UNIT 7 INTRODUCTION TO NC AND CNC MACHINE TOOLS

Structure

1.0 Introduction to NC and CNC Machines

Objectives
1.1 Types of NC Machines
1.2 Controlled axes
1.3 Basic Component of NC Machines
1.3.1 Software
1.3.2 Machine Control Unit
1.3.3 Machine Tool
1.4 Problems with Conventional Machines
1.4.1 Punched Tape
1.4.2 Tape Recorder
1.4.3 Controller
1.4.4 Management Information
1.4.5 Part Programming Mistakes
1.4.6 Non Optimal Speed and Feed
1.5 Principle of NC Machines
1.6 Computer and Numeric Control (CNC)
1.6.1 Numeric Control NC
1.6.2 Basic CNC Principles
1.6.3 Motion Control – the heart of CNC
1.6.4 Types of Motion Control in NC
1.6.5 Basic CNC Principles Coordinates System
1.6.6 CNC Working
1.6.7 Working Positioning
1.6.8 CNC Advantages and Disadvantages.

1.7 CNC Part Programming

1.7.1 Manual Part Programming
1.7.2 Coordinate System
1.7.3 Datum Points Machine Zero
1.7.4 Reference Points
1.7.5 CNC Dimensioning
 1.8 G-Codes
1.9 M-Codes
1.10 Interpolation
1.10.1 Linear Interpolation
1.10.2 Circular Interpolation
1.11 Summary
1.12 SAQ’s

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO NC MACHINES

Controlling a machine tool by means of prepared program, which consists of blocks, or

series of numbers, is know as numerical control (NC). In manufacturing of more
complicated parts, the system has to calculate automatically additional data points, which
is done by means of an interpolator. Numerical Control (NC) refers to the method of
controlling the manufacturing operation by means of directly inserted coded numerical
instructions into the machine tool. It is important to realize that NC is not a machining
method; rather, it is a concept of machine control. Although the most popular applications
of NC are in machining, NC can be applied to many other operations, including welding,
sheet metalworking, riveting, etc.

NC machines are method of automation, where automation of medium and small volume
production is done by some controls under the instructions of a program. Various
definitions of NC are:

A system in which actions are controlled by direct insertion of Numerical Data at some
point. The system must automatically interpret at least some portion of this data by
Electronic Industries Association (EIA)

Numerical Control is defined as a form of software controlled automation, in which the

process is controlled by alphanumeric characters or symbols.

According to these definitions, a programme is prepared which consists of blocks, blocks

consisting of combination of characters and numbers in sequence describing the position
of the tool and job, the cutting speed and feed. The data converted into coded
instructions which are called a Part Programme. As the job changes, the instructions of
part program are also changed. The other instructions which can be included may be for
tool changing or coolant on and off. It is easy to encode a new programme than to
change the machinery for flexibility, thus arising the need of an NC machine tool. The
image of numerical control machine is shown in figure no 1.

Figure. 1. Numerical Control (NC) Machine tool

The major advantages of NC over conventional methods of machine control are as

follows:
Higher precision: NC machine tools are capable of machining at very close tolerances,
in some operations as small as 0.005 mm;
Better quality: NC systems are capable of maintaining constant working conditions for
all parts in a batch thus ensuring less spread of quality characteristics;
Higher productivity: NC machine tools reduce drastically the non machining time.
Adjusting the machine tool for a different product is as easy as changing the computer
program and tool turret with the new set of cutting tools required for the particular part.
Multi-operational machining: Some NC machine tools, for example machine centers,
are capable of accomplishing a very high number of machining operations thus reducing
significantly the number of machine tools in the workshops.
Low operator qualification: The role of the operation of a NC machine is simply to
upload the work piece and to download the finished part. In some cases, industrial robots
are employed for material handling, thus eliminating the human operator.
Less time: An easy adjustment of the machine, adjustment requires less time.
Objectives:
After studying this unit, you should able to understand:

• Know about NC and CNC working & Principles .

• Understand the Various techniques, Coordinate system, Motions and

Applications of NC & CNC.
• Study and prepare the CNC Programming with G codes and M Codes.

1.1 TYPES OF NC SYSTEMS

Machine controls are divided into three groups

1. Traditional numerical control (NC)
2. Computer numerical control (CNC)
3. Distributed numerical control (DNC)

The original numerical control machines were referred to as NC machine tool. They have
“hardwired” control, whereby control is accomplished through the use of punched paper
(or plastic) tapes or cards. Tapes tend to wear, and become dirty, thus causing
misreading. Many other problems arise from the use of NC tapes, for example the need
to manual reload the NC tapes for each new part and the lack of program editing abilities,
which increases the lead time. The end of NC tapes was the result of two competing
developments, CNC and DNC.

