreshed, selective erasure and alteration of the image is readily
accomplished. It is also possible to provide animation of the image with a refresh rube.
The directed beam refresh system is the oldest of the modern graphics display technologies.
Other names sometimes used to identity this system include vector refresh and stroke writing
refresh. Early refresh tubes were very expensive, but the steadily decreasing cost of solid
state circuitry has brought the price of these graphics systems down to a level which is
competitive with other types.
(b) Direct View Storage Tube (DVST)
DVST terminals also use the stroke writing approach to generate the image on the CRT
screen.The term storage tube refers to the ability of the screen to retain the image which has
been projected against it, thus avoiding the need to rewrite the image constantly.What makes
this possible is the use of an electron flood gun directed at the phosphor coated screen which
keeps the phosphor elements illuminated once they have been energized by the stroke writing
68

electron beam. The resulting image on the CRT screen is flicker free. Lines maybe readily
added to the image without concern over their effect on image density or refresh rates.
However, the penalty associated with the storage tube is that individual lines cannot be
selectively removed from the image.
Storage tubes have been the low cost terminals and are capable of displaying the large
amounts of data either graphical or textual. Because of these features there are probably more
storage tube terminals in service industry. The principal disadvantage of a storage CRT is that
selective erasure is not possible instead if the user wants to change the picture. The change
will not be manifested on the screen until the entire picture is regenerated. Other
disadvantages include its lack of colour capability, the inability to use a light pen as a data
entry device and its lack of animation capability.
(c) Raster Scan Terminals (Digital TV)
Raster scan terminals operate by causing an electron beam to trace a zigzag pattern across the
viewing screen. The operation is similar to that of a commercial television set. The
differenceis that a TV set uses analog signals originally generated by a video camera to
construct the image on the CRT screen, while the raster scan ICG terminal uses digital signals
generated by acomputer. For this reason the raster scan terminals used in computer graphics
are sometimes called digital TVs.
The introduction of the raster scan graphics terminal using a refresh tube had been limited by
the cost of computer memory. For example, the simplest and lowest cost terminal in this
category uses only two beam intensity levels: ON or OFF. This means that each pixel in the
viewing screen is either illuminated or dark. A picture tube with 256 lines of resolution and
256 addressable points per line to form the image would require 256 x 256 or over 65,000
bits of storage. Each bit of memory contains the ON/OFF status of the corresponding pixel on
the CRT screen. This memory is called the frame buffer or refresh buffer.
The picture quality can be improved in two ways by increasing the pixel density or adding a
gray scale (or colour). Increasing pixel density for the same size screen means adding more
lines of resolution and more addressable points per line. A 1024 x 1024 raster screen would
require more than 1 million bits of storage in the frame buffer. A gray scale is accomplished
by expanding the number of intensity levels, which can be displayed on each pixel to store
the intensity level. Two bits are required for four levels, three bits for eight levels and so on.
Five or six bits would be needed to achieve an approximation of a continuous gray scale. For
a colour display three times as many bits are required to get various intensity levels for each
of the three primary colours-red, blue and green. A raster scan graphics terminal with high
resolution and gray scale can require a very large capacity refresh buffer. Until recent
developments in memory technology, the cost of this storage capacity was prohibitive for a
terminal with good picture quality.
The capability to achieve colour and animation was not possible except for very low
resolution levels. It is now possible to manufacture digital TV systems for interactive
computer graphics at prices, which are competitive with the other two types. The advantages
of the present raster scan terminals include the feasibility to use low cost TV monitors, colour
capability and the capability for animation of the image. Many of the important
characteristics of the three types of graphics terminals are summarized in Table 2.1.

69

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Table 2.1 Comparison of Graphics Terminal Features

DBRT
DVST
Digital TV
Image generation
Stroke writing Stroke writing Raster scan
Picture quality
Excellent
Excellent
Moderate to Good
Data content
Limited
High
High
Selective erase
Yes
No
Yes
Gray scale
Yes
No
Yes
Colour capability
Moderate
No
Yes
Animation capability Yes
No
Moderate

2.5.3 OPERATOR INPUT DEVICES

Graphics input devices are provided at the graphics workstation to facilitate convenient
communication between the user and the system. Workstations generally have several types
of input devices to allow the operator to select the various pre-programmed input functions.
These functions permit the operator to create or modify an image on the CRT screen or to
enter alphanumeric data into the system. This results in a complete part on the CRT screen as
well as a complete geometric description of the part in the CAD database.
Different CAD system vendors offer different types of (graphics) operator input devices.
These devices can be divided into three general categories:
(a) Cursor control devices
(b) Digitizers
(c) Alphanumeric and other keyboard terminals
Cursor control devices and digitizers are both used for graphical interaction with the system.
Keyboard terminals are used as input devices for commands and numerical data. There are
two basic types of graphical interaction accomplished by means of cursor control and
digitizing creating and positioning new items on the CRT screen. Pointing at or otherwise
identifying locations on the screen, usually associated with existing images ideally, a
graphical input device should lend itself to both of these functions. However this is difficult
to accomplish with a single unit and that is why most workstations have several different
input devices.
(a) Cursor Control Devices
The cursor manually takes the form of a bright spot on the CRT screen that indicates where
lettering or drawing will occur. The computer is capable of reading the current position of the
cursor. Hence the user's capability to control the cursor position allows locational data to be
entered into the CAD system database. A typical example would be for the user to locate the
cursor to identify the starting point of a line. Another, more sophisticated case would be for
the user to position the cursor to select an item from a menu of functions displayed on the
screen.
For instance, the screen might be divided into two sections one of which is an array of blocks
which correspond to operator input functions. The user simply moves the cursor to the
desired block to execute the particular function. There are a variety of cursor control devices
which have been employed in CAD systems. These include:
Thumb wheels
Direction keys on a keyboard
Joysticks
Tracker ball

Light pen
Electronic tablet/pen
Mouse
70

The first four items in the list provide control over the cursor without any direct physical
contact of the screen by the user. The last two devices in the list require the user to control the
cursor by touching the screen with a pen type device.
The thumb wheel device uses two thumb wheels: one to control the horizontal position of the
cursor, the other to control the vertical position. This type of device is often mounted as an
integral part of the CRT terminal. The cursor in this arrangement is often represented by the
intersection of a vertical line and a horizontal line displayed on the CRT screen. The two
lines are like cross hairs in a gun sight which span the height and width of the screen.
Direction keys on the keyboard are another basic form of cursor control used not only for
graphics terminals but also for CRT terminals without graphics capabilities. Four keys are
used for each of the four directions in which the cursor can be moved (right or left and up or
down).
The joystick apparatus is pictured in Figure 2.7. It consists of a box with a vertical toggle
stick that can be pushed ill any direction to cause the cursor to be moved in that direction.
The joystick gets its name from the control stick that was used in old air planes.
The tracker ball is pictured in Figure 2.7. Its operation is similar to that of the joystick except
that an operator controlled ball is rotated to move the cursor in the desired direction on the
screen.
Joystick

Tracker ball

Mouse

Figure 2.7 Input devices

The light pen is a pointing device in which the computer seeks to identify the position where
the light pen is in contact with the screen. Contrary to what its name suggests the light pen
does not project light. Instead it is a detector of light on the CRT screen and uses a
photodiode, phototransistor or some other form of light sensor. The light pen can be utilized
with a refresh type CRT but not with a storage tube. This is because the image in the refresh
tube is being generated in time sequence. The time sequence is so short that the image
appears continuous to the human eye.
However, the computer is capable of discerning the time sequence and it coordinates this
timing with the position of the pen against the screen. In essence the system is performing as
an optical tracking loop to locate the cursor or to execute some other input function.
The tablet and pen in computer graphics describe an electronically sensitive tablet used in
conjunction with an electronic stylus. The tablet is a flat surface separate from the CRT
screen on which the user draws with the pen like stylus to input instructions or to control the
71

curser. It should be noted that thumb wheels direction keys, joysticks and tracker balls are
generally limited in their functions to cursor control.
The light pen and tablet/pen are typically used for other input functions as well as cursor
control. Some of these functions are:
Selecting from a function menu.
Drawing on the screen or making strokes on the screen or tablet which indicate
whatimage is to be drawn.
Selecting a portion of the screen for enlargement of an existing image,
A light pen resembles a fountain pen in the method of holding, but it works on the principle
of light rather than ink, hence the name. Light pens are not used for writing on the screen asis
erroneously believed by many but actually only to detect the presence of light on the screen
as shown in Figure 2.8, with tile help of a light detecting resistor. Their normal use in graphic
applications is to identify the objects or locations on the display screen for possible graphics
handling. These are to be used only with refresh type display devices. The resolution of the
light pen is poor, as the field of view of the photosensitive element is conical. Since the light
pen points to the graphic display directly, it is a natural graphic interactive tool. However, as
the operator has to hold the light pen against the gravity along with its cable connecting the
graphics adapter card for making any selection, ergonomically it is inconvenient to use it over
long periods.

Figure 2.8 Light pen

The mouse shown in Figure 2.7 is the pointing device, which has been gaining importance
with the advent of the microprocessors, and the pull down menus associated with the
application software. The mouse operates on three basic principles-Mechanical, Optical and
Opto- mechanical. The mechanical mouse contains a free buttons floating ball with rubber
coating on the underside which, when moved on a firm plane surface would be able to follow
the movement of the hand. The motion of the ball is resolved into x and y motions by means
of the two rollers pressed against the ball. They in turn control the cursor on the screen,
which can then be utilized for any desired applications by means of the clicking of the
buttons on the mouse.
This can only suffice to point, on the screen but not for giving positional data. In case of the
optical mouse, a special reflective plain surface with etched fine grids is required. The LEDs
present inside the mouse (in place of the rubber ball) would reflect the number of grid lines
crossed ill tile x and y directions, thereby showing the distance moved. The life of the optical
mouse is high since it has no moving parts, but it has not gained as much acceptance as the
72

mechanical mouse because of the special surface needed for its operation. The operation of
the opto-mechanical mouse is similar to that of the mechanical mouse, but the position
resolvers used are based on the optical principle.
(b) Cursor Control Devices
The digitizer shown in Figure 2.9 is an operator input device which consists of a large,
smooth board (the appearance is similar to a mechanical drawing board) and an electronic
tracking device which can be moved over the surface to follow existing lines. It is a common
technique in CAD systems for taking x, y coordinates from a paper drawing.

Figure 2.9 Digitizer

The electronic tracking device contains a switch for the user to record the desired x and y
coordinate positions. The coordinate can be entered into the computer memory or stored on
an off-line storage medium such as magnetic tape. High resolution digitizers typically with a
large board (e.g. 42 x 60 inch) can provide resolution and accuracy on the order of 0.001 in. It
should be mentioned that the electronic tablet and pen can be considered to be a small lowresolution digitizer.
It would be inadequate in three-dimensional mechanical design work since the digitizer is
limited to two dimensions. For two-dimensional drawings, drafters can readily adapt to the
digitizer because it is similar to their drafting boards. It can be tilted, raised or lowered to
assume a comfortable position for the drafter.
The digitizer can be used to digitize line drawings. The user can input data from a rough
schematic or large layout drawing and edit the drawing to the desired level of accuracy and
detail. The digitizer can also be used to free hand a new design with subsequent editing to
finalize the drawing.
(c) Keyboard terminals
Several forms of keyboard terminals are available as CAD input device. The most familiar
type is the alphanumeric terminal, which is available with nearly all interactive graphics
systems. The alphanumeric terminal can be either a CRT or a hard-copy terminal, which
prints on paper. For graphics the CRT has the advantage because of its faster speed, the
ability to easily edit, and the avoidance of large volumes of paper. On the other hand, a
permanent record is sometimes desirable and this is most easily created with a hard-copy
terminal. Many CAD systems use the graphics screen to display the alphanumeric data, but
there is an advantage in having a separate CRT terminal so that the alphanumeric messages
can be created without disturbing or overwriting the image on the graphics screen.

73

The alphanumeric terminal is used to enter commands, functions and supplemental data to the
CAD system. This information is displayed for verification on the CRT or typed to paper.
The system also communicates back to the user in a similar manner. The computer, as part of
the interactive procedure can display menu listings, program listings, error messages and so
forth.

Figure 2.10 Keyboard

Some CAD systems make use of special function keyboards, as pictured in Figure 2.10.
These function keyboards are provided to eliminate extensive typing of commands or
calculate coordinate positions and other functions. The number of function keys varies from
about 8 to 80. The particular function corresponding with each button is generally under
computer control so that the button function can be changed as the user proceeds from one
phase of the design to the next. In this way the number of alternative functions can easily
exceed the number of buttons on the keyboard. Also lighted buttons are used on the
keyboards to indicate which functions are possible in the current phase of design activity. A
menu of the various function alternatives is typically displayed on the CRT screen for the
user to select the desired function.
Besides the above commonly used devices, the followings are also used as input devices.
(d) Scanner
Scanner is an input device used for direct data entry from the source document into the
computer system. This is shown in Figure 2.11. It converts the document image into digital
form so that it can be fed into the computer. Capturing information like this reduces the
possibility of errors typically experienced during large data entry. Hand-held scanners are
commonly seen in big stores to scan codes and price information for each of the items. They
are also termed the bar code readers.
(e) Barcode
A bar code is a set of lines of different thicknesses that represent a number. Bar Code Readers
are used to input data from bar codes. Most products in shops have bar codes on them. Bar
code readers work by shining a beam of light on the lines that make up the bar code and
detecting the amount of light that is reflected back. This is as shown in Figure 2.11.
(f) Touch Screen
It allows the user to operate/make selections by simply touching the display screen. Common
examples of touch screen include information kiosks, and bank ATMs.
(g) Digital camera
A digital camera can store many more pictures than an ordinary camera. Pictures taken using
a digital camera are stored inside its memory and can be transferred to a computer by
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connecting the camera to it. A digital camera (Figure 2.11) takes pictures by converting the
light passing through the lens at the front into a digital image.
Bar code reader

Scanner

Camera
Figure 2.11 Input devices

(h) The speech input device

The Microphones - Speech Recognition is a speech Input device. To operate it we require
using a microphone to talk to the computer. Also we need to add a sound card to the
computer. The Sound card digitizes audio input into 0/1s. A speech recognition program can
process the input and convert it into machine-recognized commands or input.
2.5.4 OPERATOR OUTPUT DEVICES
There are various types of output devices used in conjunction with a computer aided design
system. These output devices include;
Pen plotters
Hardcopy units
Electrostatic plotters
Printers
Computer-output-to-micro-film (COM) units
(a) Pen plotters
The accuracy and quality of the hardcopy plot produced by a pen plotter are considerably
greater than the apparent accuracy and quality of the corresponding image on the CRT
screen. In case of the CRT image, the quality of the picture is degraded because of lack of
resolution and because of losses in the digital-to-analog conversion through the display
generators. On the other hand, a high precision pen plotter is capable of achieving a hardcopy drawing whose accuracy is nearly consistent with the digital definitions in the CAD
database.
The pen plotter uses a mechanical ink pen (either wet ink or ball point) to write on paper
through relative movement of the pen and paper. There are two basic types of pen plotters
currently in use:
Drum plotters
Flat-bed plotters
The drum plotter, shown in Figure 2.12, is generally the least expensive. It uses a round
drum, usually mounted horizontally and a slide, which can be moved along a track mounted
axially with respect to the drum. The paper is attached to the drum and the pen is mounted on
the slide. The relative motion between pen and paper is achieved by coordinating the rotation
of the drum with the motion of the slide. The drum plotter is fast and it can make drawings of
virtually unlimited length. The length of the drum however limits the width. These lengths
typically range between 8 inch (216 mm) and 42 inch (1067 mm).
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The flat-bed plotter, shown in Figure 2.12, is more expensive. It uses a flat drawing surface to
which the paper is attached on some models. The surface is horizontal while other models use
a drawing surface which is mounted in a nearly vertical orientation to conserve floor space.
This type is shown in Figure 2.12. Parallel tracks are located on two sides of the flat surface.
A bridge is driven along these tracks to provide the x-coordinate motion. Attached to the
bridge is another track on which rides a writing head movement of the writing head relative
to the bridge produces the y-coordinate motion. The writing head carries the pen or pencil
which can be raised or lowered to provide contact with the paper as desired. The size of these
automated drafting tables can range up to roughly 5 ft (1.5 m) by 20 ft (6.1 m) with plotting
accuracies approaching 0.001 in ( 0.025 mm).
The pen plotter accepts digitized data either on-line from the computer or off-line in the form
of magnetic tape or punched tape on modern pen plotters. A microprocessor is often used as
the control unit. This allows certain shapes such as circles and ellipses to be programmed in
the form of simple instructions to the plotter. In this way the digital data for a complicated
shape can be made more compact and efficient.

Drum plotter

Flat bed plotter

Belt bed plotter

Figure 2.12 Pen plotters

Many plotters work with several pens of different colours to achieve multi-colour plots. Also
in some models the pen may be replaced by a highly focused high intensity light and the
conventional drafting paper by a photosensitive paper. This arrangement would be used for
certain artwork applications. Another option available on a flat-bed plotter is to combine the
plotter function with the operation of a digitizer. Such a device is called a digitizer plotter.
(b) Hard copy units
A hard copy unit is a machine that can make copies from the same image data displayed on
the CRT screen. The image on the screen can be duplicated in a matter of seconds. The
copies can be used as records of intermediate steps in the design process or when rough hard
copies of the screen are needed quickly. The hardcopies produced from these units are not
suitable as final drawings because the accuracy and quality of the reproduction is not nearly
as good as the output of a pen plotter,
Most hardcopy units are dry silver copiers that use light sensitive paper exposed through a
narrow CRT window inside the copier. The window is typically 8 inch (216 mrn)
corresponding to the width of the paper, by about inch (12 mm) wide. The paper is exposed
by moving it past the window and coordinating the CRT beam to gradually transfer the
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image. A healed roller inside the copier is used to develop the exposed paper. The size of the
paper is usually limited on these hardcopy units to 8 by 11in. Another drawback is that the
dry silver copies will darken with time when they are left exposed to normal light.
(c) Electrostatic plotters
Hardcopy units are relatively fast but their accuracy and resolution are poor. Pen plotters are
highly accurate but plotting time can take many minutes. The electrostatic plotter offers a
compromise between these two types in terms of speed and accuracy. It is almost as fast as
the hardcopy unit and almost as accurate as the pen plotter. The electrostatic copier consists
of a series of wire styli mounted on a bar which spans the width of the charge sensitive paper.
The styli have a density of up to 200 per linear inch. The paper is gradually moved past the
bar and certain styli are activated to place dots on the paper by coordinating the generation of
the dots with the paper travel. The image is progressively transferred from the database into
hardcopy form. The dots overlap each other slightly to achieve continuity. For example, a
series of adjacent dots gives the appearance of a continuous line.
A limitation of the electrostatic plotter is that the data must be in the raster format (i.e., in the
same format used to drive the raster-type CRT) in order to be readily converted into hardcopy
using the electrostatic method. If the data are not in raster format, some type of conversion is
required to change them into the required format. The conversion mechanism is usually based
on a combination of software and hardware.
An advantage of the electrostatic plotter, which is shared, with the drum type pen plotter is
that the length of the paper is virtually unlimited. Typical plotting widths might be up to 6 ft
(1.83 m). Another advantage is that the electrostatic plotter can be utilized as a high-speed
line printer, capable of up to 1200 lilies of text per minute.
(d) Printer
Printers are used to produce paper (commonly known as hardcopy) output. Based on the
technology used, they can be classified as Impact or Non-impact printers. Impact printers use
the typewriting printing mechanism wherein a hammer strikes the paper through a ribbon in
order to produce output. Dot-matrix and character printers fall under this category. Nonimpact printers do not touch the paper while printing. They use chemical, heat or electrical
signals to etch the symbols on paper. Inkjet, Deskjet, Laser, Thermal printers fall under this
category of printers. There are two basic qualities associated with printers: resolution, and
speed. Print resolution is measured in terms of number of dots per inch (dpi). Print speed is
measured in terms of number of characters printed in a unit of time and is represented as
characters-per-second (cps), lines-per-minute (lpm), or pages-per-minute (ppm).
(e) Computer output to Microfilm (COM) Units
COM units reproduce the drawings on microfilm rather than as full size engineering
drawings. It is an expensive piece of equipment. However, for the large corporation able to
afford a COM unit, there are several important advantages. One advantage is storage
capability. A large engineering department may have tens of thousands of engineering
drawings to be stored. Reducing the size of each drawing to microfilm achieves a significant
storage benefit. If a full size bard copy drawing is ever required, the microfilm can be easily
retrieved to be photographically enlarged to full size. Another advantage is speed COM units
produce a microfilm copy much faster than a pen plotter, perhaps several hundred times
faster for a complicated line drawing. Computer output to microfilm is also faster than
electrostatic plotters. Disadvantages of the COM process are that the user cannot write notes
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on the microfilm as is possible with a paper copy. Also enlargements of the microfilm onto
paper, although adequate, are not of as high quality as the output from a pen plotter.
2.6 SOFTWARE FOR GRAPHIC SYSTEM
CAD software provides engineers with the tools needed to perform their technical jobs
efficiently and free them from the tedious and lime consuming tasks that require little or no
technical expertise. Experience has shown that CAD software speeds the design process,
therefore increasing productivity, innovation and creativity of designers. In some design
cases such as VLSI, CAD software bas provided the only means to meet the new
technological design and production requirements of increased accuracy and uniformity. The
need for the software in the future will be even greater due to the expected intricate design
and manufacturing requirements.
An investigation of existing software in general reveals that it has common characteristics
regardless of the hardware it runs on. It is an interactive program typically written in a
standard programming language. It is hardware-dependent and seems different to the user
from conventional software due to the user interface. The database structure and database
management system of the software determines its quality, speed and ease of information
retrieval.
The most important characteristic of CAD software is its fully three-dimensional, associative,
centralized and integrated database. Such a database is always rich in information needed for
both the design and manufacturing processes. The centralized concept implies that any
change in or addition to a geometric model in one of its views is automatically reflected in
the existing views or any views that may be defined later. The integrated concept implies that
a geometric model of an object can be utilized in all various phases of a product cycle. The
associativity concept implies that input information can be retrieved in various forms. For
example, if the two end points of a line are input the line length and its dimension can be
output.
CAD software is typically a large complex program that has been developed over the years.
Users of the software are usually faced with learning its related semantics and syntax of its
user interface. Semantics specifies how the software functions and what information is
needed for each operation on an object. For example, a block requires three lengths and an
orientation to create.
Syntax defines the formats of inputs and outputs. It is considered the grammar of the
software. It specifies the rules that users must follow to achieve the desired semantics.
Performance is another common characteristic of software. The larger the number of
interactive users, the longer the interactive response time. The software occasionally "locks"
and ceases to respond to or accept user commands. This is typically referred to as "system
crash". When this happens, the user looses me work performed after me last filing or save
command is issued and rebooting the system is required. This is why users are always
advised to file or save their work frequently.
2.6.1 Graphics Software
The graphics software is the collection of programs written to make it convenient for a user to
operate the computer graphics system. It includes programs to generate images on the CRT
screen, to manipulate the images and to accomplish various types of interaction between the
user and the system. In addition to the graphics software there may be additional programs
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for implementing certain specialized functions related to CAD/CAM. This includes design
analysis programs (e.g. finite element analysis and kinematic simulation) and manufacturing
planning programs (e.g. automated process planning and numerical control part
programming).
The graphics software for a particular computer graphics system is very much a function of
the type of hardware used in the system. The software must be written specifically for the
type of CRT and the types of input devices used in the system. The details of the software for
a stroke writing CRT would be different than for a raster scan CRT. The differences between
storage tube and a refresh tube would also influence the graphics software. Although these
differences in software may be invisible to the user to some extent, they are important
considerations in the design of an interactive computer graphics system. Newman and Sproull
listed six "ground rules" that should be considered ill designing graphics software.
Simplicity. The graphics software should be easy to use.
Consistency. The package should operate ill a consistent and predictable way to the
user.
Completeness. There should be no inconvenient omissions in the set of graphics
functions.
Robustness. The graphics system should be tolerant of minor instances of misuse by
the operator.
Performance. Within limitations imposed by the system hardware, the performance
should be exploited as much as possible by software. Graphics programs should be
efficient and speed of response should be fast and consistent.
Economy: Graphics programs should not be so large or expensive as to make their
use prohibitive.
Software Configuration of a Graphics System
In the operation of the graphics system by the user, a variety of activities takes place which
can be divided into three categories:
Interact with the graphics terminal to create and alter images on the screen.
Construct a model of something physical out of the images on the screen. The models
are sometimes called application models.
Enter the model into computer memory and/or secondary storage.
In working with the graphics system, the user performs these various activities in
combination rather than sequentially. The user constructs a physical model and inputs it to
memory by interactively describing images to the system. The reason for separating these
activities in this fashion is that they correspond to the general configuration of the software
package used with the interactive computer graphics system. The graphics software can be
divided into three modules according to a conceptual model suggested by Foley and Van
Dam,
The graphics package (also called the graphics system)
The application program
The application database
This software configuration is illustrated in Figure 2.13. The central module is the application
program. It controls the storage of data into and retrieves data out of the application database.
The application program is driven by the user through the graphics package which is also
known as the graphics system.

