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Fundamentals of Numerical Control

Numerical control is a process that uses numbers to control machine functions. It originated from punched tape controlling machines after WWII. Numerical control removes human error from machining by precisely following coded instructions for tool positioning and speeds. Programs translate engineering drawings into step-by-step instructions for numerically controlled machines. There are two main types of programming: manual and computer-based. Point-to-point programming controls individual points while continuous-path programming controls complex curves and contours. Preparing a numerical control tape involves typing instructions on a special typewriter that punches coded data onto tape.

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428 views

Fundamentals of Numerical Control

Numerical control is a process that uses numbers to control machine functions. It originated from punched tape controlling machines after WWII. Numerical control removes human error from machining by precisely following coded instructions for tool positioning and speeds. Programs translate engineering drawings into step-by-step instructions for numerically controlled machines. There are two main types of programming: manual and computer-based. Point-to-point programming controls individual points while continuous-path programming controls complex curves and contours. Preparing a numerical control tape involves typing instructions on a special typewriter that punches coded data onto tape.

Uploaded by

clint pancho
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fundamentals of Numerical Control

• It can be simple described as the name given to a process that controls the function of a
machine by the use of numbers.

A numerically controlled milling machine with a continuous-path N/C system.

• Controlling machines by means of holes punched in 1-in. wide tape can be considered an
invention that followed in the wake of World War II.
• The earliest known example of punched hole controlling the function of a machine is the
jacquard loom, which still plays an important part in production of textiles.

A section of the tape used on an N/C milling machine.


 Numerical control of machines was first utilized by the aircraft industry with the aid of the U.S.
Air Force in order to speed production for national preparedness.
 Numerical control operates machine tools by means of instructions expressed in numerical
code. This code is recorded on punched paper tape, punched cards, or magnetic tape.
 The coded instructions control the sequence of machining operations; the machine positions;
the speed, direction, and distance of the work piece or cutting tool; the flow of coolant; and the
setting of the cutting tools for each of the operations to be performed on the work piece.

Advantages of Numerical Control:


 The industrial requirements for machine parts are constantly becoming more critical. Size
tolerances unheard of a few years ago are being set by today's engineers.
 Work finished to such a fine measurement requires extreme care by the machinist. Human
judgment of size and distance is not consistently accurate.
 Numerical control, when correctly programmed, removes the possibility of human error.
 Uniformity in duplication is assured. Each piece machined according to the specification of the
same tape will be almost identical in size and shape.
 Properly chosen tool speeds and feeds remove the possibility of excessive pressures, which lead
to tool breakage and undetected cracks in job materials.
 Numerical control removes the need for costly patterns, templates, jigs, and fixtures, and for the
storage of such hardware.
 Tapes can be stored in a filing cabinet and reused whenever a repeat order is received. Scrap
parts and the reworking of improperly finished parts will be all but eliminated.

A typical numerical control system consists of the following basic equipment:

Typical N/C system applied to precision jig-boring machine.


a) A tape-reader, which is a device that transmits coded information to the information storage unit, using the
principle of electrical contacts operated by the presence or absence of holes in the tape.

Tape reader for numerically controlled machine tool.

b) An information-storage unit (electronic director) , which receives information from the tape-reader and translates it
into the form of signals. The signals are then transmitted to the motors or actuating devices, which move the
machine work holding tables and spindles through the various positions.

Electronic information storage console, showing operation indicators and manual controls

c) A machine-actuation system, which consists of electric motor drives, hydraulic motor drives, or hydraulic cylinders.
Power-servo drives of various types are used for velocity changes and for reversing the direction of motion. Feed
motion can be obtained from motor rotation through gearing, racks, or feed screws, as well as from the thrust of
hydraulic cylinders.

Diagram of machine-actuation system for numerical control.


 The work of the programmer is most important to the success of the job. The programmer need
not have a college degree in engineering. The individual who has a broad background in shop
work and is still willing to learn new techniques can be a successful programmer. The
programmer reads the engineer's drawing and translates it into a program for a numerically
controlled machine.

Engineer’s Drawing

Translated by the programmer

Complete program manu~ript for test block.

Two Types of Programming:


a) Manual or semimanual programming
Manual programming takes into consideration the details and variations from conventional
processes without the use of computers. It has been defined as "preparing a detailed sequence of
operating instructions for a particular problem."
b) Computer programming
Computers are finding wide acceptance in the programming of parts with complex three-
dimensional shapes and for jobs with many holes. The advantage of using computers lies in the
speed and accuracy of storing great amounts of data, handling repetitive operations, and producing
logical decisions. The savings of time and cost through the use of computers are tremendous when
compared with the use of other Calculators.
Steps in computer programming for N/C.

Two Principal classifications of numerical control programming:


a) Point-to-point programming
Point-to-point location is the simplest type of numerical control and the easiest to program.
Positioning controls on the point-to-point location system are used to locate a ·point or series of
points by moving the table in two independently controlled dimensions (the X axis and Y axis) to·
the required point. The route, or path, of the movement is not necessarily controlled as it travels
from point to point. When that point is reached, a third movement may begin its operation to a
predetermined depth on the Z axis. The most common example of the point-to-point locating
system would be a drill press operation; drilling a series of holes equally spaced on a specified
center distance. Other machines using point-to-point positioning are turret drills, boring mills, turret
lathes, and jig borers.

The slotted bracket is a typical job for point-to-point programming.


Process sheet for the slotted bracket

c) Continuous-path programming
Continuous-path programming offers the greater challenge to the· designer, engineer, and
programmer. It calls for the control of tool and job on two, three, and sometimes more numerically
defined dimensions. It can result in the production of difficult and unusual shapes, contours, and complex
curves, which would be extremely difficult to machine by any other process. The cutting tool is still
required to move in a straight line, but the curves are machined by breaking down the travel distance of
the cutter into many short straight line units.

An example of continuous-path machining

Step-by-step procedure for preparing a numerical control tape is as follows:


d) Typewriting machine
The planning sheet is given to a typist who copies the information on a
tape-punching typewriter. The typewriting machine re-sembles an ordinary
electric typewriter (Fig.17-24) and operates in the same way. There is an
important added feature, a tape punch in a box at one side of the typewriter.
When the typist types digits, letters, or symbols on the keyboard, two things
occur. First, a printed copy of the information is made, which is called the
printout. Second, the information typed is translated by the attach-rf!ent at the
side of the typewriter (Fig. 17-25) into binary coded language (binary coded
decimal form). This language appears as a series of holes punched into a
standard 1-in.-wide tape. The tape can be made from paper or plastic; the
thickness of the tape must not exceed 0.0043 in.

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