CNC refers to a system that has a local computer to store all required numerical data.
While CNC was used to enhance tapes for a while, they eventually allowed the use of
other storage media, magnetic tapes and hard disks. The advantages of CNC systems
include but are not limited to the possibility to store and execute a number of large
programs (especially if a three or more-dimensional machining of complex shapes is
considered), to allow editing of programs, to execute cycles of machining commands, etc.

The development of CNC over many years, along with the development of local area
networking, has evolved in the modern concept of DNC. Distributed numerical control is
similar to CNC, except a remote computer is used to control a number of machines. An
off-site mainframe host computer holds programs for all parts to be produced in the DNC
facility. Programs are downloaded from the mainframe computer, and then the local
controller feeds instructions to the hardwired NC machine. The recent developments use
a central computer which communicates with local CNC computers (also called Direct
Numerical Control).

1.2 CONTROLLED AXES AND COORDINATE SYSTEM

NC system can be classified on the number of directions of motion they are capable to
control simultaneously on a machine tool. Each free body has six degree of freedom,
three positive or negative translations along x, y, and z-axis, and three rotations
clockwise or counter clockwise about these axes.
Commercial NC system is capable of controlling simultaneously two, two and half, three,
four and five degrees of freedom, or axes. The NC systems which control three linear
translations (3-axis systems), or three linear translations and one rotation of the
worktable (4-axis systems) are the most common. The Coordinate system (Milling and
drilling operations), Coordinate system (Turning operations) and Coordinate system
(Milling and drilling operations) as shown in figure 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

Figure. 2. Coordinate system (Milling and drilling operations)

Figure. 3. Coordinate system (Turning operations)

 Figure.4. Coordinate system (Milling and drilling operations)

1.3 BASIC COMPONENTS OF NC MACHINES

1.3.1. Software.
The programmes or set of instructions, languages, punched cards, magnetic tape,
punched paper tape and other such information processing items are referred to as
software. This software controls the sequence of movement of an NC. That is why these
numerical controls are sometimes called software controlled machines by NC lies entirely
in the programming. The programmer plans the operations and their sequence from
seeing the drawing and writes instructions in tabulated blocks of information, known as
Part Programme on a programme manuscript. Then these instructions are punched on
the control tape. Tape reader reads the codes and sends it to Machine Control Unit,
which conversely converts them into the machine movements of machine tool.

1.3.2 Machine Control Unit (MCU).

NC machine tool has a main unit, which is known as Machine Control Unit, consists of
some electronic hardware that reads the NC programme, interprets it and conversely
translates it for mechanical actions of the machine tool.

A typical Machine Control Unit may consist of the following units:

1. Input or Reader unit:
This unit consists of electro-mechanical devices used to collect the input from
punched tape, cards, magnetic tape and disk. Then drive it through the system
under a reading head, interpret the coded information and collect it again for reuse.
 2. Memory:
A block of information, consisting of words, is read from tape and stored into
temporary memory called buffer. One block may contain one complete set of
instruction words in sequence. The function of this memory is to keep on storing the
next block of words when the machine is doing processing of previous block.
3. Processor:
The function of the processor is to coordinate and control the functions of other
units, by giving ready signals to them at appropriate point of time.
4. Output Channels:
The data stored in the memory is converted into actuation signal and supplied
through output channels in the form of pulses.
5. Control Panel:
The control panel has the switches, indicators, Manual Data Input (MDI) and dials
for providing information to the operator.
6. Feedback Channels:
Feedback channel is to check whether the operations are done in the way we want
to, the feedback is sent through feedback channels by position and velocity.

The MCU may be of three types:

a. Housed MCU:
Machine Control Unit may be mounted on the machine tool or may be built in the
casing of the machine.
b. Swing around MCU:
Machine Control Unit is directly mounted on the machine, which can swing around it
and can be adjusted as per requirement of the operator’s position.
c. Stand alone MCU:
Machine Control Unit is enclosed in a separate cabinet which is installed at some
remote or same place near to the machine.

1.3.3 Machine Tool.

Machine tool is the main components of a numerical control system, which executes the
operations. It may consist of worktable, cutting tools, jigs and fixtures, motors for driving
spindle and coolant and lubricating system. The latest development in the numerical
control machine tool is the versatile machining center. This is a single machine capable
of doing a number of operations such as milling, boring, drilling, reaming, and tapping by
Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) under the control of tool selection instruction.