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Figure 2.13 Model of graphics software configuration

The application program is implemented by the user to construct the model of a physical
entity whose image is to be viewed on the graphics screen. Application programs are written
for particular problem areas. Problem areas in engineering design would include architecture,
construction, mechanical components, electronics, chemical engineering and aerospace
engineering. Problem areas other than design would include flight simulators, graphical
display of data, mathematical analysis and even art work. In each case, the application
software is developed to deal with images and conventions which are appropriate for that
field.
The graphics package is the software support between the user and the graphics terminal. It
manages the graphical interaction between the user and the system. It also serves as the
interface between the user and the application software. The graphics package consists of
input subroutines and output subroutines. The input routines accept input commands and data
from the user and forward them to the application program. The output subroutines control
the display terminal and convert the application models into two-dimensional or threedimensional graphical pictures.
The third module in the ICG software is the database. The database contains mathematical,
numerical and logical definitions of the application models such as electronic circuits,
mechanical components, automobile bodies and so on. It also includes alphanumeric
information associated with the models, such as bills of materials, mass properties and other
data. The contents of the database can be readily displayed on the CRT or plotted out in the
hard copy form.
2.6.2 Functions of a graphics package
The function of the graphics software for a CAD system is to provide graphics capabilities so
that the various applications can make use of them to help solve design problems. As a result
of this objective, the graphics software has to be written and organized into a structure that is
sufficient to meet the requirements of many different and diverse applications of CAD. A
graphics package should essentially provide a system for handling user actions, a set of basic
graphic functions and utilities and a system for the operation of application programs. It is of
paramount importance that a graphics package be designed in such a manner as to allow
applications systems to be incorporated into the CAD system without the application
programmer having to be concerned with low-level data, detail system programming or
peripheral handling.

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To fulfil its role in the software configuration, the graphics package must perform a variety of
different functions. These functions can be grouped into function sets. Each set accomplishes
a certain kind of interaction between the user and the system. Some of the common function
sets are:
(a) Generation of graphic elements
(b) Transformations
(c) Display control and windowing functions
(d) Segmenting functions
(e) User input functions
(a) Generation of graphics elements
A graphic element in computer graphics is a basic image entity such as a dot (or point), line
segment, circle and so on. The collection of elements in the system could also include
alphanumeric characters and special symbols. There is often a special hardware component in
the graphic system associated with the display of many of the elements. This speeds up the
process of generating the element. The user can construct the application model out of a
collection of elements available in the system. The term primitive is often used in reference to
graphic elements. Accordingly, a primitive is a three-dimensional graphic element such as a
sphere, cube or cylinder. In three-dimensional wire frame models and solid modelling,
primitives are used as building blocks to construct the 3D model of the particular object of
interest to the user.
(b) Transformations
Transformations are used to change the image on the display screen and to reposition the item
in the database. Transformations are applied to the graphic elements in order to aid the user in
constructing an application model.
The geometry traditionally followed is the Euclidean geometry. In the traditional sense we
follow the Cartesian coordinate system specified by the X, Y and Z coordinate directions. The
three axes are mutually perpendicular and would follow the right hand system. In handling of
geometrical information, many a times it becomes necessary to transform the geometry. The
transformations actually convert the geometry from one coordinate system to the other. These
transformations include enlargement and reduction of the image by a process called scaling,
repositioning the image or translation and rotation.
(c) Display control and windowing functions
This function set provides the user with the ability to view the image from the desired angle
and at the desired magnification. In effect it makes use of various transformations to display
the application model the way the user wants it shown. This is sometimes referred to as
windowing because the graphic screen is like a window being used to observe the graphics
model. The notion is that the window can be placed wherever desired in order to look at the
object being modelled.
Another aspect of display control is bidden line removal. In most graphic systems, the image
is made up of lines used to represent a particular object. Hidden line removal is the procedure
by which the image is divided into its visible and invisible (or hidden) lines. In some systems,
the user must identify which lines are invisible so that they can be removed from tile image to
make it more understandable. In other systems the graphics package is sufficiently
sophisticated to remove the hidden lines from the picture automatically.

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(d) Segmenting functions

Segmenting functions provide users with the capability to selectively replace, delete or
otherwise modify portions of the image. The term segment refers to a particular portion of the
image which has been identified for purposes of modifying it. The segment may define a
single element or logical grouping of elements that can be modified as a unit.
Storage type CRT tubes are unsuited to segmenting functions. To delete or modify a portion
of the image on a storage tube requires erasing the entire picture and redrawing it with the
changes incorporated. Raster scan refresh tubes are ideally suited to segmenting functions
because the screen is automatically redrawn 30 or more times per second. The image is
regenerated each cycle from a display file, a file used for storage that is pan of the hardware
in the raster scan CRT. The segment can readily be defined as a portion of that display file by
giving it a name. The contents of that portion of the file would then be deleted or altered to
execute the particular segmenting function.
(e) User input functions
User input functions constitute a critical set of functions in the graphics package because they
permit the operator to enter commands or data to the system. The entry is accomplished by
means of operator input devices. The user input functions must of course be written
specifically for the particular component of input devices used on the system. The extent to
which the user input functions are well designed has a significant effect on how "friendly" the
system is to the user, that is how easy it is to work on the system.
The input functions should be written to maximize the benefits of the interactive feature of
lCG. The software design compromise is to find the optimum balance between providing
enough functions to conveniently cover all data entry situations without flooding the user
with so many commands that they cannot remember. One of the goals that are sought after by
software designers in computer graphics is to simplify the user interface so that a designer
with little or no programming experience can function effectively on the system.
2.6.3 Constructing the geometry
(a) The use of graphics elements
The graphics system accomplishes the definition of the model by constructing it out of
graphic elements. These elements are called by the user during the construction process and
added one by one to create the model. There are several aspects about this construction
process which will be discussed.
First, as each new element is being called but before it is added to the model, the user can
specify its size, its position and its orientation. These specifications are necessary to form the
model to the proper shape and scale. For this purpose the various transformations are utilized.
A second aspect of the geometric construction process is that graphics elements can be
subtracted as well as added. Another way of saying this is that the model can be formed out
of negative elements as well as positive elements.
Figure 2.14 illustrates this construction feature for a two-dimensional object, C. The object is
drawn by subtracting circle B from rectangle A.

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Figure 2.14 2D model construction by subtraction of Circle B from rectangle A

(b) Defining the graphics elements
The user has a variety of different ways to call a particular graphic element and position it on
the geometric model. Table 2.2 lists several ways of defining points, lines, arcs, circles and
other components of geometry through interaction with the ICG system. These components
are maintained in the database in the mathematical form and referenced to a threedimensional coordinate system. For example, a point would be defined simply by its x, y and
z coordinates.
A polygon would be defined as an ordered set of points representing the corners of the
polygon. A circle would be defined by its centre and radius. Mathematically, a circle can be
defined in the x, y plane by the equation:
( x m)2 ( y n)2 r 2
(1)
This specifies that the radius of the circle is r and the x and y of the centre are m and n. In
each case, the mathematical definition can be converted into its corresponding edges and
surfaces for filing in the database and display on the CRT screen.
Table 2.2 Methods of Defining Elements in Interactive Computer Graphics
Points
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Pointing to the location on the screen by means of cursor control

Entering the coordinates via the alphanumeric keyboard
Entering the offset (distance in x, y and z) from a previously defined point
The intersection of two points
Locating points at fixed intervals along an element

Lines
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Using two previously defined points

Using one point and specifying the angle of the line with the horizontal
Using a point and making the line either normal or tangent to a curve
Using a point and making the line either parallel or perpendicular to another point
Making the line tangent to two curves
Making the line tangent to a curve and parallel or perpendicular to a line

Arcs and Circles

1. Specifying the center and the radius.
2. Specifying the center and a point on the circle
3. Making the curve pass through three previously defined points
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4. Making the curve tangent to three lines

5. Specifying the radius and making the curve tangent to two lines or curves
Conics
1. Specifying five points on the element
2. Specifying three points and a tangency condition
Curves
Mathematical splines are used to fit a curve through given data. For example, in a cubic
spline, third-order polynomial segments are fined between each pair of adjacent data points.
Other curve generating techniques used in computer graphics include Bezier curves and Bspline methods. Both of these methods use a blending procedure which smoothens the effect
of the data points. The resulting curve does not pass through all the points. In these cases the
data points would be entered to the graphics system and the type of curve-fining technique
would be specified for determining the curve.
Surfaces
The methods described for generating curves can also be used for determining the
mathematical definition of a surface. Automobile manufacturers use these methods to
represent the sculptured surfaces of the sheet metal car body. Some of the methods for
generating surfaces include:
1. Using a surface of revolution formed by rotating any lines and/or curves around a
specific axis.
2. Using the intersection line or surface of two intersecting surfaces. For example, this
could be used to generate cross sections of parts, by slicing a plane through the part
at the desired orientation.
(c) Editing the geometry
A computer-aided design system provides editing capabilities to make corrections and
adjustments in the geometric model. When developing the model the user must be able to
delete, move, copy and rotate components of the model. The editing procedure involves
selecting the desired portion of the model (usually by means of one of the segmenting
functions) and executing the appropriate command (often involving one of the transformation
functions).
The method of selecting the segment of the model to be modified varies from system to
system with cursor control, a common method is for a rectangle to be formed on the CRT
screen around the model segment. The rectangle is defined by entering the upper left and
lower right corners of the rectangle. Another method involving a light pen is to place the pen
over the component to be selected with the electronic pen and tablet, the method might be to
stroke a line across the portion of the model which is to be altered.
The computer must somehow indicate to the user which portion of the model has been
selected. The reason for this is verification that the portion selected by the computer is what
the user intended various techniques are used by different ICG systems to identify the
segment. These include: placing a mark on the segment, making the segment brighter than the
rest of the image and making the segment blink.
Some common editing capabilities available in commercial CAD systems are as follows:
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1. Move an item to another location. This involves the translation of the item from one
location to another.
2. Duplicate an item at another location. The copy function is similar to the move
function except that it preserves a copy of the item at its original location.
3. Rotate an item. This is the rotation transformation, in which the item is rotated
through a specified angle from its original orientation.
4. Mirror an item. This creates a mirror image of the item about a specified plane.
5. Delete an item. This function causes me selected segment of the model to be
removed from the screen and from the database.
6. Remove an item from the display (without deleting it from the database). This
removes the particular segment from the current image on the screen. However, it is
not removed from tile database. Therefore, repainting the screen from the database
will cause the segment to reappear.
7. Trim a line or other component. This function would remove the portion of the line
that extends beyond a certain point.
8. Create a cell out of graphic elements. This feature provides the capability to
construct a cell cut of selected elements. The cell can then be added to the model in
any orientation as needed.
9. Scale an item. A selected component can be scaled by a specified factor in x, y, and z
directions. The entire size of the model can be scaled, or it can be scaled in only one
or two directions.
2.6.4 Transformations
(a) Two Dimensional (2D)
(i) Translation
It is the most common and easily understood transformation in CAD. This moves a geometric
entity in space in such a way that the new entity is parallel at all points to the old entity. A
representation of an object is shown in Figure 2.15. Let us now consider a point on the object,
represented by P which is translated along X and Y axes by dX and dY to a new position
P' . The new coordinates after transformation are given by following equations.
P' [ x' , y ' ]
(2)
'
x xm
(3)
'
y yn
(4)

Figure 2.15 Translation of a point

Putting equations (3) & (4) back into equations (2);

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 x' x m
P'

y ' y n

(5)

x' x m x m
P'

y ' y n y n

(6)

In matrix notation this can be represented as;

( x ' , y ' ) ( x, y ) T

(7)
(8)

Where, T (m, n)

(ii) Rotation
The final position and orientation of a geometric entity is decided by the angle of rotation ()
and the base point about which the rotation is to be done (Figure 2.16). For a positive angle
the rotation is counterclockwise.

Figure 2.16 Rotation transformation

To develop the transformation matrix for transformation, consider a point P located in XY
plane, being rotated in the counter clockwise direction to the new position, P' by an angle ()
as shown in Figure 2.16. The new position P' is given by;
P' [ x' , y ' ]

From the following figure, the original position is specified by;

x r cos
y r sin

The new position, P' is specified by;

x ' r cos( ) r cos cos r sin sin x cos y sin
y ' r sin( ) r sin cos r cos sin x sin y cos

This can be written in matrix form as;

x' cos sin x
P'

'
y sin cos y

(9)
cos sin
.
sin cos

Or, P' ( x' , y ' ) R where R is the rotation matrix given by

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(iii) Scaling
Scaling is the transformation applied to enlarge or reduce the size of an entity. The size is
altered as per the by the scaling factor applied. For Example, in Figure 2.17, to achieve
scaling, the original coordinates would be multiplied uniformly by the scaling factor.

Figure 2.17 Scaling transformation

m 0
( x' , y ' ) ( x, y) S , where, S is the scaling matrix given by
.
0 n

This would produce an alteration in the size of the element by the factor m in the x-direction
and by the factor n in the y-direction. It has also the effect of repositioning the element with
respect to the Cartesian system origin. If the scaling factors are less than 1, the size of the
element is reduced and it moves closer to the origin. If the scaling factors are larger than 1,
the element is enlarged and moves farther from the origin.
(b) Three Dimensional (3D)
Transformations by matrix method can be extended to three-dimensional space. The notations
are same as two-dimension case.
(i) Translation
The translation matrix for a point can be defined in three-dimension would be
T= (m, n, p)
and would be applied by adding the increments m, n and p to the respective coordinates of
each of the points defining the three-dimensional geometry element.
(ii) Rotation
Rotation in three-dimension can be defined for each of the axes. Rotation about the z axis by
an angle is accomplished by the matrix
cos
Rz sin
0

sin
cos
0

0
0
1

Rotation about the y axis by an angle is accomplished similarly.

cos
Ry 0
sin

0 sin
0
0 cos

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Rotation about the x axis by an angle is accomplished by the following transform matrix.
0
1
Rx 0 cos
0 sin

0
sin
cos

(iii) Scaling
The scaling transformation is given by;
m 0
S 0 n
0 0

0
0
p

For equal value of m, n, and p the scaling is linear.

(c) Concatenation
Many a times it becomes necessary to combine the aforementioned individual
transformations in order to achieve the required results. In such cases the combined
transformation matrix can be obtained by multiplying the respective transformation matrices.
However, care should to be taken that the order of the matrix multiplication be done in the
same way as that of the transformations as follows.
P ' Tn
(10)
Tn 1
Tn 2 .........T3 T2 T1
(d) Homogeneous transformation
In order to concatenate the transformation as shown in equation (10), all the transformation
matrices should be multiplicative type. However, as seen earlier, the translation matrix is
vector additive, while all others are matrix multiplications. The following form should be
used to convert the translation into a multiplication form.
x ' 1 0 m x

P' y ' 0 1 n y
0 0 1 1

1

(11)

Hence the translation matrix in multiplication form can be given as

1 0 m
T 0 1 n
0 0 1

(12)

This is termed as homogeneous representation. In homogeneous representation, an

n-dimensional space is mapped into (n + 1) dimensional space. Thus a two dimensions point
[x y] is represented in three dimensions as [x y 1].
2.6.5 Wireframe model versus solid model
(a) Wireframe Model
Wireframe modeling is one of the methods used in geometric modelling. A wireframe model
represents the shape of a solid object with its characteristic lines and points, there is no skin
defining the area between the edges. The model contains information about the locations of
all the points (vertices) and edges in space coordinates. Each vertex is defined by x, y, z
coordinates. Edges are defined by a pair of vertices. Faces are defined as three or more edges.
The model consists entirely of points, lines, arcs and circles, conics, and curves. The word
wireframe is related to the fact that one may imagine a wire that is bent to follow the object
edges to generate a model.
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Methods for creating 3D wireframe

1. Extrusion is a technique for creating a 3D wire-frame model by copying a 2D profile
and extending it to a depth defined by the operator. The result is a 3D wireframe of
the profile.
2. Rotation produces wire-frame models by rotating a cross section or profile of the part
about an axis. It is similar to extrusion except it is swept about an axis.
3. Extrusion with scale technique consists of defining the depth along with the facility of
enlarging scale uniformly.
4. Using primitive shapes to build models.
Advantages of Wireframe model:
1. Simple to construct, retrieving and editing can be done easily.
2. Designer needs little training.
3. System needs little memory and also take less manipulation time.
4. Best suitable for manipulations as orthographic isometric and perspective views and
quickly and efficiently convey information than multi-view drawings.
5. Can be used for finite element analysis.
6. Can be used as input for CNC machines to generate simple parts.
7. Contain most of the information needed to create surface, solid and higher order
models.
Disadvantages of Wireframe model:
1. Image causes confusion.
2. Cannot get required information from this model.
3. Hidden line removal features not available.
4. Not possible for volume and mass calculation, NC programming cross sectioning etc.
5. Not suitable to represent complex surfaces and solids.
6. Do not represent an actual solids (no surface and volume).
7. Cannot be used to calculate dynamic properties
(b) Solid Model
An improvement over wire-frame models, both in terms of realism to the user and definition
to the computer, is the solid modeling approach. In this approach, the models are displayed as
solid objects to the viewer, with very little risk of misinterpretation. A solid model can be
used to analyze the moment of inertia, mass, volume, sections of the model, etc. Solid models
are mathematical models of objects in the real world that satisfy specific properties, listed
below.
1. Bounded: The boundary must limit and contain the interior of the solid.
2. Homogeneously Three-Dimensional: No dangling edges or faces be present so that
the boundary is always in contact with the interior of the solid.
3. Finite: The solid must be finite in size.
In engineering, a solid model is used for the following applications:
1. Graphics: generating drawings, surface and solid models
2. Design: Mass property calculation, interference analysis, finite element modeling,
kinematics and mechanism analysis, animation, etc.
3. Manufacturing: Tool path generation and verification, process planning, dimension
inspection, tolerance and surface finish.
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4. Component Assembly: Application to robotics and flexible manufacturing:

Assembly planning, vision algorithm, kinematics and dynamics driven by solid
models.
A solid model can be generated by the following schemes.
(a) Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG)
(b) Boundary Representation (B-Rep)
(c) Sweeping
(a) Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG)
Constructive solid geometry (CSG) is often referred to as a building block approach, the
building blocks in question being the higher-level graphics primitives bases on the rules of
Boolean operations. The operators commonly used are union (U), difference (-), and
intersection (). The union operator joins two primitives; thus, the union of the cylinder. A
with the plate B creates the vane in Figure 2.18(a). The difference operator subtracts one
primitive from the other, thus A-B yields the fork shown in Figure 2.18(b). In other words, A
- B = (Volume of object A) - (Volume common to A and B).

Figure 2.18 Constructive solid geometry

The intersection operator eliminates all parts of the primitives except the regions that are
common to both; thus AB results in the piece shown in Figure 2.18(c). As a first step
towards modeling, appropriate primitive are selected from the menu. A typical assortment of
primitive is shown in Figure 2.19. The primitives are then subjected to some unary operations
such as, scaling, rotating, translating and mirroring. Two or more of the primitives thus
created are then operated on to form a new primitive.

Figure 2.19 CAD primitives

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Since CSG uses solid primitives, internal details of the object are automatically contained in
the model. These models can be sanctioned to study internal details and may be used for
calculating mass, volume, moment of inertia etc. The drawback of this modeling scheme is
the limited number of pattern primitive and available to the user. CATIA (DS) and
UNISOLIDS (McDonnell Douglas) are examples of CSG based solid modelers.
One of the main problems of set-theoretic modelling (CSG) is in achieving the efficient
calculation of the intersections between the elements of the model. For complex models with
many instances of primitives this can be very computationally intensive. The intensity of this
task may be reduced by such means as spatial division of the model such that intersections
are only tested for primitives in proximity to each other.
(b) Boundary Representation (B-Rep)
This scheme is based on the concept that a physical object is bounded by a set of faces. A
solid model is created by combining faces and contains vertices, edges, loops, and bodies.
Only the boundary surfaces of the model are stored and the volumetric properties are
calculated by the Gauss Divergence theorem, which relates volume integral to surface
integrals. This scheme can model a variety of solids depending on the primitive surfaces
(planar, curved, or sculptured). There are two types of solid models in this scheme:
1. Polyhedral solids
2. Curved solids
1. Polyhedral Solids: Polyhedral models consist of straight edges, e.g., a non-cylindrical
surface: box, wedge, combination of two or more non-cylindrical bodies, etc. Polyhedral
solids can have blind or through holes, and two or three-dimensional faces, with no dangling
edges. A valid polyhedral abides by the Eulers equation:
F E + V L = 2 (B-G)
Where,
F = Face
E = Edge
V = Vertices
L = Inner Loop
B = Bodies
G = Through holes
A simple polyhedral has no holes; each face is bounded by a single set of connected edges
(bounded by one loop of edges). Eulers equation for a simple polyhedral can be reduced to:
F-E+V=2
Example: For the box shown, F = 6, E = 12, and V = 8
Examples of other types of polyhedral are shown below.

