CAD/CAM

INTRODUCTION TO CNC IIIrd UNIT

What is a CNC Machine?

CNC: Computerised Numerical Control (Computer + Numerical Control)

• Numerical control is a programmable automation in which process is controlled by Numbers, Letters, and symbols.

• CNC Machining is a process used in the manufacturing sector that involves the use of computers to control machine tools like
lathes, mills and grinders.

Why is CNC Machining necessary?

To manufacture complex curved geometries in 2D or 3D was extremely expensive by

mechanical means (which usually would require complex jigs to control the cutter motions)

Machining components with high Repeatability and Precision

• Unmanned machining operations

• To improve production planning and to increase productivity

• To survive in global market CNC machines are must to achieve close tolerances.
 A system in which actions are controlled by the direct insertion of numerical data at some point. The system must automatically interpret
at least some portion of this data. The present day computer can be considered as a direct consequence of the progress in the field of numerical
control of machine tools. A real breakthrough was achieved around 1965 when numerical control machines were fitted with minicomputers
which introduced the name Computer Numerical Control. The first step in the process of implementing automation in any industry is to
manufacture parts or components through automation using machines and machine tools with little human intervention. In order to meet the
increasing demand to manufacture complicated components of high accuracy in large quantities, sophisticated technological equipment and
machinery have been developed. Production of these components calls for machine tools which can be set up fairly rapidly without much
attention..
 ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES

 Flexible, high High machine cost

accuracy
• Elements of a CNC system
 Input Device

 Central Processing Unit/ Machine

 Short production  Complicated maintenance
Control Unit
time

 Machine Tool

 Complex shapes • Skill &training are  Driving System

required for programming
and maintenance.  Feedback Devices

 Display Unit
 Short setting time • Parts are imported
from aboard.

MACHINE TOOL
 No skill requirement • High tooling cost
Hardware includes the microprocessors that effect
control system functions and peripheral devices for data
communication, machine tool interfacing and machine tool
 Short inspection • Temperature,
status monitoring. Most are made from high speed steel
time/ high quality humidity & dust
product must be controlled. (HSS), tungsten carbide or ceramics. Tools are designed
to direct waste away from the material. Some tools need
coolant such as oil to protect the tool and work.
 Structure of Machine Tool

 Continuous use.

 Higher cutting speeds and feeds

results in higher
cutting forces.

 High speed of movement.

 High static stiffness - To reduce deflection under heavy load.

 High stiffness to weight ratio – Better dynamic response.
FEED DRIVES
 Electric motors are by far the most common
component to supply mechanical input to a linear motion
system.

 Stepper motors and servo motors are the popular

choices in linear motion machinery due to their accuracy
controllability.

 They exhibit favorable torque-speed characteristics

and are relatively inexpensive.

1. Stepper motors – Open loop control system

2. Servomotor – D. C. Motor with feedback elements.

Used in closed loop control system.

 Used in high capacity CNC machines requiring

high torgue.

 Sturdy, powerful and reliable

CUTTING TOOLS FOR CNC MACHINES
CUTTING TOOLS FOR CNC MACHINES
 Cutting tools are available in three basic material
types:
high-speed steel, tungsten carbide, and ceramic.
 High-speed steel is generally used on aluminium and
other nonferrous alloys.
 Tungsten carbide is used on high-silicon aluminium,
steels, stainless steels, and exotic metals.
 Ceramic inserts are used on hard steels.
 Inserted carbide tooling is becoming the preferred
tooling for many CNC applications.
DESIGN FEATURES OF CNC TOOLING
 In general the following points are to be considered while designing of CNC tooling :
(a) To give High accuracy.
(b) For variety of operations.
(c) Quick changing of tools to keep the down time minimum
(d) Flexibility.
(e) Rigidity of tooling to withstand cutting forces.
(f) Rigidity to transmit the power at higher speeds .

AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER (ATC)

 The CNC machines are designed to perform a number of operations in a single setting of the job.
 A number of tools may be required for making a complex part.
 In a manual machine, the tools are changed manually whenever required.
 In a CNC machine, tools are changed through program instructions.
 The tools are fitted in a tool magazine or drum.
 When a tool needs to be changed, the drum rotates to an empty position, approaches the old tool and pulls it.
 Then it again rotates to position the new tool, fits it and then retracts.
 This is a typical tool changing sequence of an automatic tool changer (ATC).
CANNED CYCLE
A canned cycle is a combination of machine movements that perform
machining operation like drilling, milling, boring and tapping. This cycle
simplifies the program by using a single block with a G-code to specify
the machining operations usually specified in several blocks. This cycle
is also called as fixed cycle. Canned cycles are traditionally used in
making the holes on the complex parts of air crafts and aerospace
component manufacturing, electronics instruments, optical or mold
making industry.
A canned cycle is a way of conveniently performing repetitive CNC
machine operations. Canned cycles automate certain machining
functions such as drilling, boring, threading, pocketing, etc... Canned
cycles are so called because they allow a concise way to program a
machine to produce a feature of a part. A canned cycle is also known as
a fixed cycle. A canned cycle is usually permanently stored as a pre-
program in the machine's controller and cannot be altered by the user.