1.4 PROBLEMS WITH CONVENTIONAL NC

The problems arise in the conventional NC system are the following:

1.4.1 Punched tape:
It is an unreliable NC component for repeated use in the shop because of paper tape is
especially fragile and its susceptibility to wear and tear. The image of the punched tape
as shown in figure 5.

Figure.5. Punched Tape

1.4.2 Tape Reader:

Tape reader is the least reliable hardware components of the machine while any
breakdown is occurred on an NC machine. The image of the Tape Reader as shown in
figure 6.

Figure.6. Tape Reader

1.4.3 Controller:
The hard-wired controller cannot be easily altered to incorporate improvements into the
unit. The image of the Tape Reader as shown in figure 7.
 Figure.7. Controller

1.4.4 Management Information:

The machine tool manufacturers have been continually improving NC technology by
redesigning the systems to provide timely information such as piece counts, machine tool
change etc. to the management.
1.4.5 Part programming mistakes:
When preparing the punched tape, part programming mistakes are common and to
achieve the best sequence of processing steps.
1.4.6 Non-optimal Speed and feed:
The control system does not provide the provision to change the speed and feed during
the cutting operation.

1.5 PRINCIPLES OF NC MACHINES

The basic elements and operation of a typical NC machine in numerical control and the
components basically involved of data input, data processing and data output. For data
input, numerical information is read and stored in the tape reader or in computer memory.
In data processing, the programs are read into machine control unit for processing. For
data output, this information is translated into commands, typically pulsed commands to
the motor. The motor moves the table on which the work piece is placed to specified
positions, through linear or rotary movements, by the motors, ball screw, and others
devices.

A NC machine can be controlled through two types of circuits, which is open loop and
closed loop. In the open loop system, the signals are given to the motor by the
processor, but the movements and final destinations of the worktable are not accurate.
The open loop system cannot accurate, but it still can produce the shape that is required.
The closed loop system is equipped with various transducers, sensors, and counters that
measure the position of the table accurately. Through feedback control, the position of
the worktable is compared against the signal. Table movements terminate when the
proper coordinates are reached. For the close loop system normally, servomotor is
utilized. For open loop system normally the stepper motor is utilized. The closed loop
system is more complicated and more expensive than the open loop.

There are two basic types of control systems in numerical control, point-to-point and
contouring. In point-to-point system, also called positioning, each axis of the machine is
driven separately by ball screw, depending on the type of operation, at different
velocities. The machine moves initially at maximum velocity in order to reduce
nonproductive time, but decelerates as the tool reaches its numerically defined position.
Thus, in an operation such as drilling or punching, the positioning and cutting take place
sequentially. The time required in the operation is minimized for efficiency. Point-to-point
systems are used mainly in drilling, punching, and straight milling operations.

In the contouring system, also known as the continuous path system, positioning and
cutting operations are both along controlled paths but at different velocities. Because the
tool cuts as it travels along the path, accurate control and synchronization of velocities
and movements are important. The contouring system is used on lathes, milling
machines, grinders, welding machinery and machining centers.

1.6 COMPUTER AND NUMERIC CONTROL (CNC)

Conventionally, an operator decides and adjusts various machines parameters like feed,
depth of cut etc depending on type of job, and controls the slide movements by hand. In
a CNC Machine functions and slide movements are controlled by motors using computer
programs.
1.6.1 Numeric Control NC:
• A numerical control, or “NC”, system controls many machine functions and
movements which were traditionally performed by skilled machinists.
 • Numerical control developed out of the need to meet the requirements of
high production rates, uniformity and consistent part quality.

• Programmed instructions are converted into output signals which in turn

control machine operations such as spindle speeds, tool selection, tool
movement, and cutting fluid flow. The basic components of CNC System as
shown figure 8.

Figure 8: Basic Components of CNC system

• By integrating a computer processor, computer numerical control, or “CNC”
as it is now known, allows part machining programs to be edited and stored
in the computer memory as well as permitting diagnostics and quality
control functions during the actual machining.

• All CNC machining begins with a part program, which is a sequential

instructions or coded commands that direct the specific machine functions.

• The part program may be manually generated or, more commonly,

generated by computer aided part programming systems.