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2. Curved Solids: A curved solid is similar to a polyhedral object but it has curved faces and
edges. Spheres and cylinders are examples of curved solids.

Primitives: In B-rep, a model is made up of the following primitives:

Vertex: A point in space
Edge: A finite, no-intersecting space curve bounded by two vertices that are not
necessarily distinct.
Face: A finite connected, non-self-intersecting, region of a closed oriented surface,
bounded by one or more loops.
Loop: An ordered alternating sequence of vertices and edges. A loop defines a nonself-intersecting closed space curve, which may be a boundary of a face.
Body: Entity that has faces, edges and vertices. A minimum body is a point.
(c) Sweeping
Sweeping can create a solid model. The method is useful for creating 2 -dimension models.
The generated models are axisymmetric and have uniform thickness (i.e., extruded models).
There are two types of sweeps: linear and rotational. In linear sweep, a closed 2-D sketch is
extruded through the desired length, creating a homogeneous and axisymmetric model, as
shown in the Figure 2.20. In rotational sweep, a closed sketch is rotated around an axis. The
generated model is always axisymmetric.

Figure 2.20 Sweeping scheme

In addition to the two sweeps described above, a model can also be created by a nonlinear
sweep. In this type of sweep, a closed sketch is swept along a non-linear path.

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2.7 GRAPHICS STANDARDS

CAD/CAM software may be perceived as an application program supported by a graphics
system as shown in Figure 2.21. The graphics system performs all related graphics
techniques. In the actual source code of the application program, the graphics system is
embedded in the form of subroutine calls. Therefore, software becomes inevitably devicedependent. If input/output devices change or become obsolete, its related software becomes
obsolete as well unless significant resources are dedicated to modify such software. This
approach was very costly to both CAD/CAM vendors as well as users.
Application
Data Structure/
Model

Application
Programme

Graphics
System

Input/output
Device

(a) Without graphics standard

Graphics System

Application
Data Structure/
Model

Application
Programme

Kernel
(core)
system

Device
Handler/Driver

Input/output
Device

(b) Graphics standard

Figure 2.21 Organization of a typical CAD/CAM Software

The needs for graphics standards were obvious and were acknowledged by the CAD/CAM
community-both vendors and users. The following are some of these needs:
1. Application program portability. This avoids hardware dependence of the program.
For example, if the program is written originally for a DVST display, it can be
transported to support it raster display with minimal effort.
2. Picture data portability. Description and storage of pictures should be independent
of different graphics devices.
3. Text portability. This ensures that text associated with graphics can be presented in
an independent form of hardware.
4. Object database portability. While the above needs concern CAD/CAM vendors,
transporting design and manufacturing (product specification) data from one system
to another is of interest to CAD/CAM users. In some cases, a company might need to
ship a CAD database of a specific design to an outside vendor to manufacture and
produce the product.
With the above needs in mind, the search for standards began in 1974 and the GSPC
(Graphics Standards Planning Committee) was formed to address the standards issue. The
focus of standards is that the application program should be device-independent and should
interface to any input device through a device handler and to any graphics display through a
device driver. This leads to the conceptual organization of CAD/CAM software as shown in
Figure 2.21.

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The graphics system is divided into two parts: the kernel, (core) system, which is hardwareindependent and the. Device handler/driver, which is naturally hardware-dependent. The
kernel system, therefore, acts as a buffer between the application program and the specific
hardware to ensure the independence and portability of the program. At interface A in the
figure, the application program calls the standard functions and subroutines provided by the
kernel system through what is called language bindings. These functions and subroutines, in
turn, call the device handler/driver functions and subroutines at interface B to complete the
task required by the application program.
CAD/CAM software can now serve several hardware generations. It is also portable from one
graphics system to another. Application and system programmers also become portable and
can move from one system to another. Moreover, if a device becomes obsolete or a new one
is to be supported, only the device handler/driver is to be written or modified. This is possible
because the kernel system works with virtual devices.
The search for standards that began in 1974 continued both at the USA and international
levels. In 1977 and 1979 the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) SigGraph group
published two landmark reports (not formal standard) on the core system. Core was never
standards but influenced many related efforts. In 1981 the GSPC disbanded and the ANSI
(American National Standards Institute) has formed the Technical Committee on Computer
Graphics Languages, X3H3, to produce a standardized core of device-independent computer
graphics functions. At the international level, similar efforts to that of the GSPC were
directed by the ISO (International Standards Organization). The technical work was led by
the German Standards Institute (GIN) and resulted in the GKS (Graphics Kernel System).
GKS has been adopted by the USA with the ANSI version having four output levels instead
of three.
As a result of these worldwide efforts, various standards functioning at various levels of the
graphics system shown in Figure 2.21 exist. These are:
1. GKS is an ANSI and ISO standard. It is device-independent, host-system independent
and application-independent. It supports both two-dimensional and three-dimensional
data and viewing. It interfaces the application program with the graphics support
package.
2. PHIGS (Programmer's Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System) is intended to
support high function workstations and their related CAD/CAM applications. The
significant extensions it offers beyond GKS-3D are in supporting segmentation used
to display graphics and the dynamic ability to modify segment contents and relations
hips. PHIGS operates at the same level as GKS (interface A).
3. VDM (Virtual Device Metafile) defines the functions needed to describe a picture.
Such description can be stored or transmitted from one graphics device to another. It
functions at the level just above device drivers. VDM is now called CGM (Computer
Graphics Metafile).
4. VDI (Virtual Device Interface) lies between GKS or PHIGS and the device
handler/driver code (interface B in Fig. 3.2h). Thus VDI is the lowest device
independent interface in a graphics system. It shares many characteristics with CGM.
VDI is designed to interface plotters to GKS or PHIGS. It is not suitable to interface
intelligent workstations. It is also not well matched to a distributed or network
environment. VDI is now called CGI (Computer Graphics Interface).

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5. IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) was approved in September 1981 as

the ANSI Standard YI4.26M. It enables an exchange of model data bases among
CAD/CAM systems. IGES functions at the level of the object database or application
data structure.
6. NAPLPS (North American Presentation-Level Protocol Syntax) was accepted by
Canada and ANSI in 1983. It describes text and graphics in the form of sequences of
bytes in ASCII code.
Various CAD/CAM users and application or system programmers may be interested in one or
more of the above standards. Awareness of these standards can be used as a guideline in
evaluating various CAD/CAM systems. For example, mechanical design requires threedimensional modeling. Therefore, a system that supports GKS-3D or PHIGS is required.
However, for two-dimensional applications such as VLSI design, GKS-2D is adequate. In
addition, the future needs of the system must also be considered to avoid locking the system
into software that will be unnecessarily difficult to upgrade over the coming years. Finally,
knowledge of these standards and their functions might stimulate engineers to think of
developing design and manufacturing standards, through engineering organizations and
enforce them on CAD/CAM vendors.
2.8 DATABASE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
2.8.1 Data Structure
Formally a data structure is defined as a set of data items or elements that are related to each
other by a set of relations. Applying these relations to the elements of the set results in a
meaningful object. From a CAD/CAM point of view, a data structure is a scheme, logic, or a
sequence of steps developed to achieve a certain graphics, non-graphics and/or a
programming goal.
As an example consider the object shown in Figure 2.22. Three different types of data
structures have been identified to construct the object. They are based on edges, vertices, or
blocks. Within the context of the above formal definition of a data structure, the set of edges,
vertices, or blocks is the set of data items for each type and edges, vertices, or blocks are the
data items themselves. Furthermore, the connectivity vertices for the first type, the edge
information for the second and the set operators for the third form the set of relations required
by each type. As an example, 1, A & B in Figure 2.22 (b) indicates that vertex 1 is shared by
edges A and B while in Figure 2.22(c) A, 1& 4 indicates that edge A has the two vertices
1and 4.
2.8.2 Database
The term "database" is commonly used and may mean different things to different users.
Casually, it is synonymous with the terms "files" and "collection of files." Formally, a
database is defined as an organized collection of graphics and non-graphics data stored on
secondary storage in the computer. It could, therefore, be viewed as the art of storing or the
implementation of data structure into the computer. Hence, it is a repository for stored data.
From a software development point of view, a decision on the data structure has to be made
first, followed by a choice of a database to implement such a structure. There may exist more
than one alternative of database to implement a given data structure.

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The objective of a database is to collect and maintain data in a central storage so that it will
be available for operations and decision-making. The advantages that accrue from having
centralized control of the data, or a centralized database, is manifold:
A
1
4
5

B1

B2

(a) Object

Set of edges

1,A&B 2,B&C 3,C&D 4,A&D 5,E 6,E&F

7,F&G 8,G

Connectivity vertices
(b) Data Structure based on edges

(c) Set of vertices

A,1&4 B,1&2

C,2&3 D,3&4 F,6&7

7,F&G G,7&8

Edge information
Data Structure based on vertices

B1 B2

UNION

Set of blocks

Set operator
(d) Data Structure based on blocks

Figure 2.22 Various data structures of an object

1. Eliminate Redundancy. This is important for integrated CAD/CAM functions and
CIM applications. The database should be rich enough to support all various phases of
product design and manufacturing. If both design and manufacturing departments, for
example, have access to the same database, inconsistent and conflicting decisions are
inherently eliminated and data is shared by all applications. Thus, engineering assets
and experiences of a company can be captured in a database and modified for new
product designs.
2. Enforce Standards. With central control of the database, both national and
international standards are followed. Dimensioning and tolerancing are examples. In
addition, a company can develop its own internal standards required by various
departments. Standards are desirable for data interchange or migration between
systems.

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3. Apply Security Restrictions. Access to sensitive data and projects can be checked
and controlled by assigning each user the proper access code (read, write, delete, copy
and/or none) to various parts of the database.
4. Maintain Integrity. The integrity of the database ensures its accuracy, Integrity
precedes consistency. Lack of database integrity can result in inputting inconsistent
data.
5. Balance Conflicting Requirements. Compromises can easily be when designing a
model of the centralized database to provide its overall best performance. If, for
example, a software is designed solely for design and modeling, one would expect
inadequate performance in manufacturing functions.
2.8.2 Database models
CAD/CAM databases must be able to store pictorial data in addition to and alphanumeric
data typically stored in conventional databases. A brief description of the popular database
models is provided below:
1. Relational Database. Data is stored in tables, called relations that related to each
other. The relations are stored in files which can be accessed sequentially or in a
random access mode. Sequential access files are widely used. As an example, the
relations needed to describe the object in Figure 2.22 are shown in Figure 2.23. The
object is represented by the three relations POINT, LINE/CURVE and SURFACE. A
particular data structure shown in Figure 2.22 determines which relations are to be
entered by the user and which are be calculated automatically. One of the
disadvantages of the database is that it requires substantial sorting, which might result
in the system response to user commands.
Point x y
1
x1 y1
2
x2 y2
3
x3 y3
4
x4 y4
5
x5 y5
6
x6 y6
7
x7 y7
8
x8 y8
Relation POINT

Line

Start End
Surface Line/Curve
Point Point
A
A
1
4
B
1
B
1
2
C
C
2
3
D
D
3
4
E
E
5
6
F
2
F
7
7
G
G
7
8
D
Relation LINE/CURVE Relation SURFACE

Type
Line
Line
Line
Line
Line
Line
Line
Line

Figure 2.23 Relational database of object shown in figure 2.22

2. Hierarchical Database. In this model, data is represented by a structure. The top of
the tree is usually known as the "root" and the superior for hierarchy, of the tree levels
relative to each other descends from the down. Figure 2.24 shows a hierarchical
database of the object shown in Figure 2.22. Four levels are required to represent the
object completely. One of drawbacks of the hierarchical approach is the asymmetry of
the tree which forces database programmers to devote time and effort to problems,
introduced by the hierarchical approach, which are not to the object modeling itself.

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Object (root)

Edge level

Vertex level

Coordinate
level

S2

S1

Surface level

x1

y1

G D

x4

y4

x5

y5

x4

y4

Figure 2.24 Hierarchical database of object shown in figure 2.22

3. Network Database. The network approach permits modeling of many-to-many
correspondence more directly than the hierarchical approaches. Figure 2.25 shows a
network database of the object shown in Figure 2.22. The prime disadvantage of the
network approach is its undue complexity both in the database structure itself and in
the associated programming of it.
Surfaces

S1

Edges

Vertices

S2

Figure 2.25 Network database of object shown in figure 2.22

4. Object oriented Database. Unlike conventional database processing, CAD/CAM
applications require object-oriented accessing and manipulation; that is, units of
retrieval and storage are design objects and not individual records in files. These
design objects also form the basis for ensuring database integrity upon the insertion,
deletion, or modification of component objects. The object-oriented model should be
able to capture all the relevant semantics of objects. This, in turn, results in a "rich,"
well-integrated and complete database readily accessible for applications. Object98

oriented database models include the entity relationship model, complex object
representation, molecular object representation and abstract data model. The abstract
data model is close to solid modeling databases. It employs abstract objects as
primitives in the design of the database. Figure 2.26 shows an example of this
database. Primitives are constructed from input data and form the lowest field or
record of storage in the database.
Object

Sub-object B1

Sub-object B2

Figure 2.26 Object-oriented Database of object Shown in figure 2.22

Object-oriented databases seem to be ideal for CAD/CAM applications. Hybrid database
models may also be useful. The following are some of the functional requirements and
specifications that CAD/CAM databases must support:
1. Multiple engineering applications from conceptual design to manufacturing operations.
2. Dynamic modification and extension of the database and its associativity.
3. The iterative nature of design. This nature is not common in business data processing.
CAD/CAM database management systems must support the tentative, iterative and
evolutionary nature of the design process.
4. Design versions and levels of detail. CAD databases must provide a capability for
storage and management of multiple design solutions that may exist for a particular
design. There is seldom a unique solution to a design problem and there may exist
several optimal solutions.
5. Concurrent and multiple users must be supported from the database. Large design
projects usually involve multiple designers working simultaneously on multiple
aspects of a project.
6. Temporary database support. Due to the iterative nature of design, earlier generated
data may not be committed to the database until the design process is completed.
7. Free design sequence. The database system should not impose constraints on the
designer to follow because different designs require different sequences.
8. Easy access. Application programs requiring data from a CAD/CAM database should
not require extensive knowledge of the database structure to extract the data needed.
This is important in customizing CAD/CAM systems for specific design and
manufacturing procedures.

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3.0 NUMERICAL CONTROL

MODULE-III
Numerical control can be defined as a form of programmable automation in which the
process is controlled by numbers, letters, and symbols. In NC, instruction program changes
when the workpart changes without making appreciable changes in the production
equipment. This capability to change the program for each new job is what gives NC its
flexibility. Numerical control should be considered as a possible mode of controlling the operation
for any production situation possessing the following characteristics:

Similar workparts in terms of raw material (e.g. metal shock for machining)
The work parts are produced in various sizes and geometries.
The workparts are produced in batches of small to medium size quantities.
A sequence of similar processing steps is required to complete the operation on each
workpiece.

NC technology has been applied to a wide variety of operations, including drafting,

assembly, inspection, sheet metal press working, and spot welding. However, numerical
control finds its principal applications in metal machining processes. The machined
workparts are designed in various sizes and shapes and also in small to medium batches. To
produce each part, a sequence of machining operations may be required.
3.1 COMPONENTS OF AN NC SYSTEM
An operational numerical control system consists of the following three basic components:
1. Program of instructions
2. Controller unit, also called a machine control unit (MCU)
3. Machine tool or other controlled process
The general relationship among the three components is illustrated in Figure 3.1.

(a) Program Instruction (b) Controller Unit

(c) Machine Tool
Figure 3.1 Components of an NC System

The program of instructions serves as the input to the controller unit, which in turn
commands the machine tool or other process to be controlled.
Program of Instructions
The program of instructions is the detailed step-by-step set of directions which tell the
machine tool what to do. It is coded in numerical or symbolic form on some type of input
medium that can be interpreted by the controller unit. The most common input medium today
is 1-in-wide punched tape. Over the years, other forms of input media have been used,
including punched cards, magnetic tape, and even 35-mm motion picture film.
There are two methods of input to the NC system. The first is by manual entry of
instructional data to the controller unit. This method is called manual data input, abbreviated
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MDI, and is appropriate only for relatively simple jobs where the order will not be repeated.
The second other method of input is by means of a direct link with a computer. This is called
direct numerical control, or DNC.
Controller Unit
The second basic component of the NC system is the controller unit. This consists of the
electronics and hardware that read and interpret the program of instructions and convert into
mechanical actions of the machine tool. The typical elements of a conventional NC controller
unit include the tape reader, a data buffer, signal output channels to the machine tool,
feedback channels from the machine tool, and the sequence controls to coordinate the overall
operation of the foregoing elements. It should be noted that nearly all modern NC systems
today are sold with a microcomputer as the controller unit. This type of NC is called
computer numerical control (CNC).
The tape reader is an electromechanical device for winding and reading the punched tape
containing the program of instructions. The data contained on the tape are read into the data
buffer. The purpose of this device is to store the input instructions in logical blocks of
information. A block of information usually represents one complete step in the sequence of
processing elements. For example, one block may be the data required to move the machine
table to a certain position and drill a hole at that location.
The signal output channels are connected to the servomotors and other controls in the
machine tool. Through these channels, the instructions are sent to the machine tool from the
controller unit. To make certain create the instructions have been properly executed by the
machine, feedback data are sent back to the controller via the feedback channels. The most
important function of this return loop is to assure that the table and workpart have been
properly located with respect to the tool.
Sequence controls coordinate the activities of the other elements of the controller unit. The
tape reader is actuated to read data into the buffer from the tape, signals are sent to and from
the machine tool, and so on. These types of operations must be synchronized and this is the
function of the sequence controls.
Another element of the NC system, which may be physically part of the controller unit or
part of the machine tool, is the control panel. The control panel or control console contains
the dials and switches by which the machine operator runs the NC system. It may also
contain data displays to provide information to the operator. Although the NC system is an
automatic system, the human operator is still needed to turn the machine on and off, to
change tools (some NC systems have automatic tool changers), to load and unload the
machine, and to perform various other duties. To be able to discharge these duties, the
operator must be able to control the system, and this is done through the control panel.
Machine tool or other controlled process
The third basic component of an NC system is the machine tool or other controlled process.
It is part of the NC system which performs useful work. In the most common example of an
NC system, one designed to perform machining operations, the machine tool consists of the
worktable and spindle as well as the motors and controls necessary to drive them. It also
includes the cutting tools, work fixtures, and other auxiliary equipment needed in the
machining operation.

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NC machines range in complexity from simple tape-controlled drill presses to highly

sophisticated and versatile machining centers. It is a multifunction machine which
incorporates several time saving features into a single piece of automated production
equipment. First, a machining center is capable of performing a variety of different
operations: drilling, tapping, reaming, milling, and boring. Second, it has the capacity to
change tools automatically under tape command. A variety of machining operations means
that a variety of cutting tools are required. The tools are kept in a tool drum or other holding
device. When the tape calls a particular tools are kept in a tool drum or other holding device.
When the tape calls a particular tool, the drum rotates to position the tool for insertion into
the spindle. The automatic tool changer then grasps the tool and places it into the spindle
chuck. A third capability of the NC machining center is workpiece positioning. The machine
table can orient the job so that it can be machined on several surfaces, as required. Finally, a
fourth feature possessed by some machining centers is the presence of two tables or pallets
on which the workpiece can be fixtured. While the machining sequence is being performed
on one workpart, the operator can be unloading the previously completed piece, and loading
the next one. This improves machine tool utilization because the machine does not have to
stand idle during loading and unloading of the workparts.
3.2 THE NC PROCEDURE
To utilize numerical control in manufacturing, the following steps must be accomplished.
1. Process planning. The engineering drawing of the workpart must be interpreted in
terms of the manufacturing processes to be used. This step is referred to as process
planning and it is concerned with the preparation of a route sheet. The route sheet is a
listing of the sequence of operations which must be performed on the workpart. It is
called a route sheet because it also lists the machines through which the part must be
routed in order to accomplish the sequence of operations. We assume that some of the
operations will be performed on one or more NC machines.
2. Part programming. A part programmer plans the process for the portions of the job
to be accomplished by NC. Part programmers are knowledgeable about the machining
process and they have been trained to program for numerical control. They are
responsible for planning the sequence of machining steps to be performed by NC and
to document these in a special format. There are two ways to program for NC:
Manual part programming
Computer-assisted part programming
In manual part programming, the machining instructions are prepared on a form
called a part program manuscript. The manuscript is a listing of the relative
cutter/workpiece positions which must be followed to machine the part. In computerassisted part programming, much of the tedious computational work required in
manual part programming is transferred to the computer. This is especially
appropriate for complex workpiece geometries and jobs with many machining steps.
Use of the computer in these situations results in significant savings in part
programming time.
3. Tape Preparation. A punched tape is prepared from the part programmer's NC
process plan. In manual part programming, the punched tape is prepared directly from
the part program manuscript on a typewriter like device equipped with tape punching
capability, In computer-assisted part programming, the computer interprets the list of
part programming instruction, performs the necessary calculations to convert this into
a detailed set of machine tool motion command, and then controls a tape punch
device to prepare the tape for the specific NC machine.

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4. Tape verification. After the punched tape has been prepared, a method is usually
provided for checking the accuracy of the tape. Sometimes the tape is checked by
running it through a computer program which plots the various tool movements (or
table movements) on paper. In this way, major error in the tape can be discovered.
The "acid test" of the tape involves trying it out on the machine tool to make the part.
A foam or plastic material is sometimes used off this tryout.
5. Production. The final step in the NC procedure is to use the NC tape in production.
This involves ordering the raw work parts, specifying and preparing the tooling and
any special fixturing that may be required and setting up the NC machine tool for the
job. The machine tool operator's function during production is to load the raw
workpart in the machine and establish the starting position of the cutting tool relative
to the workpiece. The. NC system then takes over and machines the parts according
to the instructions tape. When the part is completed, the operator removes it from the
machine and loads the next part.
3.3 NC COORDINATE SYSTEMS
In order for the part programmer to plan the sequence of positions and movements of the
cutting tool relative to the workpiece, it is necessary to establish a standard axis system by
which the relative positions can be specified. Using an NC drill press as an example, the drill
spindle is in a fixed vertical position, and the table is moved and controlled relative to the
spindle. However, to make things easier for the programmer, we adopt the viewpoint that the
workpiece is stationary while the drill bit is moved relative to it. Accordingly, the coordinate
system of axes is established with respect to the machine table.
Two axes, x and y, are defined in the plane of the table, as shown in Figure 4.2. The z-axis is
perpendicular to this plane and movement in the z direction is controlled by the vertical
motion of the spindle. The positive and negative directions of motion of tool relative to table
along these axes are as shown in figure. NC drill presses are classified as either two-axis or
three-axis machines, depending on whether or not they have the capability to control the zaxis.
A numerical control milling machine and similar machine tools (boring mill, for example)
use an axis system similar to that of the drill press. However, in addition to the three linear
axes, these machines may possess the capacity to control one or more rotational axes.

Figure 3.2 NC Coordinate System

Three rotational axes are defined in NC: the a, b, and c axes. These axes specify angles about
the x, y, and z axes, respectively. To distinguish positive from negative angular motions, the
"right-hand rule" can be used. Using the right hand with the thumb pointing in the positive
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linear axis direction (x, y, or z), the fingers of the hand are curled to point in the positive
rotational direction.
For turning operations, two axes are normally all that are required to command the
movement of the tool relative to the rotating workpiece; the z axis is the axis of rotation of
the workpart, and x axis defines the radial location of the cutting tool. This arrangement is
illustrated in figure.
The purpose of the coordinate system is to provide a means of locating the tool in relation to
the workpiece. Depending on the NC machine, the part programmer may have several
different options available for specifying this location.
Fixed Zero and floating zero
The programmer must determine the position of the tool relative to the origin (zero point) of
the coordinate system. NC machines have either of two methods for specifying the zero
point. The first possibility is for the machine to have a fixed zero. In this case, the origin is
always located at the same position on the machine table. Usually, that position is the
southwest corner (lower left-hand corner) of the table and all tool locations will be defined
by positive x and y coordinates.
The second and more common feature on modern NC machines allows the machine operator
to set the zero point at any position on the machine table. This feature is called floating zero.
The part programmer is the one who decides where the zero point should be located. The
decision is based on part programming convenience. For example, the workpart may be
symmetrical and the zero point should be established at the center of symmetry. The location
of the zero point is communicated to the machine operator. At the beginning of the job, the
operator moves the tool under manual control to some "target point" on the table. The target
point is some convenient place on the workpiece or table for the operator to position the tool.
For example, it might be a predrilled hole in the workpiece. The target point has been
referenced to the zero point by the part programmer. In fact, the programmer may have
selected the target point as the zero point for tool positioning. When the tool has been
positioned at the target point, the machine operator presses a "zero" button on the machine
tool console, which tells the machine where the origin is located for subsequent tool
movements.
3.4 NC MOTION CONTROL SYSTEMS
In order to accomplish the machining process, the cutting tool and workpiece must be moved
relative to each other. In NC, there are three basic types of motion control systems:
1. Point-to-point
2. Straight cut
3. Contouring
Point-to-point systems represent the lowest level of motion control between the tool and
workpiece. Contouring represents the highest level of control.
1. Point-to-point NC
Point-to-point (PTP) is also sometimes called a positioning system. In PTP, the objective of
the machine tool control system is to move the cutting tool to a predefined location. The
speed of path by which this movement is accomplished is not important in point-to-point NC.
Once the tool reaches the desired location, the machining operation is performed at that
position.
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NC drill presses are a good example of PTP systems. The spindle must first be positioned at a
particular location on the workpiece. This is done under PTP control. Then the drilling of the
hole is performed at the location, and so forth. Since no cutting is performed between holes,
there is no need for controlling the relative motion of the tool and workpiece between hole
locations. Figure 3.3 illustrates the point-to-point type of control.

Figure 3.3 Point-to-point (positioning) NC system

Positioning systems are the simplest machine tool control systems and are therefore the least
expensive of the three types. However, for certain processed, such as drilling operations and
spot welding, PTP is perfectly suited to the task and any higher level of control would be
unnecessary.
2. Straight-cut NC
Straight-cut control systems are capable of moving the cutting tool parallel to one major axes
at a controlled rate suitable for machining (Figure 3.4). It is therefore appropriate for
performing milling operations to fabricate workpieces of rectangular configurations. With
this type of NC systems it is not possible to combine movements in more than a single axis
direction. Therefore, angular cuts on the workpiece would not possible. An example of a
straight-cut operation is shown in figure. An NC machine capable of straight cut movements
is also capable of PTP movements.

Figure 3.4 Straight-cut NC system

3. Contouring NC
Contouring is the most complex, the most flexible and most expensive type of machine tool
control. It is capable of performing both PTP and straight-cut operations. In addition, the
distinguishing feature of contouring NC systems is their capacity for simultaneous control of
more than one axis movement of the machine tool. The path of the cutter is continuously
controlled to generate the desired geometry of the workpiece. For this reason, contouring
systems are also called continuous-path NC systems. Straight or plane surfaces at any
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orientation, circular paths, conical shapes, or most any other mathematically definable form
are possible under contouring control. Figure 3.5 illustrates the versatility of continuous path
NC. Milling and turning operations are common examples of the use of contouring control.

Figure 3.5 Contouring NC system

In order to machine a curved path in a numerical control contouring system, the direction of
the feed rate must continuously be changed so as to follow the path. This is accomplished by
breaking the curved path into very short straight-line segments that approximate the curve.
Then the tool is commanded to machine to machine each segment in succession. Besides
these other NC systems are;
Interpolator
The input speed is converted into the velocity components by an interpolator called the linear
interpolator whose function is to provide the velocity signals to x and y directions. Similarly
there are circular and parabolic interpolators (Figure 3.6).

Figure 3.6 Interpolators

Basic Length Unit (BLU)
Each BLU unit corresponds to the position resolution of the axis of motion. For example, 1
BLU = 0.0001" means that the axis will move 0.0001" for every one electrical pulse received
by the motor. The BLU is also referred to as Bit (binary digit). Pulse = BLU = Bit
Incremental and Absolute systems
NC systems are further divided into incremental and absolute systems (Figure 3.7). In
incremental mode, the distance is measured from one point to the next. For example, if you
want to drill five holes at different locations, the x-position commands are x+500, +200,
+600, - 300, -700, -300. An absolute system is one in which all the moving commands are
referred from a reference point (zero point or origin). For the above case, the x-position
commands are x 500,700, 1300, 1000, 300, 0. (Figure 3.6). Both systems are incorporated in
most CNC systems. For an inexperienced operator, it is wise to use incremental mode.
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Figure 3.7 Absolute and incremental systems

The absolute system has two significant advantages over the incremental system:
1. Interruptions caused by, for example, tool breakage (or tool change, or checking the
parts), would not affect the position at the interruption. If a tool is to be replaced at
some stage, the operator manually moves the table, exchanges the tool, and has to
return the table to the beginning of the segment in which the interruption has
occurred. In the absolute mode, the tool is automatically returned to the position. In
incremental mode, it is almost impossible to bring it precisely to that location unless
you repeat the part program
2. Easy change of dimensional data.
The incremental mode has two advantages over the absolute mode.
1. Inspection of the program is easier because the sum of position commands for each
axis must be zero. A nonzero sum indicates an error. Such an inspection is impossible
with the absolute system.
2. Mirror image programming (for example, symmetrical geometry of the parts) is
simple by changing the signs of the position commands.
3.5 APPLICATIONS OF NUMERICAL CONTROL
Numerical control systems are widely used industry today, especially in the metal working
industry. By far the most common application of NC is for metal cutting machine tools.
Within this category, numerically controlled equipment has been built to perform virtually
the entire range of material removal processed, including: Milling, Drilling and related
processes, Boring, Turning, Grinding, and Sawing

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Within the machining category, NC machine tools are appropriate for certain jobs and
inappropriate for others. Following are the general characteristics of production jobs in metal
machining for which numerical control would be most appropriate:
1. Parts are processed frequently and is small lot sizes.
2. The part geometry is complex.
3. Many operations must be performed on the part in its processing.
4. Much metal needs to be removed
5. Engineering design changes are likely.
6. Close tolerances must be held on the workpart.
7. It is an expensive part where mistakes in processing would be costly.
8. The parts require 100% inspection.
It has been estimated that most manufactured parts are produced in lit sized of 50 or fewer
small-lot and batch production jobs represent the ideal situations for the application of NC.
This is made possible by the capability to program the NC machine and to save that program
for subsequent use in future orders. If the NC programs are long and complicated (complex
part geometry, many operations, much metal removed), this makes NC all the more
appropriate when compared to manual methods of production. If engineering design changes
of shifts in the production schedule are likely, the use of tape control provides the flexibility
needed to adapt to these changes. Finally, if quality and inspection are important issues (close
tolerances, high part cost, 100% inspection required), NC would be most suitable, owing to
its high accuracy and repeatability.
In order to justify that a job be processed by numerical control methods, it is not necessary
that the job possess every one of these attributes. However, the more of these characteristics
that are present, the more likely it is that the part is a good candidate for NC.
In addition to metal machining, numerical control has been applied to a variety of other
operations. The following, although not a complete list, will give the reader an idea of the
wide range of potential applications of NC:
Press working machine tools
Welding machines
Inspection machines
Automatic drafting
Assembly machines
Tube bending
Flame cutting

Plasma are cutting

Laser beam processes
Automated knitting machines
Cloth cutting
Automatic riveting
Wire-wrap machines

3.6 ADVANTAGES OF NUMERICAL CONTROL

1. Reduced non-productive time. Numerical control has little or no effect on the basic
metal cutting (or other manufacturing) process. However, NC can increase the
proportion of time the machine is engaged in the actual process. It accomplishes this
by means of fewer setups, less time in setting up, reduced workpiece handling time,
automatic tool changes on some machines and so on.
2. Reduced fixturing. NC requires fixtures which are simpler and less costly to
fabricate because the positioning is done by the NC tape rather than the jig or fixture.
3. Reduced manufacturing lead time. Because jobs can be set up more quickly with
NC and fewer setups are generally required with NC, the lead time to deliver a job to
the customer is reduced.
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4. Greater manufacturing flexibility. With numerical control it is less difficult to

adapt to engineering design changes, alterations of the production schedule,
changeovers in jobs for rush orders and so on.
5. Improved quality control. NC is ideal for complicated workparts where the chances
of human mistakes are high; Numerical control produces parts with greater accuracy,
reduced scrap and lower inspection requirements.
6. Reduced inventory. Owing to the fewer setups and shorter lead times with numerical
control, the inventory carried by the company is reduced.
7. Reduced floor space requirements. Since one machining centre can often
accomplish the production of several conventional machine, the amount of floor
space required in an NC shop is usually less than in a conventional shop.
3.7 DISADVANTAGES OF NUMERICAL CONTROL
1. Higher investment cost. Numerical control machine tool represent a more
sophisticated and complex technology. This technology costs more to buy than its
non-NC counterpart. The higher cost requires manufacturing managements to use
these machines more aggressively than ordinary equipment. High machine utilization
is essential in order to get reasonable return on investment. Machine shops must
operate their NC machines two or three shifts per day to achieve this high machine
utilization.
2. Higher maintenance cost. Because NC is a more complex technology and because
NC machines are used harder, the maintenance problem becomes more acute.
Although the reliability of the NC systems has been improved over the years,
maintenance costs for NC machines will generally be higher than for conventional
machine tools.
3. Finding and/or training NC personnel. Certain aspects of numerical control shop
operations require higher skill level than conventional operations part programmers
and NC maintenance personnel are two skill areas where available personnel are in
short supply. The problem of finding, hiring and training these people must be
considered a disadvantage to the NC shop.

3.8 NC PART PROGRAMMING

Numerical control part programming is procedure by which the sequence of processing steps
to be performed on the NC machine is planned and documented. It involves the preparation
of a punched tape (or other input medium) used to transmit the processing instructions to the
machine tool. There are two methods of part programming: manual part programming and
computer-assisted part programming.
NC part programming can be started by examining the way in which the punched tape is
coded. Coding of the punched tape is concerned with the basic symbols used to communicate
a complex set of instructions to the NC machine tool. In numerical control, the punched tape
must be generated whether the part programming is done manually or with the assistance of
some computer package. With either method of part programming, the tape is the net result
of the programming effort.
Punched Tape in NC
The part program is converted into a sequence of machine tool actions by means of the input
medium. Which contains the program, and the controller unit, which interprets the input
medium. The controller unit and the input medium must be compatible. That is, the input
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medium uses coded symbols which represent the part program, and the controller unit must
be capable of reading those symbols. The most common input medium is punched tape. The
tape has been standardized so that tape punchers are manufactured to prepare the NC tapes,
and tape readers (part of the controller unit) can be manufactured to read the tapes. The
punched tape used for NC is 1 in. wide. It is standardized as shown in Figure 3.8 by the
Electronics Industries Association (EIA), which has been responsible for many of the
important standards in the NC industry.

Figure 3.8 Punched tape format standardized by EIA

There are two basic methods of preparing the punched tape. The first method is associated
with manual part programming and involves the use of a typewriter like device. The operator
types directly from the part programmer's hand written list of coded instruction. This second
method is used with computer-assisted part programming. By this approach, the tape is
prepared directly by the computer using a device called a tape punch.
By either method of preparation, the punched tape is ready for use. During production on a
conventional NC machine, the tape is fed through the tape reader once for each workpiece. It
is advanced through the tape reader one instruction at a time. While the machine tool is
performing one instruction, the next instruction is being read into the controller unit's data
buffer. This makes the operation of the NC system more efficient. After the last instruction
has been read into the controller, the tape is rewound back to the start of the program to be
ready for the next workpart.
NC tape coding
As shown in Figure 4.7, there are eight regular columns of holes running in the lengthwise
direction of the tape. There is also a ninth column of holes between the third and fourth
regular columns. However, these are smaller and are used as sprocket holes for feeding the
tape. Figure shows a hole present in nearly every position of the tape. However, the coding
of the tape is provided by either the presence or absence of a hole in the various positions.
Because there are two possible conditions for each position- either the presence or absence of
a hole- this coding system is called the binary code. It uses the base 2 number system, which
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can represent any number in the more familiar base 10 or decimal system. The NC tape
coding system is used to code not only numbers, but also alphabetical letters and other
symbols. Eight columns provide more than enough binary digits to define any of the required
symbols.
How instructions are formed?
A binary digit is called a bit. It has a value of 0 or 1 depending on the absence or presence of
a hole in a certain row and column position on the tape. (Columns of hole positions run
lengthwise along the tape. Row positions run across the tape.) Out of a row of bits, a
character is made. A character is a combination of bits, which represents a letter, number, or
other symbol. A word is a collection of characters used to form part of an instruction. Typical
NC words are x position, y position, cutting sped, and so on. Out of a collection of words, a
block is formed. A block of words is a complete NC instruction. Using an NC drilling
operation as an example, a block might contain information on the x and y coordinates of the
hole location, the speed and fed at which the cut should be run, and perhaps even a
specification of the cutting tool.
To separate blocks, an end-of-block (EOB) symbol is used (in the EIA standard, this is a hole
in column 8). The tape reader feeds the data from the tape into the buffer in blocks. That is, it
reads in a complete instruction at a time.
NC words
Following is a list of the different types of words in the formation of a block. Not every NC
machine uses all the words. Also, the manner in which the words are expressed will differ
between machines. By convention, the convention, the words in a block are given in the
following order:
This is used to identify the block.
SEQUENCE
NUMBER (N-words):
PREPARATORY WORD This word is used to prepare the controller for instructions that are to follow.
For example, the word G02 is used to prepare the NC controller unit for
(G-words):
circular interpolation along an arc in the clockwise direction. The preparatory
word is needed so that he controller can correctly interpret the data that follow
It in the block.
These give the coordinate positions of the tool. In a two-axis system, only two
COORDINATES
of the words would be used.
(X-, Y-, and Z-words):
The + sign to define a positive coordinate location is optional. The negative
sign is mandatory.
This specifies the feed in a machining operation. Units are mm per minute by
FEED RATE (F-word):
convention.
This specifies the cutting speed of the process, the rate at which the spindle
CUTTING SPEED
rotates.
(S- word):
This word would be needed only for machines with a tool turret or automatic
TOOL SELCTION
tool changer. The T-word specifies which tool is to be used in the operation.
(T- word):
MISCELLANEOUS
FUNCTION (M word)

The M-word is used to specify certain miscellaneous or auxiliary functions

which may be available on the machine tool. Of course, the machine must
possess the function that is being called. An example would be M03 to start the
spindle rotation.

3.8.1 Manual Part Programming

To prepare a part program using the manual method, the programmer writes the machining
instructions on a special form called a part programming manuscript. The instruction must be
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prepared in a very precise manner because the typist prepares the NC tape directly from the
manuscript. Manuscripts come in various forms, depending on the machine tool and tape
format to be used. For example, the manuscript form for a two-axis point-to-point drilling
machine would deferent than one for a three-axis contouring machine. The manuscript is a
listing of the relative tool and workpiece locations. It also includes other data, such as
preparatory commands, miscellaneous instructions, and speed /feed specifications, all of
which are needed to operate the machine under tape control.
Manual programming jobs can be divided into two categories: point-to-point jobs and
contouring jobs. Except for complex workparts with many holes to be drilled, manual
programming is ideally suited point-to-point applications. On the other hand, except for the
simplest milling and turning jobs, manual programming can become quite time consuming
for applications requiring continuous-path control of the tool. Accordingly, we shall be
concerned only with manual part programming for point-to-point operations. Contouring is
much appropriate for computer-assisted part programming.
Example 1:
Suppose that the part to be programmed is a drilling job. The engineering drawing for the
part is presented in figure. Three holes are to be drilled at a diameter of 31 64 in. The close
hole size tolerance requires reaming to 0.500 in. diameter. Recommended speeds and feeds
are as follows:
Speed (rpm)
0.484-in- diameter drill
0.500-in.-diameter drill

Speed (rpm)
592
382

Feed (in./min)
3.55
3.82

The NC drill press operates as follows. Drill bits are manually changed by the machine
operator, but speeds and feeds must be programmed on the tape. The machine has the
floating-zero feature and absolute positioning.

Part drawing for Example 1

The first step in preparing the part program is to define the axis coordinates in relation to the
workpart. We assume that the outline of the part has already been machined before the
drilling operation. Therefore, the operator can use one of the corners of the part as the target
point. Let us define the lower left-hand corner as the target point and the origin of four-axis
system. The coordinates are shown in figure, for the example part. The x and y locations of
each hole can be seen in the figure. The completed manuscript would appear as in figure. The
first line shows the x and y coordinates at the zero point. The machine operator would insert
the tape and read this first block into the system. (A block of instruction corresponds
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generally to one line on the manuscript form). The tool would then be positioned over the
target point on the machine table. The operator would then press the zero buttons to set the
machine.

Coordinate system defined for part in Example 1

The next line on the manuscript is RWS, which stands for rewind-stop. This signal is coded
into the tape as holes in columns 1, 2, and 4. The symbol stops the tape after it has been
rewound. The last line on the tape contains the m30 word, causing the tape to be rewound at
the end of the machining cycle. Other m-words used in the program are m06, which stops the
machine for an operator tool change, and m13, which turns on the spindle and coolant. Note
in the last line that the tool has been repositioned away from the work area to allow for
changing the workpiece.

3.8.2 Computer-assisted Part Programming

In the more complicated point-to-point jobs and in contouring applications manual part
programming becomes an extremely tedious task and subject to errors. In these instances it is
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much more appropriate to employ the high-speed digital computer to assist in the part
programming process. Many part programming language systems have been developed to
perform automatically most of the calculations, which the programmer would otherwise be
forced to do. This saves time and results in a more accurate and more efficient part program.
The part programmer's job
In computer-assisted part programming, the NC procedure for preparing the tape from the
engineering drawing is followed as usual. The machining instructions are written in Englishlike statements of the NC programming language, which are then processed by the computer
to prepare the tape. The computer automatically punches the tape in the proper tape format
for the particular NC machine. The pat programmer's responsibility in computer-assisted part
programming consists of two basic steps:
1. Defining the workpart geometry
2. Specifying the operation sequence and the tool path
No matter how complicated the workpart may appear, it is composed of basic geometric
elements. Although somewhat irregular in overall appearance, the outline of the parts
consists of intersecting straight, and a partial circle. The holes in the part can be expressed in
terms of the center location and radius of the hole. Nearly any components that can be
conceived by a designer can be described by points, straight lines, planes, circles, cylinders,
and other mathematically defined surfaces. It is the part programmer's task to enumerate the
elements out of which the part is composed. Each geometric element must be identified and
the dimensions and location of the element explicitly defined.
After defining the workpart geometry, the programmer must next construct the path that the
cutter will follow to machine the part. This tool path specification involves a detailed stepby-step sequence of cutter moves. The moves are made along the geometry elements, which
have previously been defined. The part programmer can use the various motion commands to
direct the tool to machine along the workpart surfaces, to go to point locations, to drill holes
at these locations and so on. In addition to part geometry and tool motion statements, the
programmer must also provide other instructions to operate the machine tool properly.
The computer's job
The computer's job in computer-assisted part programming consists of the following steps:
1. Input translation
2. Arithmetic calculations
3. Cutter offset computation
4. Post processor
The sequence of these steps and their relationships to, the part programmer and the machine
tool are illustrated in Figure 3.9.

Figure 3.9 Computers job in computer-assisted part programming

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The task of the part programmer is that of constructing the tool path. However, the actual tool
path is different from the part outline because the tool path is different from the part outline
because the tool path is defined as the path taken by the center of the cutter. It is at the
periphery of the cutter that machining takes place. The purpose of the cutter offset
computations is to offset from the desired part surface by the radius of the cutter. This means
that the part programmer can define exact part outline in the geometry statements. Thanks to
the cutter offset calculation provided by the programming system, the programmer need not
be concerned with this task.
As noted previously, NC machine tool systems are different. They have different features and
capabilities. They use different NC tape formats. Nearly all of the part programming
languages, including APT, are designed to be general purpose languages, not limited to one
or two machine tool types. Therefore, the final task of the computer in computer-assisted part
programming is to take the general instructions and make them specific to a particular
machine tool system. The unit that performs this task is called a postprocessor.
The postprocessor is a separate computer program that has been written to prepare the
punched tape for a specific machine tool. The input to the postprocessor is the output from
the other three components: a series of cutter locations and other instructions. The output of
the postprocessor is the NC tap written in the correct format for the machine on which it is to
be used.
3.8.3 NC Part Programming Languages
An NC part programming language consists of a software package (computer program) plus
the special rules, conventions, and vocabulary words for using that software. Its purpose is to
make it convenient for a part programmer to communicate the necessary part geometry and
tool motion information to the computer so that the desired part geometry and tool motion
information to the computer so that the desired part program can be prepared. The
vocabulary words are typically mnemonic and English-like, to make the NC language easy to
use.
Most of the languages were developed to meet particular needs and have not survived the test
of time. The following list provides a description of some of the important NC languages in
current use.

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APT
(Automatically Programmed Tools)

The APT language was the product of the MIT developmental

work on NC programming systems. Today it is the most widely
used language in the United States. Although first intended as a
contouring language, modem versions of APT can be used for
both positioning and continues-path programming in up to five
axes. Versions of APT for particular processes include
APTURN (for lathe operations). APTMIL (for milling and
drilling operations), and APTPOINT (for point-to point
operations).