1.6.2 Basic CNC Principles

All computer controlled machines are able to accurately and repeatedly control motion
in various directions. Each of these directions of motion is called an axis. Depending
on the machine type there are commonly two to five axes. Additionally, a CNC axis may
be either a linear axis in which movement is in a straight line or a rotary axis with
motion following a circular path as shown in Figure 9.
 (a) Flat and prismatic work (b) Rotational work
Figure 9: Coordinate systems used in NC

1.6.3 Motion control - the heart of CNC

• The most basic function of any CNC machine is automatic, precise, and
consistent motion control.
• Rather than applying completely mechanical devices to cause motion as is
required on most conventional machine tools, CNC machines allow
motion control in a revolutionary manner.
• All forms of CNC equipment have two or more directions of motion, called
axes.
These axes can be precisely and automatically positioned along their lengths
of travel.

Three Basic Categories of Motion Systems:

1. Point to Point - No contouring capability

2. Straight cut control - one axis motion at a time is controlled for machining
3. Contouring - multiple axis’s controlled simultaneously

1.6.4 Types of Motion Control in CNC

The motion control in NC systems have been divided in to two categories such as open
loop system and closed loop systems as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11
 Figure 10: Open loop control system

Figure 11: Closed loop control system

1.6.5 Basic CNC Principles Coordinates System

The coordinate system is necessary for correct positioning of the tool with respect to the
work. It also helps as to know the positive and negative directions of X,Y and Z axes and
the positive direction of rotation of the spindle by using “Right hand rule”

Figure 12: Absolute Coordinate System

 Figure 13: Incremental Coordinate System

1.6.6. CNC Working

• Each axis consists of a mechanical component, such as a slide that moves a
servo drive motor that powers the mechanical movement, and a ball screw to
transfer the power from the servo drive motor to the mechanical component.

• These components, along with the computer controls that govern them, are
referred to as an axis drive system. The Motor and lead screw arrangement in an
NC positioning system as shown in figure 14.

Figure 14: Motor and lead screw arrangement in an NC positioning system

• Using a vertical mill machining center as an example, there are typically three
linear axes of motion. Each is given an alphabetic designation or address. The
machine table motion side to side is called the “X” axis. Table movement in and out
is the “Y” axis, while head movement up and down the column is the “Z” axis. The
figure no 15 shows the servo mechanism.
 Figure 15 : Servo Mechanism

Servo drives are

• Tolerant to tool cutting forces

• Insensitive to load mass inertias (stiffness)
• Insensitive to running friction forces
• Linear to high degree
If a rotary table is added to the machine table, then the fourth axis is designated the “b”
axis. The figure no 16 shows the horizontal CNC milling machine.

Figure 16: (a) Four-axis CNC horizontal milling machine with safety panels
installed and (b) with safety panels removed to show typical axis configuration for
the horizontal spindle.
1.6.7. Work Positioning
• The method of accurate work positioning in relation to the cutting tool is called
the “rectangular coordinate system.” On the vertical mill, the horizontal base
line is designated the “X” axis, while the vertical base line is designated the “Y”
axis. The “Z” axis is at a right angle, perpendicular to both the “X” and “Y” axes.

• Increments for all base lines are specified in linear measurements, for most
machines the smallest increment is one ten-thousandth of an inch (.0001). If
the machine is graduated in metric the smallest increment is usually one
thousandth of a millimeter (.001mm).

• The rectangular coordinate system allows the mathematical plotting of points

in space. These points or locations are called “coordinates.” The coordinates
in turn relate to the tool center and dictate the “tool path” through the work.

1.6.8 CNC Machines-Advantages /

Disadvantages
Advantages:

• High Repeatability and Precision e.g. Aircraft parts

• Volume of production is very high

• Complex contours/surfaces need to be machined. E.g. Turbines

• Flexibility in job change, automatic tool settings, less scrap

• More safe, higher productivity, better quality

• Less paper work, faster prototype production, reduction in lead times

Disadvantages:

• Costly setup, skilled operators

• Computers, programming knowledge required

• Maintenance is difficult
1.7 CNC PART PROGRAMMING
A part program is simply a series of command blocks that execute motions and machine
functions in order to manufacture a part.

Methods of creating part program

• Manual part programming

• Computer assisted part programming (APT programming)

• CAD/CAM based programming

• Interactive or Conversational programming

• Verbal programming

1.7.1. Manual part programming

The programmer writes the program from the drawing by assigning the datum points. These
programs are entered in the NC machine through keypad. This is easy for the creation of simple
geometric shapes and point to point motion of the tool. In this the tool path, speed, feed etc are
given in the program by calculating suitably.