ADAPT
(Adaptation of APT)

Several part programming languages are based directly on the

APT program. One of these ADAPT, which was developed by
IBM under Air Force contract. It was indented to provide many of
the features of APT but to utilize a smaller computer. The full
APT program requires a computing system that would have been
considered by the standards of the 1960s. This precluded its use
by many small and medium sized firms that did not have access
to a large computer. ADAPT is not as powerful as APT, but it can
be used to program for both positioning and contouring jobs.
There are three versions: EXAPT I- designed for positioning
(drilling and also straight-cut milling), EXAPT II- designed for
turning, and EXAPT III- designed for limited contouring
operations. One of the important features of EXAPT is that it
attempts to compute optimum feeds and speeds automatically.
The UNIAPT package represents another attempt to adapt the
APT language to use on smaller computers. The name derives
from the developer, the United Computing Corp. of Carson,
California. Their efforts have provided a limited version of APT
to be implemente0 on minicomputers, thus allowing many
smaller shops to possess computer-assisted programming
capacity.
This is a proprietary system intended for Sundstrand's machine
tools. It can handle up to five-axis positing and possesses
contouring capability as well. One of the unusual features of
SPLIT is that the postprocessor is built into the program. Each
machine tool uses its own SPLIT package, thus obviating the
need for a special postprocessor.

EXAPT (Extended subset of APT)

UNIAPT

SPLIT
(Sundstrand Processing Language
Internally Translated)

COMPACT II

PROMPT

CINTURN II

This is a package available from Manufacturing Data Systems,

Inc. (MDSI), a firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The NC
language is similar to SPLIT in many of its features. MDSI leases
the COMPACT II system to its users on a time-sharing basis; the
part programmer uses a remote terminal to feed the program into
one of the MDSI computers, which in turn produces the NC tape.
The COMPACT II language is one of the most widely used
programming languages. MDSI has roughly 3000 client
companies, which use this system.
This is an interactive part programming language offered by
Weber N/C System, Inc., of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is
designed for use with a variety of machine tools, including lathes,
machining centers, flame cutters, and punch presses.
This is a high-level language developed by Cincinnati Milacron
to facilitate programming of turning operations.

The most widely used NC part programming language is APT, including its derivatives
(ADAPT, EXAPT, UNIAPT, etc.).

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3.8.4 APT Language

There are four types of statements in the APT language:
1. Geometry statements- These define the geometric elements that comprises the
workpart. They are also sometimes called definition statements.
2. Motion statements- These are used to describe the path taken by the cutting tool.
3. Postprocessor statements- These apply to the specific machine tool and control
system. They are used to specify feeds and speeds and to actuate other features of the
machine.
4. Auxiliary statements- These are miscellaneous statements use to identify the part,
tool, tolerance, and so on.
Geometry statements
To program in APT, the workpart geometry must first be defined. The tool is subsequently
directed to move to the various point locations and along surfaces of the workpart, which
have been defined by these geometry statements. The definition of the workpart elements
must precede the motion statements. The general form of APT geometry statements is:
symbol = geometry type/descriptive data
An example of such a statements is
P1= POINT/ 5.0, 4.0, 0.0

(1)
(2)

The statement is made up of three sections. The first is the symbol used to identify the
geometric element. A symbol can be combination of six or fewer alphabetic and numeric
characters At least one of the six must be an alphabetic character. Also, although it may seem
obvious, the symbol cannot be one of the APT vocabulary words.
The second section of the geometry statements is an APT vocabulary word that identifies the
type of geometry elements. Besides POINT, other geometry elements in the APT vocabulary
include LINE, PLANE and CIRCLE.
The third section of the geometry statements comprises the descriptive data that define the
element precisely, completely, and uniquely. These data may include, quantities dimensional
and positional data, previously defined geometry elements, and other APT word.
The punctuation used in the APT geometry statements is illustrated in the example, Eq. (2).
The statements is written as an equation, the symbol being equated to the surface type. A
slash separates the surface type from the descriptive data. Commas are used to separate the
words and numbers in the descriptive data.
There are several ground rules that must be followed in formulating an APT geometry
statement:
1. The coordinates data must be specified in the order x, y, z. for example, the statement
P1 = POINT/5.0, 4.0, 0.0
is interpreted by the APT program to mean a point x = 5.0, y = 4.0, and z = 0.0.
2. Any symbols used as descriptive data must have been previously defined. For
example, in the statement
P2 = POINT/INTOF, Ll, L2

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the two lines Ll and L2 must have been previously defined. In setting up the list
statements, the APT programmer must be sure to define symbols before using them in
subsequent statements.
3. A symbol can be used to define only one geometry element. The same symbol cannot
be used to define two different elements. For example, the following sequence would
be incorrect:
P1 = POINT /1.0, 1.0, 1.0
P1 = POINT / 2.0, 3.0, 4.0
4. Only one symbol can be used to define any given element. For example, the
following two statements in the same program would render the program incorrect:
P1 = POINT/1.0, 1.0, 1.0
P2 = POINT 1.0, 1.0, 1.0
5. Lines defined in APT are considered to be of infinite length in both directions.
Similarly, planes extend indefinitely and circles defined in APT are complete circles.
To specify a point
P0 = POINT/1.0, 1.2, 1.3

specifies a point at XYZ coordinates 1.0,

1.2, and 1.3, respectively.

P1 = POINT/INTOF L1, L2

specifies a point at the intersection of

lines L1 and L2, which must have been
defined prior to the statement.

P2 = POINT/YLARGE, INTOF, L3, C1

line L3
center

specifies a point at the intersection of

and circle C1 at a Y position above the
point of the circle.

To specify a line
L1 = LINE/P0, P1

specifies a line by two points, previously

defined.

L1 = LINE/1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.1, 2.3

specifies a line by two points, given as

explicit coordinates.

L2 = LINE/P2, PARLEL, L1

specifies a line through point P2 and

parallel to line L1.

L3 = LINE/P1, RIGHT, TANTO, C1

specifies a line through point P1 and

tangent to circle C1 on the right side of
the center point.

L4 = LINE/P1, ATANGL, 45, L1

specifies a line through point P1 at an

angle of 45o to line L1.

118

To specify a plane
PL0 = PLANE/P0, P1, P2

specifies a plane through three, noncollinear, previously defined points.

PL1 = PLANE/P3, PARLEL, PL0

specifies a plane through a point P3

parallel to a plane PL0.

To specify a circle
C0 = CIRCLE/CENTER, P0, RADIUS, 1.0

specifies a circle of radius 1 from a

center point of P0.

Motion statements.
APT motion statements have general format, just as the geometry statements do. The general
form of a motion statements is
motion command/deseriptive data
(3)
An example of a motion statements is
GOTO/P1
(4)
The statement consists of two sections separated by a slash. The first section is the basic
motion command, which tells the tool what to do. The second section comprised of
descriptive data, which tell the tool where to go. In the example statement above, the tool is
commanded to go to point P1, which has been defined in a proceeding geometry statement.
At the beginning of the motion statements, the tool must be given a starting point. This point
is likely to be the target point, the location where the operator has positioned the tool at the
start of the job. The part programmer keys into this starting position with the following
statement:
FROM/TARG
(5)
The FROM is an APT vocabulary word which indicates that this is the initial point from
which others will be referenced. In the statements above, TARG is the symbol given to the
starting point. Any other APT symbol could be used to define the target point. Another way
to make this statement is
FROM/-2.0, -2.0, 0.0
where the descriptive data in this case are the x, y, and z coordinates of the target point. The
FROM statements occurs only at the start of the motion sequence.
It is convenient to distinguish between PTP movements and contouring movements when
discussing the APT motion statements.
Point-to-point motions
There are only two basic PTP motion commands: GOTO and GODLTA. The GOTO
statement instructs the tool to go to a particular point location specified in the descriptive
data. The GODLTA command specifies an incremental move for the tool.
The GODLTA command is useful in drilling and related operations. The tool can be directed
to a particular hole location with the GOTO statements. Then the GODLTA command would
be used to drill the hole, as in the following sequence:
GOTO/P2
GODLTA/0, 0, -1.5
GODLTA/0, 0, +1.5
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Contouring Motions
Contouring commands are somewhat more complicated because the tool's position must be
continuously controlled throughout the move. To accomplish this control, the tool is directed
along two intersecting surfaces as shown in Figure 3.10. These surfaces have very specific
name in APT.
1. Drive surface- this is the surface (it is pictured as a plane in figure) that guides the
side of the cutter.
2. Part surface- this is the surface (again shown as a plane in the figure) on which the
bottom of the cutter rides. The reader should note that the "part surface may or may
not be an actual surface of the workpart. The part programmer must define this plus
the drive surface for the purpose of maintaining continuous path control of the tool.

Figure 3.10 Surfaces in APT

3. Check surface- this is the surface that stops the movement of the tool in its current
direction. In a sense it checks the forward movement of the tool.
There are several ways in which the checks surface can be used. This is determined by APT
modifier words within the descriptive data of the motion statement. The three main modifier
words are TO, ON and PAST, and their use with regard to the check surface is shown in
Figure 3.11. A forth modifier word is TANTO. This is used when the drive surface is tangent
to a circular check surface as illustrated in Figure 3.12. In this case the cutter can be brought
to point of tangency with the circle by the TANTO modifier word.

TO

ON

PAST

Check Surface

Drive Surface
Figure 3.11 ON TO PAST Modifier words
The TO modifier stops the tool when the first surface of the tool would come into contact
with the check surface. The ON modifier stops the tool where the center point of the tool
would come into contact with the check surface. The PAST modifier stops the tool where
the last surface of the tool would contact the check surface. And the TANTO modifier stops
the tool at the point of circular tangency with the edge of the tool.

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TANTO

Tool

Figure 3.11 TANTO Modifier word

The initial contouring motion statement is the GO/TO, which defines the initial drive, part
and check surfaces. It takes the form:
GO/TO, drive surface, TO, part surface, TO, check surface
An example would be:
GO/TO, L1, TO, PL1, TO, L2

specifying that the tool should use line L1 as the drive

surface, plane P1 as the part surface, and line L2 as the
check surface.

Note: the GOTO and the GO/TO statements are not the same. The former specifies point
to point motion (see below), and the latter initiates contouring motion.
Continuing contouring motion statements are given from the vantage point of a person sitting
on the top of the tool. The motion words are: (a) GOLFT; (b) GORGT; (c) GOFWD; (d)
GOBACK; (e) GOUP; and (f) GODOWN. The sense of these words depends on the
direction the tool has been coming from, and is depicted in Figure 3.13.
GOUP

GOFWD

45o

GOLFT

GORGT

(Previous Motion)

45o
GODOWN

GOBACK

Figure 3.12 Motion words in NC

Postprocessor statements
To write a complete part program, statements must be written that control the operation of
the spindle, the feed and other features of the machine tool. These are called postprocessor
statements. Some of the common postprocessor statements are:
COOLNT/
RAPID
END
SPINDL/
FEDRAT
TURRET/
MACHIN/
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The postprocessor statements, and the auxiliary statements are of two forms: either with or
without the slash (/). The statements with the slash are self-contained. No additional data are
needed. The APT words with the slash require descriptive data after the slash.
The FEDRAT/ statements should be explained. FEDRAT stands for feed rate and the
interpretation of for different machining operations. In a drilling operation the feed is in
the direction of the drill bit axis. However, in an end milling operation, typical for NC, the
feed would be in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cutter.
Auxiliary statements
The complete APT program must also contain various other statements, called auxiliary
statements. These are used for cutter size definition, part identification, and so on. The
following APT words used in auxiliary statements are:
CLPRNT
INTOL/
CUTTER
OUTOL/
PARTNO
The macro statements in apt
The MACRO feature is similar to a subroutine computer programming language. It would be
used where certain motion sequences would be repeated several times within a program. The
purpose in using a MACRO subroutine is to reduce the total number of statements required
in the APT program, thus making the job of the part programmer easier and less time
consuming. The MACRO subroutine is defined by a statement of the following format:
symbol = MACRO/parameter definition(s)
(6)
The rules for naming the MACRO symbol are the same as for any other APT symbol. It must
be six characters or fewer and at least one of the characters must be a letter of the alphabet.
The parameter definition(s) following the slash would identify certain variables in the
subroutines which might change each time the subroutine was called into use. Equation 6
would serve as the title and first line of a MACRO subroutine. It would be followed by the
set of APT statements that comprise the subroutine. The very last statements in the set must
be the APT word TERMAC. This signifies the termination of the MACRO.
To activate the MACRO subroutine within an APT program; the following call statements
would be used:
CALL/symbol, parameter specification
The symbol would be the name of the MACRO that is to be called. The parameter
specification identifies the particular values of the parameters that are to be used in this
execution of the MACRO subroutines.

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Example-1
An APT program for the profiling of the part in the following Figure is to be generated. The
processing parameters are: (a) feed rate is 5.39 inches per minute; (b) spindle speed is 573 revolutions
per minute; (c) a coolant is to be used to flush the chips; (d) the cutter diameter is to be 0.5 inches, and
(e) the tool home position is (0, -1, 0).

P4

L2

L3
P3

1
0

L1

P1
1

C1

P2
4

P0

APT Program Listing

PARTNO EXAMPLE
MACHIN/MILL, 1
CUTTER/0.5000
P0 = POINT/0, -1.0, 0
P1 = POINT/0, 0, 0
P2 = POINT/6.0, 0, 0
P3 = POINT/6.0, 1.0, 0
P4 = POINT/2.0, 4.0, 0
L1 = LINE/P1, P2
C1 = CIRCLE/CENTER, P3, RADIUS, 1.0
L2 = LINE/P4, LEFT, TANTO, C1
L3 = LINE/P1, P4
PL1 = PLANE/P1, P2, P3
SPINDL/573
FEDRAT/5.39
COOLNT/ON
FROM/P0
GO/PAST, L3, TO, PL1, TO, L1
GOUP/L3, PAST, L2
GORGT/L2, TANTO, C1
GOFWD/C1, ON, P2
GOFWD/L1, PAST, L3
RAPID
GOTO/P0
COOLNT/OFF
FINI

labels the program EXAMPLE

selects the target machine and controller type
specifies the cutter diameter

geometry statements to specify the

pertinent surfaces of the part

sets the spindle speed to 573 rpm

sets the feed rate to 5.39 ipm
turns the coolant on
gives the starting position for the tool
initializes contouring motion; drive, part, and check
surfaces
motion statements to contour the part
in a clockwise direction
move rapidly once cutting is done
return to the tool home position
turn the coolant off
end program

123

Example-2

Example-3

124

Example-4

Programming with interactive graphics

The first involves the use of interactive graphics as a highly productive aid in performing the
part programming process. We cover this topic in the present section. The second innovation
is voice programming. This involves the input of NC programming statements through oral
communication by the human programmer. The third development during the past few years
is manual data input (MDI) of the NC part program. In a sense, this involves a step backward
in NC programming technology.
The use of interactive graphics in NC part programming is an excellent example of the
integration of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. The programming
procedure is carried out on the graphics terminal of a CAD/CAM system. Using the same
geometric data which defined the part during the computer-aided design process, the
programmer constructs the tool path using high-level commands to the system. In many cases
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the tool path is automatically generated by the software of the CAD/CAM system. The
output resulting from the procedure is a listing of the APT program or the actual CLFILE
(cutter location file) which can be post-processed to generate the NC punched tape.
Let us consider the step-by-step procedure that would be used to generate the NC part
program using a CAD/CAM system. We will then illustrate the procedure with an example.
All of the major CAD/CAM system vendors offer part programming packages. Although the
features of these packages vary between the vendors, they all operate in a similar way. In our
description of the procedure we will attempt to portray a composite of the various packages.
Initial steps in the procedure
The CAD/CAM procedure for NC programming begins with the geometric definition of the
part. A significant benefit of using a. CAD/CAM system is realized when these geometry
data have already been created during design. If the geometric model of the part has not been
previously created, it must be constructed on the graphics terminal.
With the part displayed on the CRT screen, the programmer would proceed to label the
various surfaces and elements of the geometry. The CAD/CAM system would accomplish
the labelling in response to a few simple commands by the programmer. After labelling is
completed, the APT geometry statements can be generated automatically by the system.
In addition to the ease with which the APT geometry has been defined using the CAD/CAM
system, there are several other benefits afforded the user of a graphics system for NC part
programming. The part can be displayed at various angles, magnifications, and cross sections
to examine potential problem areas in machining. This capability to manipulate the part
image on the CRT screen is helpful to the programmer in visualizing the design of the part.
Also, with the part defined in the computer, the programmer can overlay the outline of the
raw workpart to consider the number of passes required to complete the machining.
Alternative methods of fixturing the part can be explored using the graphics terminal.
Tool selection is the next step in the procedure. The CAD/CAM system would typically have
a tool library with the various tools used in the shop catalogued according to the type. The
programmer could either select one of these tools or create a new tool design by specifying
the parameters and dimensions of the new tools (diameter, corner radius, cutter length, etc.)
Generation of the tool path
At this point in the procedure, the programmer has a geometric model of the workpart and
the tools needed to machine the part. The next step is to create the cuter path. The method of
accomplishing this using interactive graphics depends on the type of operation. (e.g., profile
milling, turning, sheet metal working) and the complexity of the part. The currently available
commercial CAD/CAM systems use an interactive approach, with certain common
machining routines being done automatically by the system. These automatic routines might
include profile milling around a part outline, end milling a pocket, point-to-point, PTP
presswork hole piercing, and surface contouring.
The interactive approach permits the programmer to generate the tool path in a step-by-step
manner with visual verification on the graphics display. The procedure begins by defining a
starting position for the cutter. The programmer would then command the tool to move along
the defined geometric surfaces of the part. As the tool is being moved on the CRT screen, the
corresponding APT motion commands are automatically prepared by the CAD/CAM system.
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The interactive mode provides the user with the opportunity to insert postprocessor
statements at appropriate points during program creation. These post-processor statements
would consist of machine tool instructions such as feed rates, speeds, and control of the
cutting fluid.
The automatic machining routines are called into operation for frequently encountered part
programming situations. These routines are analogous to high level MACRO subroutines
which have been developed as part of the CAD/CAM system software. The part geometry
data represent the set of parameter definitions or arguments for the MACRO. Accordingly,
these automatic routines can be called with a minimum of user interaction.
Profiling and pocketing are two common examples of automatic machining routines that are
available on most CAD/CAM systems. The profiling routine is used to generate the sequence
of cutter paths for machining around a series of geometry elements which have been
identified by the user.
APPENDIX: APT WORD DEFINITIONS
ATANGL:

At angle (descriptive data). Indicates that the data that follow represent a specified angle.
Angle is given in degree.

CALL:

Call. Used to call a MACRO subroutine and to specify parameter values for the MACRO.

CENTER:

Center (descriptive data). Used to indicate the center of circle.

CLPRNT:

Cutter location print (auxiliary statement). Can be used to obtain a computer printout of
the cutter location sequence on the NC tape.

COOLNT:

Coolant (postprocessor statement). Turns coolant on, off, and actuates other
coolant options that may be available. Examples: COOLNT/ON
COOLNT/OFF
COOLNT/FLOOD COOLNT/MIST

CUTTER:

Cutter (auxiliary statement). Defines cutter diameter to be used in tool offset

computations.

END:

End (postprocessor statement). Used to stop the machine at the end of a section
of the program. Can be used to change tools manually. Meaning may vary between
machine tools. To continue program, a FROM statement should be used.
Feed rate (postprocessor statement). Used to specify feet rate in inches per
minute. FEDRAT/6.0

FEDRAT:

FINI:

Finish (auxiliary statement). Must be the last word in the APT program. Used to
indicate the end of the complete program.

FROM:

From the tool starting location (motion startup command). Used to specify the
starting point of the cutter, from which other tool movements will be measured.

GO:

Go (motion startup command in contouring). Used to bring the tool from the starting
point against the drive surface, part surface, and check surface.
GO/TO, Ll, TO, PL1, TO,L2
GO/PAST, L 1 , TO, PL1, ON, TO,L2
In the statements the initial drive surface is the line L1, the part surface is PL1, and the
initial check surface is L2.

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GODLTA:

GO delta (PTP motion command). Instructs the tool to move in increments as

specified from the current tool location.
GODLTA/2.0, 3.0, 4.0

GOBACK:

Go back (contour motion command). Instructs the tool to move back relative to
its previous direction of movement.
GOBACKJPL5, TO, L1

GODOWN:

GO down (contour motion command).

GOFWD:

Go forward (contour motion command).

GOLFT:

Go left (contour motion command).

GORGT:

Go right (contour motion command).

GOTO:

Go to (PTP motion command). Used to move the tool center to a specified point location.
Methods of specification:
1. By using a previously defined point. GOTO/P1
2. By defining the coordinates of the point
GOTO/2.0, 5.0, 0.0

GOUP:

Go up (contour motion command).

INTOF:

Intersection of (descriptive data). Indicates that the intersection of two geometry elements
is the specified point.

INTOL:

Inside tolerance (auxiliary statement). Indicates the allowable tolerance between

the inside of a curved surface and any straight-line segments used to approximate the
curve.

LEFT:

Left (descriptive data). Used to indicate which two alternatives, left or right, is
desired.

LINE:

Line (geometry type). Used to define a line that is interpreted by APT as a plane
perpendicular to the xy plane.

MACHINE:

Machine (postprocessor statement). Used to specify the machine tool and to call the
postprocessor for that machine tool.
MACHIN/MILL, 1
In the statement the MILL identifies the machine tool type and 1 identifies the particular
machine and postprocessor. The APT system then calls the specified postprocessor to
prepare the NC tape for that machine.

MACRO:

Used to subordinate which will be called by the main APT program.

DRILL=MACRO/PX
When DRILL is the symbol for the subroutine and PX is a parameter in the subroutine
whose value will be specified when the subroutine is called from the main program.

ON:

On (motion modifier word) used with three other motion modifier wordsTO PAST,
and TANTOto indicate the point on the check surface where the tool motion is to
terminate.

OUTTOL:

Outside Tolerance (auxiliary statement). Indicates the allowable tolerance between the
outside of a curved surface and any straight-line segments used to approximate the curve.

128

PARLEL:

Parallel (descriptive data). Used to define a line or plane as being parallel to another line
or plane.

PARTNO:

Part number (auxiliary statement). Used at start of program to identify the part
program. PARTNO must be typed in columns I through 6 of the first computer card in
the check.

PAST:

Past (motion modifier word).

PERPTO:

Perpendicular to (descriptive data). Used to define a line of plane as being perpendicular

to some other line or plane.

PLANE:

Plane (geometry type). Used to define a plane.

POINT:

Point (geometry type). Used to define a point.

RADIUS

Radius (descriptive data). Used to indicate the radius of a circle.

RIGHT:

Right (descriptive data). See LEFT and LINE.

TANTO:

Tangent to (two uses: descriptive data and motion modifier word).

TERMAC:

Termination of MACRO subroutine. Used as the last statement in the MACRO

subroutine to indicate a return to the main program at the statement following the CALL.

TO:

To (motion modifier word).

TURRET:

Turret (postprocessor statement). Used to specify a turret position on a turret lathe or drill
or to call a specific tool from an automatic tool hanger. Example: TURRET/T30.

XLARGE:

In the positive x-direction (descriptive data). Used to indicate the relative

position of one geometric element with respect to another when there are two possible
alternatives.

XSMALL:

In the negative x-direction (descriptive data).

XLARGE:

In the positive y-direction (descriptive data). See XLARGE.

YSMALL:

In the negative y-direction (descriptive data). See XLARGE.

129

3.9 COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROL

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is one in which the functions and motions of a machine
tool are controlled by means of a prepared program containing coded alphanumeric data.
CNC can control the motions of the workpiece or tool, the input parameters such as feed,
depth of cut, speed, and the functions such as turning spindle on/off, turning coolant on/off.
CNC utilizes a dedicated, stored program computer to perform some or all of the basic
numerical control functions. Because of the trend toward downsizing in computers, most of
the CNC systems sold today use a microcomputer-based controller unit. Over the years
minicomputers have also been used in CNC controls.

The applications of CNC include both for machine tool as well as non-machine tool areas. In
the machine tool category, CNC is widely used for lathe, drill press, milling machine,
grinding unit, laser, sheet-metal press working machine, tube bending machine etc. Highly
automated machine tools such as turning center and machining center which change the
cutting tools automatically under CNC control have been developed. In the non-machine tool
category, CNC applications include welding machines (arc and resistance), coordinate
measuring machine, electronic assembly, tape laying and filament winding machines for
composites etc.
3.9.1 Problems with conventional NC
There are a number of problems inherent in conventional NC which have motivated machine
tool builders to seek improvements in the basic NC system. Among the difficulties
encountered in using conventional numerical control are the following:
1. Part programming mistakes. In preparing the punched tape, part programming
mistakes are common. The mistakes can be either syntax or numerical errors, and it is
not uncommon for three or more passes to be required before the NC tape is correct.
Another related problem in part programming is to achieve the best sequence of
processing steps. This is mainly a problem is manual part programming. Some of the
computer-assisted part programming languages provide aids to achieve the best
operation sequences.
2. No optimal speeds and feeds. In conventional numerical control, the control system
does not provide the opportunity to make changes in speeds and feeds during the
cutting process. As a consequence, the programmer must set the speeds and feeds for
worst-case conditions. The result is lower than optimum productivity.
3. Punched tape. Another problem related to programming is the tape itself. Paper tape
is especially fragile, and its susceptibility to wear and tear causes it to be an unreliable
NC component for repeated use in the shop. More durable tape materials, such as
Mylar, are utilized to help overcome this difficult. However, these materials are
relatively expensive.
4. Tape reader. The tape reader that interprets the punched tape is generally
acknowledged among NC users to be the least reliable hardware component of the
machine. When a breakdown is encountered on an NC machine, the maintenance
personnel usually begin their search for the problem with the tape reader.
5. Controller. The conventional NC controller unit is hard-wired. This means that its
control features cannot be easily altered to incorporate improvements into the unit.
Use of a computer as the control device would provide the flexibility to make
improvements in such features as circular interpolation when better software becomes
available,

130

6. Management information. The conventional NC system is not equipped to provide

timely information on operational performance to management. Such information

might include piece counts, machine breakdowns, and tool changes.
Machine tool builders and control engineers have been continually improving NC technology
by designing systems which help to solve these problems. Much of this improvement has
been provided by advances in electronics. In the following section we explore the
developments in electronics and solid-state technology which have lead the way in NC
controller evolution.
3.9.2 Configuration of CNC System
The external appearance of a CNC machine is very similar to that of a conventional NC
machine. Part programs are initially entered in a similar manner. Punched tape readers are
still the common device to input the part program into the system. However, with
conventional numerical control, the punched tape is cycled through the reader for every
workpiece in the batch. With CNC, the program is entered once and then stored in the
computer memory. Thus the tape reader is used only for the original loading of the part
program and data. Compared to regular NC, CNC offers additional flexibility and
computational capability. New system options can be incorporated into the CNC controller
simply by reprogramming the unit. Because of this reprogramming capacity, both in terms of
part programs and system control options, CNC is often referred to by the term "soft-wired"
NC. Following figure illustrates the general configuration of a CNC system.

Figure 3.13 General configuration of a CNC System

Generally a CNC system consists of three basic components:

1. Part program
2. Machine Control Unit (MCU)
3. Machine tool (lathe, drill press, milling machine etc)
Part Program
The part program is a detailed set of commands to be followed by the machine tool. Each
command specifies a position in the Cartesian coordinate system (x,y,z) or motion
(workpiece travel or cutting tool travel), machining parameters and on/off function. Part
programmers should be well versed with machine tools, machining processes, effects of
process variables, and limitations of CNC controls. The part program is written manually or
by using computer assisted language such as APT.
Machine Control Unit
The machine control unit (MCU) is a microcomputer that stores the program and executes the
commands into actions by the machine tool. The MCU consists of two main units: the data
processing unit (DPU) and the control loops unit (CLU). The DPU software includes control
system software, calculation algorithms, translation software that converts the part program
into a usable format for the MCU, interpolation algorithm to achieve smooth motion of the
131

cutter, editing of part program (in case of errors and changes). The DPU processes the data
from the part program and provides it to the CLU which operates the drives attached to the
machine leadscrews and receives feedback signals on the actual position and velocity of each
one of the axes. A driver (dc motor) and a feedback device are attached to the leadscrew. The
CLU consists of the circuits for position and velocity control loops, deceleration and backlash
take up, function controls such as spindle on/off.
Machine Tool
The machine tool could be one of the following: lathe, milling machine, laser, plasma,
coordinate measuring machine etc. Figure 3 shows that a right-hand coordinate system is
used to describe the motions of a machine tool. There are three linear axes (x,y,z), three
rotational axes (i,j,k), and other axes such as tilt () are possible. For example, a 5-axis
machine implies any combination of x,y,z, i,j,k,and .
3.9.3 Functions of CNC
There are a number of functions which CNC is designed to perform. Several of these
functions would be either impossible or very difficult to accomplish with conventional NC.
The principal functions of CNC are:
1. Machine tool control
2. In-process compensation
3. Improved programming and operating features
4. Diagnostics
Machine Tool Control
The primary function of the CNC system is control of the machine tool. This involves
conversion of the part program instructions into machine tool motion through the computer
interface and servo system. The capability to conveniently incorporate a variety of control
features into the soft-wired controller unit is the main advantage of CNC. Some of the control
functions, such as circular interpolation, can be accomplished more efficiently with hardwired circuits tan with the computer. This fact has led to the development of two alternative
controller designs in CNC: (1) Hybrid CNC, (2) Straight CNC.
In the hybrid CNC system, illustrated in Figure 3.14, the controller consists of the soft-wired
computer plus hard-wired logic circuits. The hard-wired components perform those functions
which they do best, such as feed rate generation and circular interpolation. The computer
performs the remaining control functions plus other duties not normally associated with a
conventional hard-wired controller.

Figure 3.14 Hybrid CNC

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There are several reasons for the popularity of the hybrid CNC configuration. As mentioned
previously, certain NC functions can be performed more efficiently with the hardwired
circuits. These are functions which are common to most NC systems. Therefore, the circuits
that perform these functions can be produced in large quantities at relatively low cost. Use of
these hardwired circuits saves the computer from performing these calculation chores. Hence
a less expensive computer is required in the hybrid CNC controller.
The straight CNC system uses a computer to perform all the NC functions. The only hardwired elements are those required to interface the computer with the machine tool and the
operator's console. Interpolation, tool position feedback, and all other functions are
performed by computer software. Accordingly, the computer required in a straight CNC
system must be more powerful than that needed for a hybrid system. The advantage gained in
the straight CNC configuration is additional flexibility. It is possible to make changes in the
interpolation programs, whereas the logic contained in the hard-wired circuits of hybrid CNC
cannot be altered. A diagram of the straight CNC designed shown in Figure 3.15.

Figure 3.15 Straight CNC

In-process compensation
A function closely related to machine tool control is in-process compensation. This involves
the dynamic correction of the machine tool motions for changes or errors which occur during
processing. Some of the options included within the category of CNC in-process
compensation are:
Adjustments for errors sensed by in-process inspection probes and gauges.
Recomputation of axis positions when an inspection probe is used to locate a datum
reference on a workpart.
Offset adjustments for tool radius and length.
Adaptive control adjustments to speed and/or feed.
Computation of predicted tool life and selection of alternative tooling when indicated.
Improved Program and Operating Features
The flexibility of soft-wired control has permitted the introduction of many convenient
programming and operating features. Included among these features are the following:
Editing of part programs at the machine. This permits correction or optimization of
the program.
Graphic display of the tool path to verify the tape.
Various types of interpolation: circular, parabolic, and cubic interpolation.
Support of both U.S. customary units and metric units (International System)
Use of specially written subroutines.
Manual data input (MDI)
Local storage of more than one part program.

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Diagnostics
NC machine tools are complex and expensive systems. The complexity increases the risk of
component failures which lead to system down-time. It is also requires that the maintenance
personnel be trained to a higher level of proficiency in order to make repairs. The higher cost
of NC provides a motivation to avoid downtime as much as possible. CNC machines are
often equipped with a diagnostics capability to assist in maintaining and repairing the system.
These diagnostics features are still undergoing development and future systems will be much
more powerful in their capabilities than current CNC units. Ideally, the diagnostics
subsystem would accomplish several functions.
First, the subsystem would be able to identify the reason for a downtime occurrence
so that the maintenance personnel could make repairs more quickly.
Second, the diagnostics subsystem would be alert to signs that indicate the imminent
failure of a certain component. Hence maintenance personnel could replace the faulty
component during a scheduled downtime, thus avoiding an unplanned interruption of
production.
A third possible function which goes beyond the normal diagnostics capability is for
the CNC system to contain a certain amount of redundancy of components which are
considered unreliable. When one of these components fails, the diagnostics subsystem
would automatically disconnect the faulty component and activate the redundant
component. Repairs could thus be accomplished without any breaks in normal
operations.
3.9.4 Advantages of CNC
Computer numerical control possesses a number of inherent advantages over conventional
NC. The following list of benefits will serve also as a summary of our preceding discussion:
1. The part program tape and tape reader are used only once to enter the program
into computer memory. This results in improved reliability, since the tape reader is
commonly considered the least reliable component of a conventional NC system.
2. Tape editing at the machine site. The NC can be corrected and even optimized (i.e.,
tool path, speeds, and feeds) during tape tryout at the site of the machine tool.
3. Metric conversion. CNC can accommodate conversion of tapes prepared in units of
inches into the International System of units.
4. Greater flexibility. One of the more significant advantages of CNC over
conventional NC is its flexibility. This flexibility provides the opportunity to
introduce new control option (e.g., new interpolation schemes) with relative ease at
low cost. The risk of obsolescence of the CNC system is thereby reduced.
5. User-written programs. One of the possibilities not originally anticipated for CNC
was the generation of specialized programs by the user. These programs generally
taken the form of MACRO subroutines stored in CNC memory which can be called
by the part program to execute frequently used cutting sequences.
6. Total manufacturing system. CNC is more compatible with the use of a
computerized factory-wide manufacturing system. One of the stepping stones toward
such a system is the concept of direct numerical control.

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3.10 DIRECT NUMERICAL CONTROL

Direct numerical control can be defined as a manufacturing system in which a number of
machines are controlled by a computer through direct connection and in real time. The tape
reader is omitted in DNC, thus relieving the system of its least reliable component. Instead of
using the tape reader, the part program is transmitted to the machine tool directly from the
computer memory. In principle, one large computer can be used to control more than 100
separate machines. The DNC computer is designed to provide instructions to each machine
tool on demand. When the machine needs control commands, they are communicated to it
immediately. DNC also involves data collection and processing from the machine tool back
to the computer.
3.10.1 Components of a DNC system
Figure illustrates the configuration of the basic DNC system. A direct numerical control
system consists of four basic components:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Figure 3.16 General configuration of a DNC system

Central computer
Bulk memory, which stores the NC part programs
Telecommunication lines
Machine tools

The computer calls the part program instructions from bulk storage and sends them to the
individual machines as the need arises. It also receives data back from the machines. This
two-way information flow occurs in real time, which means that each machine's requests for
instructions must be satisfied almost instantaneously. Similarly, the computer must always be
ready to receive information from the machines and to respond accordingly. The remarkable
feature of the DNC system is that the computer is servicing a large of separate machine tools,
all in real time.
Depending on the number of machines and the computational requirements that are imposed
on the computer, it is sometimes necessary to make use of satellite computers, as shown in
figure. These satellites are minicomputers, and they serve to take some of the burden off the
central computer. Each satellite controls several machines. Groups of part program
instructions are received from the central computer and stored in buffers. They are then
dispensed to the individual machines as required. Feedback data from the machines are also
stored in the satellite's buffer before being collected at the central computer.

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Figure 3.17 DNC with satellite minicomputer

3.10.2 Two types of DNC
There are two alternative system configurations by which the communication link is
established between the control computer and the machine tool. One is called a behind-thetape reader system; the other configuration makes use of a specialized machine control unit.
Behind-the-tape-reader (BTR) system
In this arrangement, pictured in figure, the computer linked directly to the regular NC
controller unit. The replacement of the tape reader by the telecommunication lines to the
DNC computer is what gives the BTR configuration its name. The connection with the
computer is made between the tape reader and the controller unit-behind the tape reader.
Except for the source of the command instructions, the operation of the system is very similar
to conventional NC. The controller unit uses two temporary storage buffers to receive blocks
of instructions from the DNC computer is made between the tape reader and the controller
unit uses two temporary storage buffers receive blocks instruction from the DNC computer
and convert them into machine actions. While one buffer is receiving a block of data, the
other is providing control instructions to the machine tool.

Figure 3.18 DNC with BTR configuration

Special Machine control unit
The other strategy in DNC is to eliminate the regular NC controller altogether and replace it
with a special machine control unit. The configuration is illustrated in figure. This special
MCU is a device that is specifically designed to facilitate communication between the
machine tool and the computer. One area where this communication link is important is in
circular interpolation of the cutter path. The special MCU configuration achieves a superior

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balance between accuracy of the interpolation and fast metal removal rates than is generally
possible with the BTR system.

Figure 3.19 DNC with special MCU configuration

The special MCU is soft-wired, the conventional NC controller is hard-wired. The advantage
of soft-wiring is its flexibility. Its control functions can be altered with relative ease to make
improvements. It is much more difficult to make changes in the regular NC controller
because rewiring required.
At present, the advantage of the BTR configuration is that its cost is less, since only minor
changes are needed in the conventional NC system to bring DNC into the shop. BTR systems
do not require the replacement of the conventional control unit by a special MCU. However,
this BTR advantage is a temporary one, since most NC machines are sold with computer
numerical control. The CNC controller serve much the same purpose as a special MCU when
incorporated into a DNC system.
3.10.3 Functions of DNC
There are several functions which a DNC system is designed to perform. These functions are
unique to DNC and could not be accomplished with either conventional NC or CNC. The
principal functions of DNC are:
1. NC without punched tape
2. NC part program storage
3. Data collection, processing, and reporting
4. Communications
NC without punched tape. One of the original objectives in direct numerical control was to
eliminate the use of punched tape. Several of the problems with conventional NC discussed
earlier are related to the use of punched tape (the relatively unreliable tape reader, the fragile
nature of paper tape, the difficulties in making corrections and changes in the program
contained on punched tape, etc.). There is also the expense associated with the equipment
that produces the punched tape. All of these costs and inconveniences can be eliminated with
the DNC approach.
NC part program storage. A second important function of the DNC system is concerned
with storing the part programs. The program storage subsystem must be structured to satisfy
several purposes. First, the programs must be made available for downloading to the NC
machine tools. Second, the subsystem must allow for new programs to be entered, old
programs to be deleted, and existing programs to be edited as the need arises. Third, the DNC
software must accomplish the post-processing function. The part programs in a DNC system
would typically be stored as the CLIFILE. The CLFILE must be converted into instructions
for a particular machine tool. This conversion is performed by the post-processor. Fourth, the

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storage subsystem must be structured to perform certain data processing and management
functions, such as file security, display of programs, manipulation of data, and so on.
The DNC program storage subsystem usually consists of an active storage and a secondary
storage. The active storage would be used to storage NC programs which are frequently used.
A typical mass storage device for this purpose would be a disk. The active storage can be
readily accessed by the DNC computer to drive an NC machine in production. The secondary
storage would be used for NC programs which are not frequently used. Sometimes, even
though it is anticipated that a particular program will probably never be used again, it may be
decided to save that program if the storage costs are not excessive. Examples of secondary
storage media used in DNC include magnetic tape, tape cassettes, floppy disks, disks packs,
and even punched tape. (Unfortunately, the last alternative resurrects the several
disadvantages mentioned earlier.)
Data collection, processing and reporting. The two previous functions for DNC both
concerned the direct link from the central computer to the machine tools in the factory.
Another important function of DNC involves the opposite link, the transfer of data from the
machine tools back to the central computer. DNC involves a two-way transfer of data.
The basic purpose behind the data collection, processing, and reporting function of DNC is to
monitor production in the factory. Data are collected on production piece counts, tool usage,
machine utilization, and other factors that measure performance in the shop. These data must
be processed by the DNC computer, and reports are prepared to provide management with
information necessary for running the plant. The scope of this DNC function has been
broadened over the years to include data collection not only from the NC machines, but from
all other work centres in the factory. The term used to describe this broader scope activity is
shop floor control.
Communications. A communications network is required to accomplish the previous three
functions of DNC. Communication among the various subsystems is a function that is central
to the operation of any DNC system. The essential communication links in direct numerical
control are between the following components of the system:
Central computer and machine tools
Central computer and NC part programmer terminals
Central computer and bulk memory, which stores the NC programs
3.10.4 Advantages of DNC
Just as CNC had certain advantages over a conventional NC system, there are also
advantages associated with the use of direct numerical control. The following list will
recapitulate much of our previous discussion of DNC:
1. Elimination of punched tapes and reader. Direct numerical control eliminates the
least reliable element in the conventional NC system. In some DNC systems, the
hard-wired control unit is also eliminated, and replaced by a special machine control
unit designed to be more compatible with DNC operation.
2. Greater computational capability and flexibility. The large DNC computer
provided the opportunity to perform the computational and data processing functions
more effectively than traditional and data processing functions more effectively than
traditional NC. Because these functions are implemented with software rather than
with hard-wired devices, there exists the flexibility to alter and improve the method
by which these functions are carried out. Examples of these functions include circular
138

3.
4.

5.

6.

interpolation and part programming packages with convenient editing and diagnostics
features.
Convenient storage of NC part programs in computer files. This compares with
the more manually oriented storage of punched tapes in conventional NC.
Programs stored as CLFILE. Storage of part programs in DNC is generally in the
form of cutter path data rather than post-processed programs for specific machine
tools. Storing of the programs in this more general format affords the flexibility in
production scheduling to process a job on any of several different machine tools.
Reporting of shop performance. One of the important features in DNC involves the
collection, processing, and reporting of production performance data from the NC
machines.
Establishes the framework for the evolution of the future computer automated
factory. The direct numerical control concept represents a first step in the
development of production plants which will be managed by computer systems.

3.11 ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS

For a machining operation, the term adaptive control denotes a control system that measures
certain output process variables that have been used in adaptive control machining systems
include spindle deflection or force, torque, cutting temperature, vibration amplitude, and
horsepower. In other words, nearly all the metal cutting variables that can be measured have
been tried in experimental adaptive control systems. The motivation for developing an
adaptive machining system lies in trying to operate the process more efficiently. The typical
measures of performance in machining have been metal removal rate and cost per volume of
metal removed.
Where to use adaptive control
One of the principal reasons for using numerical control (including DNC and CNC) is that
NC reduces the non-productive time in a machining operation. This time savings is achieved
by reducing such elements as work piece handling time, setup of the job, tool changes, and
other sources of operator and machine delay. Because these non-productive elements are
reduced relative to total production time, a larger proportion of the time is spent in actually
machining the work part. Although NC has a significant effect on downtime, it can do
relatively little to reduce the in process time compared to a conventional machine tool. The
most promising answer for reducing the in process time lies in the use of adaptive control.
Whereas numerical control guides the sequences of tool positions or the path of the tool
during machining, adaptive control determines the proper speeds and/or feeds during
machining as a function of variations in such factors as work-material hardness, width or
depth of cut, air gaps in the part geometry, and so on. Adaptive control has the capability to
respond to and compensate for these variations during the process. Numerical control does
not have this capability.
Adaptive control (AC) is not appropriate for every machining situation. In general, the
following characteristics can be used to identify situations where adaptive control can be
beneficially applied:
1. The in-process time consumes a significant portion of the machining cycle time.
2. There are significant sources of variability in the job for which adaptive control can
compensate. In effect, AC adapts feed and/or speed to these variables conditions.
3. The cost of operating the machine tool is high. The high operational cost results
mainly from the high investment in equipment.

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4. The typical jobs are ones involving steel, titanium, and high-strength alloys. Cast iron
and aluminium are also attractive candidates for AC, but these materials are generally
easier to machine.
3.11.1 Source of variability in machining
The following are the typical sources of variability in machining where adaptive control can
be most advantageously applied. Not all of these sources of variability need be present to
justify the use of AC. However, it follows that the greater the variability, the more suitable
the process will be for using adaptive control.
1. Variable geometry of cut in the form of changing depth or width of cut. In these
cases, feed rate is usually adjusted to compensate for the variability. This type of
variability is often encountered in profile milling or contouring operations.
2. Variable work piece hardness and variable machinability. When hard spots or
other areas of difficulty are encountered in the work-piece either speed or feed is
reduced to avoid premature failure of the tool.
3. Variable work piece rigidity. If the work piece deflects as a result of insufficient
rigidity in the setup, the feed rate must be reduced to maintained accuracy in the
process.
4. Tool wear. It has been observed in research that as the tool begins to dull, the cutting
forces increase. The adaptive controller will typically respond to tool dulling by
reducing the feed rate.
5. Air gaps during cutting. The work-piece geometry may contain shaped sections
where no machining needs to be performed. If the tool were to continue feeding
through these so-called air gaps at the same rate, time would be lost. Accordingly, the
typical procedure is to increase the feed rate by a factor or 2 or 3, when air gaps are
encountered.
These sources of variability present themselves as time varying and, for the most part,
unpredictable changes in the machining process.
3.11.2 Two types of adaptive control
In the development of adaptive control machining system, two distinct approaches to the
problem can be distinguished. These are:
1. Adaptive control optimization (ACO)
2. Adaptive control constraint (ACC)
1. Adaptive control optimization. This is represented by the early Bendix research on
adaptive control machining. In this form of adaptive control, an index of performance is
specified for the system. This performance index is a measure of overall process
performance, such as production rate or cost per volume of metal removed. The objective
of the adaptive controller is to optimize the index of performance by manipulating speed
and/or feed in the operation.
2. Adaptive control constraint. The systems developed for actual production were
somewhat less sophisticated (and less expensive) than the research ACO systems. The
production AC systems utilize constraint limits imposed on certain measured process
variables. Accordingly, these are called adaptive control constraint (ACC) systems. The
objective in these systems is to manipulate feed and/or speed so that these measured
process variables are maintained at or below their constraint limit values. The following
subsection describes the operation of the most common commercially available ACC
system.

140

3.11.3 Operation of an ACC system

Typical applications of adaptive control machining are in profile or contour milling jobs on
an NC machine tool. Feed is used as the controlled variable, and cutter force and horsepower
are used as the measured variables. It is common to attach an adaptive controller to an NC
machine tool. Numerical control machines are a natural starting point for AC for two reasons.
First, NC machine tools often possess the required servomotors on the table axes to accept
automatic control. Second, the usual kinds of machining jobs for which NC is used possess
the sources of variability that make AC feasible. Several large companies have retrofitted
their NC machines to include adaptive control. The adaptive control retrofit package consists
of a combination of hardware and software components. The typical hardware components
are:
1. Sensors mounted on the spindle to measure cutter deflection (force).
2. Sensors to measure spindle to motor current. This is used to provide an indication of
power consumption.
3. Control unit and display panel to operate the system.
4. Interface hardware to connect the AC system to the existing NC or CNC control unit.
The software in the AC package consists of a machinability program which can be called as
an APT MACRO statement. The relationship of the machinability program in the part
programming process is shown in Figure 3.20. The inputs to the program include cutting
parameters such as cutter size and geometry, work material hardness, size of cut, and
machine tool characteristics. From calculations based on these parameters, the outputs from
the program are feed rates, spindle speeds, and cutter force limits for each section of the cut.
The objective in these computations is to determine cutting conditions which will maximize
metal removal rates. The NC part programmer would ordinarily have to specify feeds and
speeds for the machining job. With adaptive control, these conditions are computed by the
machinability program based on the input data supplied by the part programmer.

Figure 3.20 Relationship of adaptive control (AC) software to APT program

In machining, the AC system operates at the force value calculated for the particular cutter
and machine tool spindle. Maximum production rates are obtained by running the machine at
the highest feed rate consistent with this force level. Since force is dependent on such factors
as depth and width of cut, the end result of the control action is to maximize metal removal
rates within the limitations imposed by existing cutting conditions.

141

Figure 3.21 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the AC system during the
machining process. When the force increases due to increased work piece hardness or depth
or width of cut, the feed rate is reduced to compensate. When the force decreases, owing to
decreases in the foregoing variables or air gaps in the part, feed rate is increased to maximize
the rate of metal removal.
Figure 3.21 shows an air-gap override feature which monitors the cutter force and determines
if the cutter is moving through air or through metal. This is usually sensed by means of a low
threshold value of cutter force. If the actual cutter force is below this threshold level, the
controller assumes that the cutter is passing through an air gap. When an air gap is sensed,
the feed rate is doubled or tripled to minimize the time wasted travelling across the air gap.
When the cutter reengages metal on the other side of the gap, the feed reverts back to the
cutter force mode of control.

Figure 3.21 Configuration of typical adaptive control machining system that uses
cutter forces as the measured process variable
3.11.4 Benefits of adaptive control machining
A number of potential benefits accrue to the user of an adaptive control machine tool. The
advantage gained will depend on the particular job under consideration. There are obviously
many machining situations for which it cannot be justified. Adaptive control has been
successfully applied in such machining processes as milling, drilling, tapping, grinding, and
boring. It has also been applied in turning, but with only limited success. Following are some
of the benefits gained from adaptive control in the successful applications.
1. Increased production rates. Productivity improvement was the motivating force behind
the development of adaptive control machining. On-line adjustments to allow for
variations in work geometry, material, and tool wear provide the machine with the
capability to achieve the highest metal removal rates that are consistent with existing
cutting conditions. This capability translates into more parts per hours. Given the right
application, adaptive control will yield significant gains in production rate compared to
conventional machining or numerical control. The production rate advantage of adaptive
control over NC machining is illustrated in Table for milling and drilling operations on a
variety of work materials. Savings in cycle time reported in this table range from 20% up
to nearly 60% for milling and 33 to 38% for drilling.

142

2. Increased tool life. In addition to higher production rates, adaptive control will generally
provide a more efficient and uniform use of the' cutter throughout its tool life. Because
adjustments are made in the feed rate to prevent severe loading of the tool, fewer cutters
will be broken.
3. Greater part protection. Instead of setting the cutter force constraint limit on the basis
of maximum allowable cutter and spindle deflection, the force limit can be established on
the basis of work size tolerance. In this way, the part is protected against an out-oftolerance condition and possible damage.
4. Less operator intervention. The advent of adaptive control machining has transferred
control over the process even further out of the hands of the machine operator and into
the hands of management via the part programmer.
5. Easier part programming. A benefit of adaptive control which is not so obvious
concerns the task of part programming. With ordinary numerical control, the programmer
must plan the speed and feed for the worst conditions that the cutter will encounter. The
program may have to be tried out several times before the programmer is satisfied with
the choice of conditions. In adaptive control part programming, the selection of feed is
left to the controller unit rather than to the part programmer. The programmer can afford
to take a less conservative approach than with conventional NC programming. Less time
is needed to generate the program for the job, and fewer tryouts are required.
APPENDICES
Appendix-I: ISO Standards for Coding
In the early years of development of Numerical Control standardization has been given due
importance. As a result many of the things that we use in NC are standardized and many of
the manufacturers. Follow the standards to a great extent. One of the first things to be
standardized is the work addresses to be used in programming. All the 26 letters of the
English alphabet was standardized and given meaning as follows:
Character

Address For

Angular dimension around X axis

Angular dimension around Y axis

Angular dimension around Z axis

Angular dimension around special axis or third feed function*

Angular dimension around special axis or second feed function*

Feed function

Preparatory function

Unassigned

Distance to arc centre or thread lead parallel to X

Distance to arc centre or thread lead parallel to Y

Distance to arc centre or thread lead parallel to Z

Do not use

Miscellaneous function

Sequence number

Reference rewind stop

Third rapid traverse dimension or tertiary motion dimension parallel to X*

143

Second rapid traverse dimension or tertiary motion dimension parallel to Y*

First rapid traverse dimension or tertiary motion dimension parallel to Z*

Spindle speed function

Tool function

Secondary motion dimension parallel to X*

Secondary motion dimension parallel to Y*

Secondary motion dimension parallel to Z*

Primary X motion dimension

Primary Y motion dimension

Primary Z motion dimension

Appendix-II: Preparatory Functions

This is denoted by `G'. It is a pre-set function associated with the movement of machine axes
and the associated geometry. As discussed earlier, it has two digits, e.g. G01, G42, and G90
as per ISO specifications. However, some of the current day controllers accept upto 3 or 4
digits. ISO has standardized a number of these preparatory functions popularly called as G
codes. The standardized codes are shown below:
CODE
G00
G01
G02
G03
G04
G05
G06
G07
G08
G09
G10
G1l
G12
G13-G16
G17
G18
G19
G20
G21
G22-G29
G30
G31
G32
G33
034
G35

FUNCTION
Point-to-point positioning, rapid traverse
Line interpolation
Circular interpolation, clockwise (WC)
Circular interpolation, anti-clockwise (CCW)
Dwell
Hold/Delay
Parabolic interpolation
Unassigned
Acceleration of feed rate
Deceleration of feed rate
Linear interpolation for "long dimensions" (10 inches-100
inches)
Linear interpolation for "short dimensions" (up to 10 inches)
Unassigned
Axis designation
XY plane designation
ZX plane designation
YZ plane designation
Circular interpolation, CW for "long dimensions"
Circular interpolation, CW for "short dimensions"
Unassigned
Circular interpolation, CCW for "long dimensions"
Circular interpolation, CCW for "short dimensions"
Unassigned
Thread cutting, constant lead
Thread cutting, linearly increasing lead
Thread cutting, linearly decreasing lead
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G36-G39
G40
G41
G42
G43
G44
G45-G52
G53
G54-G59
G60
G61
G62
G63
G64
G65-G69
G70
G7I
G72-G79
G80
G81-G89
G90
G91
G92
G93
G94
G95
G96
G97
G98-G99

Unassigned
Cutter compensation-cancels to zero
Cutter radius compensation-offset left
Cutter radius compensation-offset right
Cutter compensation-positive
Cutter compensation-negative
Unassigned
Deletion of zero offset
Datum point/zero shift
Target value, positioning tolerance 1
Target value, positioning tolerance 2, or loop cycle
Rapid traverse positioning
Tapping cycle
Change in feed rate or speed
Unassigned
Dimensioning in inch units
Dimensioning in metric units
Unassigned
Canned cycle cancelled
Canned drilling and boring cycles
Specifies absolute input dimensions
Specifies incremental input dimensions
Programmed reference point shift
Unassigned
Feed rate/min (inch units when combined with G70)
Feed rate/rev (metric units when combined with G71)
Spindle feed rate for constant surface feed
Spindle speed in revolutions per minute
Unassigned

Appendix-III: Miscellaneous Functiions

These functions actually operate some controls on the machine tool and thus affect the
running of the machine. Generally only one-M codes to be given in a single block. However,
some controllers allow for two or more M codes to be given in a block, provided these are
not mutually exclusive, e.g., coolant ON (M07) and OFF (M09) cannot be given in one
block.
Less number of M codes have been standardized by ISO compared to G codes in view of the
direct control exercised by these on the machine tool. The ISO standard M codes are shown
below:
CODE
M00
M01
M02
M03
M04
M05

FUNCTION
Program stop, spindle and coolant off
Optional programmable stop
End of program-often interchangeable with M30
Spindle on, CW
Spindle on, CCW
Spindle stop
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M06
M07
M08
M09
M10
M11
M12
M13
M14
M15
M16
M17 - M18
M19
M20 M29
M30
M31
M32 M35
M36 - M39
M40 M45
M46 M49
M50
M51
M52 M54
M55
M56
M57 M59
M60
M61
M62
M63 M67
M68
M69
M70
M71
M72
M73 M77
M78
M79
M80- M99

Tool change
Coolant supply No. 1 on
Coolant supply No. 2 on
Coolant off
Clamp
Unclamp
Unassigned
Spindle on, CW + coolant on
Spindle on, CCW + coolant on
Rapid traverse in + direction
Rapid traverse in direction
Unassigned
Spindle stop at specified angular position
Unassigned
Program stop at end tape + tape rewind
Interlock by-pass
Constant cutting velocity
Unassigned
Gear changes; otherwise unassigned
Unassigned
Coolant supply No. 3 on
Coolant supply No. 4 on
Unassigned
Linear cutter offset No. 1 shift
Linear cutter offset No. 2 shift
Unassigned
Piece part change
Linear piece part shift, location 1
Linear piece part shift, location 2
Unassigned
Clamp piece part
Unclamp piece part
Unassigned
Angular piece part, shift, location 1
Angular piece part, shift, location 2
Unassigned
Clamp non-activated machine bed-ways
Unclamp non-activated machine bed-ways
Unassigned

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4. 0 Material Handling

MODULE-IV

Handling of materials is an integral part of the production process. It involves piling, loading,
unloading and transporting parts or raw materials from one place to another. Starting from the
point, the raw material enters the factory gate and goes out of the factory in the form of
finished products it is handled at all stages in between, from the stores to shop, from one shop
to another or from one machine to another on the shop floor. Thus, Material handling may be
defined as the handling of raw-materials, semi-finished parts and finished products,
mechanically or manually through the production as well as storage areas. The movement
may be horizontal, vertical or the combination of horizontal and vertical.
A large part of the indirect labour employed in manufacturing plant is engaged in the
handling of materials. It has been estimated that average material handling cost is roughly 20
to 25 percent of the total production cost. It thus becomes clear that the cost of production of
an item can be lowered considerably by making a saving in material handling cost.
4.1 Functions of Material Handling
i. The movement and positioning of purchased materials, tools, spares etc. for the purpose
of storage.
ii. The internal transportation of materials from stores to shops or departments.
iii. The movement of materials within departments from one machine to another while
processing; and from one department to another,
iv. The movement and positioning of finished products or components for the purpose of
stocking or sale.
v. Unloading raw-materials from trucks or other transport.
vi. Loading packed materials on motor trucks or other transport.
4.2 Factors to be considered in Material Handling Probems
The two most important factors for analyzing or solving material handling problems are:
a. Engineering factors, and
b. Economic factors.
Engineering factors
1. Nature of Materials and Products to be handled. The nature of the raw-materials,
materials in process, quantities to be handled and distances travelled by them should be
considered. The state of the raw material solid, liquid, gaseous, its size, shape, weight and
quantity involved mainly governs the type of material handling equipments. A flexible,
safe material handling system is developed considering these factors, fragility and bulk of
materials involved.
2. Production Processes and Equipment. The production process selected, sequence of
operations, quantities of materials involved should be considered while designing the material
handling system. Different machines have different output per unit time. The material
handling equipment selected should be able to handle the maximum output.
3. Building Construction. Usually, once a building has been erected, it is not possible, at a
reasonable cost, to make too many changes in the construction merely for the purpose of
installing material handling equipment. Building construction enters into the problem in
respect of:
(i) If the building is more than one storey, it may involve a question of vertical
transportation. A vertical flow pattern will require elevators, conveyors, pipes etc.
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while the horizontal flow pattern in single storey building may need trucks, overhead
bridge cranes, conveyors etc.
(ii) Secondly, building construction is concerned with the loading that the floors can safely
withstand (strength of floors) and also with the possibility of attaching certain types of
conveying equipment to the structural members.
(iii)The various features of building, the door locations and sizes, ceiling heights, roof
strength, stair columns and width of aisles etc.
Thus the type of building (single or multi-storied), strength of floors and other parts and the
various features of building as discussed above are the important considerations in material
handling determinations.
4. Layout. Layout and material handling are not separable problems. It is necessary that
they be considered together. It is possible to make a layout that would be very wasteful of
space and perhaps impose other restrictions, and yet it might possibly make most economical
form of material handling. Conversely, it is possible to make a layout that utilizes the existing
building in the most efficient way and yet makes material handling problems almost
impossible of solution. Therefore, in any design of new buildings or the re-arrangement or
reconstruction of old buildings, it is essential that layout and material handling be considered
jointly.
5. Existing Material Handling Equipment. The usefulness and effectiveness of existing
material handling equipment is evaluated from its performance of handling different
products. If found necessary, additional material handling equipments are installed/provided
or necessary changes in the existing equipments may be made in the light of economic
benefits availed from such changes.
6. Production Planning and Control. The routing and scheduling functions of the
production planning and control are closely related to the material handling services. The
routing prescribes the sequence for the flow of materials during the processing while the
scheduling decides timing of the processing.
7. Packaging. The handling of materials during the processing is facilitated through the pallets,
while the finished products are packed in the specific containers. Generally wooden boxes,
card board, cartons etc. are used for packaging the finished products. The packing of the
finished products should be of convenient size so that they can be handled easily.
Economic Factors
For economic analysis while selecting material handling equipment following cost factors
must be taken into consideration. Initial cost of equipment, cost of installation, rearrangement
of the present equipment, cost of alternation necessary to the building, cost of maintenance,
repairs, supplies etc., cost of power, depreciation, cost of labour to operate, cost of any
necessary auxiliary equipment, space required, etc. A material handling equipment with the
lowest prospective cost is selected. A material handling system is said to be economical if the
cost of handling per unit weight of the material for a particular movement is minimum.
Economy in material handling can be achieved by:
- employing gravity feed movements
- minimizing distance of travel
- By using a system in which the product from the machine directly falls over
material handling equipment (e.g. by means of chute or conveyor) and carried to
destination without any manual labour.
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- Proper periodic inspection, repairs and maintenance etc.

4.3 Principles of Material Handling
1. Reduction in handling. The first principle of material handling is to minimize the material
handling as far as possible. The materials should be moved as little as possible. The selection
of production machinery and the type of plant layout should be such that material handling may
be eliminated as far as possible. Layout improvement or changes in the process may make it
possible to reduce material handling. Factors that are involved in reduction in handling are
thus:
(i) Process changes
(ii) Layout improvement
(iii) Increased size of units handled.
(iv) Use of proper equipment.
2. Reduction in time. Time lost reduces the rate of output and increases unit overhead costs.
Therefore the time of each move should be minimized. Time is consumed principally in three
things:
(i) Waiting. Waiting time may be reduced by proper scheduling, well organisation of
labour force, providing proper or sufficient facilities for loading, removing congestion in
the plant.
(ii) Loading and unloading. The larger the units loaded or unloaded the greater the
reduction that can be made in loading time. The greater the use of mechanical means
(hoists, cranes etc.) more efficient can be loading and unloading and faster will be the
movement of materials.
(iii) Travel time. A great deal of time can be saved by proper routing or through selection
of shortest routes.
3. Principle of "Unit Load". According to this principle, the materials should be moved in
lots rather than on individual basis. Optimum number of pieces should be moved in one unit
to utilize the material handling equipment effectively. The concept of containerization and
palletization is applied in deciding the unit load. The principle of unit load avails the
economies in the form of reduced loading and unloading labour cost, packing cost,
elimination of damage and pilferage, saving in time and effective utilization of material handling
equipment.
4. Use of Gravity. Wherever possible utilize gravity for assisting material movements as it
is the cheapest source of motive power.
5. Safety. Safe, standard, efficient, effective, appropriate and flexible material handling
equipment should be used.
6. Use of containers. Design containers, pallets, drums etc. to reduce the cost of handling and
damage of material in transit.
7. Standby facility. The provision of stand by facilities should be made so that the sudden
break down may not stop the operations due to non-availability of materials.
8. Periodical Check up. The check up repairing and maintenance of the existing material
handling equipments should be made periodically.
9. Avoid interference with production line. The material handling services should not
interfere with the production line.
10. Flexibility. The material handling services should be evaluated periodically and necessary
changes should be incorporated whenever it is possible.

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4. 4 Material Handling Devices

A material handling equipment is not a production machinery, but is an auxiliary equipment
that improves the flow of materials which in turn reduces stoppages introduction machines
and thus increases productivity. Material handling devices are of three types:
(a) Lifting and lowering devices (vertical movement).
(b) Transporting devices (horizontal movement)
(c) Devices which lift and transport (combination devices).
Lifting and lowering devices: These devices are used for lifting and lowering the material
in a vertical direction only (up & down). These are:
1. Block and tackle. (Fig. 1) Block and tackle is one of the oldest and simplest methods of
lifting something through a vertical distance. It depends in general on manpower and gives
only the mechanical advantage that is possible for the various rope formations. It is crudest,
simplest form of lifting, the most inexpensive in cost, and the most wasteful of manpower. It is
the device that effect vertical motion by winding the rope or cable on a drum.

Fig. 1 Block and tackle

Fig. 2 Winches

Fig. 3 Power Hoist

2. Winches. (Fig. 2) Winches are frequently used in loading heavy equipment into ships,
construction equipment into building, and in similar jobs.
3. Hoists. Hoists are used for lifting the load vertically. They may be fixed in one place,
attached to crane, mounted on monorail trolleys or on a single rail as shown in Fig. 3. The
simplest type is the chain hoist which is operated by hand. But hoists operated by compressed
air or by electric power are most common.
4. Elevator. These are differentiated from hoists by the fact that the operator rides with the
load. There are many different types of drives for such elevators, but in general electrical
drive is most common. Hydraulic elevators are used only where it is dangerous to take the
chance of an electric spark, as in acetylene generator houses.
5. Winch. It is used to lift loads by using the rope or a cable on a drum. It is used in
loading heavy equipment into ships, construction equipment for buildings and in similar
jobs.
6. Cranes. Cranes are used to move materials vertically and laterally in an area of limited
length. They may be operated hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically, the important
types of cranes are:

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Pillar crane. (Fig. 4) A pillar crane may be stationary type or mobile types. It is used
for light duty and for lifting loads up to 20 tonnes. All movements to the crane are
provided by gearing and electric motor drive.
Overhead bridge crane. Overhead bridge crane is shown in Fig. 5. It has both transverse
and longitudinal movements. The crane hook thus moves in a rectangular area can reach to
any part of rectangular floor or yard. It is used in foundry, power house, chemical plants,
heavy fabrication industry, steel industry etc.
Gantry Crane. A gantry crane shown in Fig. 6 acts as an auxiliary to bridge crane. It is
provided with wheels and can be moved from one place to another as per requirements.
Jib Crane. Fig. 7 shows a jib crane. In this type of crane, the hook can move in a circular
path. A jib crane is preferred where lifting of the jobs is required in few locations only or
where bridge crane cannot be erected. In a jib crane the hoist unit may be mounted on an
I-section jib which is in turn supported on a column.

Fig. 4 Pillar Crane

Fig. 7 Jib Crane

Fig. 5 Overhead Bridge crane

Fig. 6 Gantry Crane

Transporting devices: These devices are used for transporting the material in horizontal
direction these are:
1. Hand trucks/power trucks and wheel barrows. The simplest transporting devices are
wheel barrows and hand trucks. These are still in use in number of small industries all over
the country. Fig. 8 shows a hand truck Fig. 9 shows a wheel barrow or a wheeler. Wheelers are
particularly used to handle the materials inside the shops. Wheels are nothing but a form of a
box provided with wheels. These equipment involve a large amount of manpower for a
relatively small load. The chief advantage of this equipment is its very low cost its great
flexibility, and its easy portability from one job to another. However, in many cases, power
operated equipment should be substituted for equipment of this kind, which is mainly used
because of tradition.

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Fig. 8 Hand Truck

Fig. 9 Wheel Barrow

2. Industrial railways. Industrial railways are narrow-gauge rail roads. In general, little use
is made of such equipment because it requires a heavy investment in the road bed and tracks.
It possesses little flexibility, and is difficult to change after some period, if required. Industrial
railways were used in the days before the development of rubber tire equipment. They are still
found in metal working industries (blast furnaces, copper refineries and steel-rolling
operations) and in mining activities, where it is cheaper or more desirable to lay tracks than to
pave the entire area.
3. Tractors and trailers. (Fig. 10) The use of tractors and trailers for material handling is one
of the most common method of horizontal transportation. This method is most flexible as
tractors can be connected to different types of trailers. Trailers can be disconnected from
tractors, left loaded and can be picked up by different tractors. This system thus has the
advantage of great flexibility plus all the advantages of industrial railways, and there is no
investment in laying tracks. It is one of the most important methods of handling materials
inside the plant and from one building to another.

Fig. 10 Wheel Hydraulic Tripping Trailer

4. Aerial tramways. Aerial tramways are also a horizontal transportation system in which the
load carrying vehicle is supported from the top, usually by means of a cable or its equivalent.
5. Pipe Line. Pipe lines and pumps are also used for horizontal transportation of
commodities. Most obvious among these is oil, which is pumped great distances through pipe
lines. Gas, principally natural gas, is also carried through pipe lines. Water is similarly
transported at various distances.
6. Skids. Skids are used with lift trucks. Goods may be loaded on to skids and then picked
up with li trucks. This is the first improvement over wheel barrows and hand trucks. The
skid can be transferred from position to position without subsequent loading and unloading.
Both skids and pallets raise the load off the supporting surface and allow the easy insertion
of the conveying means.
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Fig. 11 Skids
Devices which lift and transport (Combination devices): These devices are used for lifting,
transporting and lowering the material. These are:
1. Slides and Chutes. (Fig. 12)One of the simplest devices that have both vertical and
horizontal motion is a slide or chute. It may be straight or spiral and is static in nature. Gravity
is utilized in order to move material down and, if desired, to change the position of the load
horizontally. Chutes are common in railway and air line terminal for handling packages and
baggages. Chutes are also used in department stores particularly in spiral form to ship stock
from reserves on the upper floors to the lower selling floors. Where the sliding down process
tends to be slow, the vibrating chutes are used where the materials are moved downwards
through vibrations.

Fig. 12 Spiral Chute

2. Monorails. Monorail is an I-section beam attached to the ceiling and having a trolley hoist
moving along it. The material can be transferred from one place to another along the beam.
Either the vertical, or horizontal travel, or both, are power operated. This makes possible the
handling of relatively heavy material by lifting the load and transporting it.
3. Lifts. In a multistoried plants material may be lifted up and transported by lifts. It is a fast
and flexible equipment for floor to floor travel. Buckets or trays can be mounted on the
endless chain running from the ground floor to the top floor. The material can be loaded on
trays automatically.
4. Trucks. The trucks are used to move the heavy materials over varying paths. They are
either manually operated or power operated. Generally two wheeler, three wheeler or four or
more wheeler trucks are used to carry and to move heavy loads. Industrial trucks are
preferred:
when materials are to be picked up and moved intermittently on different routes.
when materials are of mixed size and weight.
when it is possible to use unit load.
when cross traffic exists.
when distances to be moved are moderate.
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The various types of trucks used for material handling are manually operated trucks, power
operated trucks, lift trucks (Fig. 13), fork lift trucks (Fig. 14), crane trucks (Fig. 15), auto
trucks etc. The lifting feature in lift trucks provides clearance from the floor for the skids and
permits horizontal transportation.

Fig. 13 Lift Truck

Fig. 14 Fork Lift Truck

Fig. 15 Crane Truck

Crane Truck. Small crane trucks operate on the same principle as lift trucks. They are used for
materials that cannot be put on skids, or is not available on skids at the present time, or is
much too heavy to handle with lift trucks. It moves quickly over smooth, even and hard
ground. It can be carried at will and to any place. In these cranes the solid rubber tyres are
used. The cranes are rotary type, as shown in Fig. 15, so that the load can be lifted from any
position.
Auto Truck. Auto trucks need no particular explanation except for the development of
tail boards (hydraulic gates), which receives the load at ground level and elevate it to the level
of the truck, so that all manual lifting is avoided.
5. Conveyors. A conveyor is a device which moves materials in either a vertical or
horizontal direction between two fixed points. They may be fixed or portable conveyors,
straight or circular ones. The materials are fed to the conveyor from some other source at the
point of start; they are carried by the conveyor to the point of destination. They are driven with
the help of power or without the power through gravity. Conveyors have the advantage that
they largely save labour cost, but have the disadvantage that they take up considerable space,
are relatively fixed and in most cases the investment cost is high.
Conveyors are used in mass production industries where unit loads are uniform, the required
movement of the material is continuous, path and rate of movement of material is not likely
to change. Conveyors have a number of uses, especially in a line layout. A good system of
conveyors besides bringing about low cost transportation can also be employed for:
i. processing activities performed during transportation;
ii. work-holding devices on a moving work-station;
iii. a medium for providing storage;
iv. inspection of the product in transit;
Processing activities that can be performed on materials in transit include head treatment,
baking, cleaning, painting, drying, hardening and cooling. Speed and uniformity in quality are
obtained by automatic control in transit.
By special design of containers, racks and fixtures, the operators can perform a sequence of
operations while the material is in transit, thus eliminating pick-up and put-away nonproductive activities. The proper pre-positioning of the material in the work centre also
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facilitates the use of both hands of the operator to good advantage. The material can also be
inspected, sorted, graded, weighed, counted, checked for size, or tested for various attributes.
Power conveyors co-ordinate various operations at the required rate of movement, thus
effecting means of pacing the work. As a pacing device, conveyors free the supervisors from
the need to maintain the required rate of operations, which is executed automatically. Because
there is a definite flow of work at a pre-determined rate in a chain of operations tied together, it
is easy to attain detailed scheduling. Mechanized pacing facilitates better production control,
with a reduced amount of detailed attention and paper work on the part of the planning
personnel.
Types of Conveyors
(a) Roller Conveyor. Roller conveyors are flat, circular or spiral. They consist of rollers
supported in frames over which materials are allowed to move. They are driven through
gravity. Generally materials having flat bottoms are moved, otherwise boxes or pallets are
used.

Fig. 16 Roller Spiral Conveyor

Fig. 17 Roller Conveyor

Fig. 17 Belt Conveyor

(b) Belt conveyor. Fig. 18 shows a belt conveyor, which consists of endless belt. It has a power
driven pulley at one end which moves the belt continuously. It may be flat or elevated with
upward or downward flow of materials. Generally, the belt is made from rubber, canvas, fabric,
leather, perforated sheets or woven wires. The fixed or portable belt conveyors are used
according to the requirements of the production processes.

Fig. 19 Chain Conveyor

Fig. 20 Screw Conveyor

Fig. 21 Bucket Conveyor

(c) Chain conveyor. (Fig. 19) Chain conveyor consists of overhead mounted endless
chain. It is supported from the ceiling and has a fixed path to travel. It saves valuable floor
space. The arrangement is such that the lifting mechanism (may be an electromagnet or a
hook) lowers down for loading and unloading of the products to be handled. Chain conveyors
are used in refrigeration industries for painting and plating of the refrigerator shells.

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(d) Screw Conveyor. (Fig. 20) Screw conveyors are used principally for transmitting materials
in the form of powder or paste with the application of rotating screw. For example, feeding
pulverized coal into a furnace.
(e) Bucket conveyor. (Fig. 21) Bucket conveyors are used to move the granular, powered or
liquid materials. The buckets may be mounted on a chain or a belt. The movement may be
vertical or flat. The vertical movement may be continuous wherein buckets are hooked in a
sequential circular manner or discrete where buckets are hooked for lifting.
4.5 Group Technology (GT)
Group technology is a manufacturing philosophy in which similar parts are identified and
grouped together to take advantage of similarities in design and/or manufacture. Similar parts
are grouped into part families. For example, a factory that produces as many as 10,000
different part numbers can group most of these parts into as few as 50 distinct part families.
Since the processing of each family would be similar, the production of part families in
dedicated manufacturing cells facilitates workflow. Thus, group technology results in
efficiencies in both product design and process design.
4.5.1 Part Family Formation
The key to gaining efficiency in group-technology-based manufacturing is the formation of
part families. A part family is a collection of parts that are similar either due to geometric
features such as size and shape or because similar processing steps are required in their
manufacture. Parts within a family are different, but are sufficiently similar in their design
attributes (geometric size and shape) and/or manufacturing attributes (the sequence of
processing steps required to make the part) to justify their identification as members of the
same part family. The biggest problem in initiating a group-technology-based manufacturing
system is that of grouping parts into families. Three methods for accomplishing this grouping
are
1. Visual inspection. This method involves looking at the part, a photograph, or a
drawing and placing the part in a group with similar parts. It is generally regarded as
the most time consuming and least accurate of the available methods.
2. Parts classification and coding. This method involves examining the individual design
and/or manufacturing attributes of each part, assigning a code number to the part on
the basis of these attributes, and grouping similar code numbers into families. This is
the most commonly used procedure for forming part families.
3. Production flow analysis. This method makes use of the information contained on the
routing sheets describing the sequence of processing steps involved in producing the
part, rather than part drawings. Workparts with similar or identical processing
sequences are grouped into a part family.
4.5.2 Parts Classification and Coding
As previously stated, parts classification and coding is the most frequently applied method for
forming part families. Such a system is useful in both design and manufacture. In particular,
parts coding and classification, and the resulting coding system, provide a basis for
interfacing CAD and CAM in CIM systems. Parts classification systems fall into one of three
categories:
1. Systems based on part design attributes:
Basic external shape
Basic internal shape
Length/diameter ratio
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Material type
Part function
Major dimensions
Minor dimensions
Tolerances
Surface finish
2. Systems based on part manufacturing attributes:
Primary process
Minor processes
Major dimensions
Length/diameter ratio
Surface finish
Machine tool
Operation sequence
Production time
Batch size
Annual production requirement
Fixtures needed
Cutting tools
3. Systems based on a combination of design and manufacturing attributes.
Although well over 100 classification and coding systems have been developed for group
technology applications, all of them can be grouped into three basic types:
1. Hierarchical or monocode
2. Attribute, or polycode
3. Hybrid, or mixed
Hierarchical Code
In this type of code, the meaning of each character is dependent on the meaning of the
previous character; that is, each character amplifies the information of the previous character.
Such a coding system can be depicted using a tree structure as shown in Figure 22, which
represents a simple scheme for coding the spur gear shown in Figure 1a. Using these figures,
the code, A11B2 can be assigned to the spur gear. A hierarchical code provides a large
amount of information in a relatively small number of digits. Design departments frequently
use hierarchical coding systems for part retrieval because this type of system is very effective
for capturing shape, material, and size information. Manufacturing departments, on the other
hand, have different needs which are often based on process requirements. It is difficult to
retrieve and analyze process-related information when it is in a hierarchical structure that will
be equally useful to both the design and manufacturing organizations.

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Figure 22

The Opitz system is perhaps the best known coding system used in parts classification and
coding. The code structure is
12345 6789 ABCD
The first nine digits constitute the basic code that conveys both design and manufacturing
data. The first five digits, 12345, are called the/orm code and give the primary design
attributes of the part. The next four digits, 6789, constitute the supplementary code and
indicate some of the manufacturing attributes of the part. The next four digits, ABCD, are
called the secondary code and are used to indicate the production operations of type and
sequence. Figure 37.12 gives the basic structure for the Opitz coding system. Note that digit 1
establishes two primary categories of parts, rotational and non-rotational, among nine
separate part classes.
The MICLASS (Metal Institute Classification System) was developed by the Netherlands
Organization for Applied Scientific Research to help automate and standardize a number of
design, manufacturing, and management functions. MICLASS codes range from 12 to 30
digits, with the first 12 constituting a universal code that can be applied to any part. The
remaining 18 digits can be made specific to any company or industry. The organization of the
first 12 digits is as follows:
1st digit main shape
2nd and 3rd digits shape elements
4th digit position of shape elements
5th and 6th digits main dimensions
7th digit dimension ratio
8th digit auxiliary dimension
9th and 10th digits tolerance codes
llth and 12th digits material codes
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Computer Aided
Process Planning

MICLASS allows computer-interactive parts coding, in which the user responds to a series of
questions asked by the computer. The number of questions asked depends on the complexity
of the part and ranges from as few as 7 to more than 30, with an average of about 15.

The CODE system is a parts classification and coding system developed and marketed by
Manufacturing Data System, Inc (MDSI), of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Its most universal
application is in design engineering for retrieval of part design data, but it also has
applications in manufacturing process planning, purchasing, tool design, and inventory
control. The code number has eight digits. For each digit, there are 16 possible values (zero
through 9 and A through F) which are used to describe the parts design and manufacturing
characteristics. The initial digit position indicates the basic geometry of the part and is called
the major division of the code system. This digit would be used to specify whether the shape
was cylinder, flat, block, or other. The interpretation of the remaining digits forms a chaintype structure. Hence the CODE system possesses a hybrid structure.
4.5.3 Clustering Analysis
Based on the analysis of sequences of fabrication operations (routings) of parts.
Parts that go through similar operations are grouped together into the same part families.
Machines may then be grouped into cells that produce their respective part families.
The analysis begins with forming a machine-component matrix which identifies which
parts are processed on which machines.
Clustering requires accurate and optimized routings.
4.5.4 Benefits of Group Technology
Group technology offers substantial benefits to companies that have the perseverance to
implement it. The benefits include:
GT promotes standardization of tooling, fixturing and setups.
Material handling is reduced because parts are moved within a machine cell rather
than within the entire factory.
Process planning and production scheduling are simplified
Setup times are reduced, resulting in lower manufacturing lead times.
Work-in-process is reduced.
Worker satisfaction usually improves when workers collaborate in a OT cell.
Higher quality work is accomplished using group technology.
4.6 Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP)
In manufacturing, the goal is to produce components that meet the design specifications. The
design specification ensures the functionality aspect. Next step to follow is to assemble these
components into final product. Process planning acts as a bridge between design and
manufacturing. It translates design specifications into manufacturing process details. Hence,
in general, process planning is a production organization activity that transforms a product
design into a set of instruction (sequence, machine tool setup etc.) to manufacture machined
part economically and competitively. The information provided in design includes
dimensional specification (geometric shape and its feature) and technical specification
(tolerance, surface finish etc.).
4.6.1 Approaches to Process Planning
There are basically two approaches to process planning which are as follows:
(i) Manual experience-based process planning, and
(ii) Computer-aided process planning method.
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(i) Manual Experience-based Process Planning

The steps mentioned in the previous section are essentially same for manual process
planning. Following difficulties are associated with manual experienced based process
planning method:
It is time consuming and over a period of time, plan developed are not consistent.
Feasibility of process planning is dependent on many upstream factors (design and
availability of machine tools). Downstream manufacturing activities such as
scheduling and machine tool allocation are also influenced by such process plan.
Therefore, in order to generate a proper process plan, the process planner must have
sufficient knowledge and experience. Hence, it is very difficult to develop the skill of the
successful process planner and also a time consuming issue.
(ii) Computer-Aided Process Planning
Computer-aided process planning (CAPP) helps determine the processing steps required to
make a part after CAP has been used to define what is to be made. CAPP programs develop a
process plan or route sheet by following either a variant or a generative approach. The variant
approach uses a file of standard process plans to retrieve the best plan in the file after
reviewing the design. The plan can then be revised manually if it is not totally appropriate.
The generative approach to CAPP starts with the product design specifications and can
generate a detailed process plan complete with machine settings. CAPP systems use design
algorithms, a file of machine characteristics, and decision logic to build the plans. Expert
systems are based on decision rules and have been used in some generative CAPP systems.
CAPP has recently emerged as the most critical link to integrated CAD/CAM system into
inter-organizational flow. Main focus is to optimize the system performance in a global
context. The essentiality of computer can easily be understood by taking an example, e.g. if
we change the design, we must be able to fall back on a module of CAPP to generate cost
estimates for these design changes. Similarly for the case of the breakdown of machines on
shop floor. In this case, alternative process plan must be in hand so that the most economical
solution for the situation can be adopted. Figure 9.2 is one such representation, where setting
of multitude of interaction among various functions of an organization and dynamic changes
that takes place in these sub functional areas have been shown. Hence, the use of computer in
process planning is essential.

Figure 4.23 Framework for Computer Aided Process Planning

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CAPP is the application of computer to assist the human process planer in the process
planning function. In its lowest form it will reduce the time and effort required to prepare
process plans and provide more consistent process plan. In its most advanced state, it will
provide the automated interface between CAD and CAM and in the process achieve the
complete integration with in CAD/CAM.
Advantages Over Manual Experience-based Process Planning
The uses of computers in process plan have following advantages over manual experiencebased process planning:
(i) It can systematically produce accurate and consistent process plans.
(ii) It leads to the reduction of cost and lead times of process plan.
(iii)Skill requirement of process planer are reduced to develop feasible process plan.
(iv) Interfacing of software for cost, manufacturing lead time estimation, and work standards
can easily be done.
(v) Leads to the increased productivity of process planar.
With the emergence of CIM as predominate thrust area in discrete part industries process
planning has received significant attention, because it is the link between CAD and CAM.
Hence, computer aided process planning (CAPP) has become a necessary and vital objective
of CIM system.

Figure 4.24: Flow Diagram of the CAPP Process Planning System

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4.6.2 Steps Involved in CAPP

Now-a-days, rapid progress is being made in the automation of actual production process and
also the product design element. However, the interface between design and production
presents the greatest difficulty in accomplishing integration. CAPP has the potential to
achieve this integration. In general, a complete CAPP system has following steps:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)

Design input
Material selection
Process selection
Process sequencing,
Machine and tool selection,
Intermediate surface determination
Fixture selection,
Machining parameter selection
Cost/time estimation
Plan preparation
Machine tape image generation.

4.6.3 Approaches to Computer-Aided Process Planning

In recent days, several computer-aided process planning systems are available for use for a
variety of manufacturing operation. These systems can broadly be clarified into two
categories:
A.
Variant computer aided process planning method.
B.
Generative computer aided process planning method.
A. Variant type CAPP
Variant process planning approach is sometimes referred as a data retrieval method. In this
approach, process plan for a new part is generated by recalling, identifying and retrieving an
existing plan for a similar part and making necessary modifications for new part. As name
suggests a set of standard plans is established and maintained for each part family in a
preparatory stage. Such parts are called master part. The similarity in design attributes and
manufacturing methods are exploited for the purpose of formation of part families. Using
coding and classification schemes of group technology (GT), a number of methods such as
coefficient based algorithm and mathematical programming models have been developed for
part family formation and plan retrieval. After identifying a new part with a family, the task
of developing process plan is simple. It involves retrieving and modifying the process plan of
master part of the family. The general steps for data retrieval modification are as follows:
A variant system usually begins with building a classification and coding scheme. Because,
classification and coding provide a relatively easy way to identify similarity among existing
and new parts. Today, several classification and coding systems are commercially available.
In some extreme cases, a new coding scheme may be developed. If variant CAPP is preferred
than it is useful for a company to look into several commercially available coding and
classification systems (e.g. DCLASS, JD-CAPP etc.). Now, it is compared with companies
before developing their own coding and classification system. Because using an existing
system can save tremendous development time and manpower.

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(i)
Form the Part Families by Grouping Parts
The whole idea of GT lies into group numerous parts into a manageable number of part
families. One of the key issues in forming part families is that all parts in the same family
should have common and easily identifiable machined features. As a standard process plan
are attached with each part family, thereby reducing the total number of standard process
plans.
(ii) Develop Standard Process Plans
After formation of part families, standard process plan is developed for each part families
based on common part features. The standard plan should be as simple as possible but
detailed enough to distinguish it from other.
(iii) Retrieve and Modify the Standard Plans for New Parts
Step1 to step 3 are often referred as preparatory work. Each time when a new part enters the
systems, it is designed and coded based on its feature, using the coding and classification
scheme, and then assigned to a part family. The part should be similar to its fellow parts in
the same family. Also, familys standard plan should represent the basic set of processes that
the part has to go through. In order to generate detailed process routes and operation sheets to
this part, the standard plan is retrieved from the data base and modified. Modification is done
by human process planar. After this stage parts are ready for release to the shop.
The success of aforementioned process planning system is dependent on selection of coding
scheme, the standard process plan and the modification process, because the system is
generally application oriented. It may be possible that one coding scheme is preferable for
one company and same is not for other company.
Due to use and advancement of computers, the information management capability of variant
process planning is much superior. Otherwise it is quite similar to manual experience-based
planning.
Advantages of Variant CAPP
Following advantages are associated with variant process planning approach:
(i) Processing and evaluation of complicated activities and managerial issues are done in
an efficient manner. Hence lead to the reduction of time and labour requirement.
(ii) Structuring manufacturing knowledge of the process plans to companys needs
through standardized procedures.
(iii)Reduced development and hardware cost and shorter development time.
(iv)This is an essential issue for small and medium scale companies, where product
variety is not so high and process planner are interested in establishing their own
process planning research activities.
Disadvantages of Variant CAPP
Following disadvantages are associated with variant process planning approach
(i)
It is difficult to maintain consistency during editing.
(ii)
Proper accommodation of various combinations of attributes such as material,
geometry, size, precision, quality, alternate processing sequence and machine
loading among many other factors are difficult.
(iii) The quality of the final process plan largely depends on the knowledge and
experience of process planner. The dependency on process planner is one of the
major shortcomings of variant process planning.
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B. Generative type CAPP

In generative process planning, process plans are generated by means of decision logic,
formulas, technology algorithms, and geometry based data to perform uniquely processing
decisions. Main aim is to convert a part from raw material to finished state. Hence, generative
process plan may be defined as a system that synthesizes process information in order to
create a process plan for a new component automatically.
Generative process plan mainly consists of two major components:
(i)
Geometry based coding scheme.
(ii)
Proportional knowledge in the form of decision logic and data.
Geometry-based Coding Scheme
All the geometric features for all process such as related surfaces, feature dimension,
locations, on the features are defined by geometry based coding scheme. The level of detail is
much greater in generative system than a variant system. For example, various details such as
rough and finished state of the part are provided to transform into desired state.
Proportional Knowledge in the Form of Decision Logic and Data
Process knowledge in the form of decision logic and data are used for matching of part
geometry requirement with the manufacturing capabilities. Operation instruction sets are
automatically generated to help the operators to run the machines in case of manual
operation. NC codes are automatically generated, when numerically controlled machines are
used.
Manufacturing knowledge plays a vital role in process planning. The process of acquisition
and documentation of manufacturing knowledge is a recurring dynamic phenomenon. In
addition, there are various sources of manufacturing knowledge such experience of
manufacturing personnel, handbooks, supplier of machine tools, tools, jigs and fixtures
materials, inspection equipment and customers etc. Hence, in order to understand
manufacturing information, ensuring its clarity and providing a framework for future
modification, it is not only necessary but also inevitable to develop a good knowledge
structure from wide spectrum of knowledge. Flowchart, decision trees, decision tables,
algorithms, concepts of unit machined surfaces, pattern recognition techniques, and artificial
intelligent based tools are used to serve the purpose.
Advantages of Generative Process Plan
Generative process plans have a number of advantages. Among the major ones are the
following:
(i) They rely less on group technology code numbers since the process, usually uses
decision tree to categorize parts into families.
(ii) Maintenance and updating of stored process plans are largely unnecessary. Since,
any plan may be quickly regenerated by processing through the tree. Indeed, many
argue that with generable systems, process plans should not be stored since if the
process is changed, and out-of-dated process plan might find its way back into the
system.
(iii) The process logic rules however must be maintained up to dated and ready for use.
This provides the process planner with an assurance that the processes generated
will reflect state-of-the-art technology.

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