1.7.2 . Coordinate system

The work piece of an NC program requires a coordinate system to be applied to the
machine tool. As all the machine tools have more than one slide it is important that each
slide is identified individually. There are three planes in which movement can take place.
They are Longitudinal, Vertical and Transverse. Each plane is referred as an axis. The
figure 17 shows the coordinate system of the turning centre (Lathe) and figure 18 shows
the coordinate system of the machining centre (Milling).

Figure 17 : Co-ordinate system (Lathe) Figure 18: Co-ordinate system (Milling)

1.7.3 Datum points

Machine Zero
The machine zero is a fixed point set by the machine manufacturer. It cannot be changed.
The tool movement is measured from this point. The controller always remembers tool
distance from the machine zero This is stored in the offset register.

Tool zero
It is also called zero point of the tool. Each tool has its own datum point based on the
geometry of the tool. This is also a fixed point set by the manufacturer. Depends upon the
operation the programmer has to compensate the tool origin. This represented in the figure 3.3
as program origin.

Work zero
The work zero can be set by the programmer at any point in the drawing. This is other
wise called as work piece datum. Based on the datum point the programmer writes the
program to carry out the operation required. Normally this origin is set as the reference point.
The machine origin and the tool origin are brought to coincide with this datum for the
operations. This figure 19 shows the datum points of the turning center and machining
center.

Figure19: Datum points

1.7.4 Reference Points

Part programming requires establishment of some reference points. Three reference points
are either set by manufacturer or user. These are called as datum points where the
coordinate values are zero (0,0,0). There are three datum points are available in the CNC
concept. They are Machine datum, Tool datum, and Work piece datum.

1.7.5 CNC dimensioning

Dimensional information for the motions from one point to other point can be done in two
ways. They are Absolute dimensioning and Incremental dimensioning.

Absolute Dimensioning (G90)

In absolute programming, all measurements are made from the part origin established by the
programmer and set up by the operator. The figure 20 shows the absolute dimensioning.

Figure 20: absolute dimensioning

Incremental Dimensioning (G91)

In incremental programming, the tool movement is measured from the last tool position.
The programmed movement is based on the change in position between two successive
points. The figure 21 shows the incremental dimensioning.

Figure 21: Incremental dimensioning

Example
The methods of dimensions of the object given in the figure 22 are tabulated.

Figure 22: Dimensioning

Absolute Dimension Incremental Dimension

Point
(X,Z) (X,Z)

P1 0,0 0,0

P2 10,0 10,0

P3 10,-25 0,-25

P4 22, -25 12, 0

P5 22, -45 0, -20

P6 40, -45 18, 0

P7 40, -70 0, -25

1.8 G CODES - PREPARATORY FUNCTIONS

A preparatory function is designated in a program by the word address G followed by two

digits. Preparatory functions are also called as G-codes and they specify the control mode of
the operation. G-codes fall into two categories. One is non-modal or single shot codes that
are only active in the block. The other one is modal codes that will remain active until another
code of the same group overrides. Some of the commonly used G codes are listed below.

G00 Rapid Traverse

G00 code is used to move tool to the specified position at the maximum speed.

Example: G00 X20 Y30 Z1

Here the tool is moved to X 20mm, Y 30mm, and Z 1mm.

G01 Linear Traverse

G01 code causes linear motion to the given position.

Example: G01 X20 Y30 Z-1 F180

Here the tool is moved to X 20mm, Y 30mm, and Z -1mm at a feed rate of 180mm per
minute.

G02 Clockwise Circular interpolation

G02 code causes clockwise circular motion. Arcs can be specified by either radius
or by centre. Example: G02 X30 Y20 R15 F80

X Y Z I J K

In this example the tool is moved to X 30mm and Y 20mm. The arc has a radius of
15mm.

"I" and "J" specify the arc centre relative to the arc start. If the value is 0 then
it needn't be specified.

Example: G02 X30 I15

G03 Counter-Clockwise Circular interpolation

G03 code causes counter-clockwise circular motion. Arcs can be specified by

either radius or arc centre. If a positive radius is specified then the shorter arc is
cut. If it is negative then the longer arc is cut.

Example: G03 X30 Y20 R15 F80

In this example the tool is moved to X 30mm and Y 20mm. The arc has a radius
of 15mm. "I" and "J" specify the arc centre relative to the arc start. If the
value is 0 then it needn't be specified.

Example: G03 X30 I15

G04 Dwell

A Dwell of up to 500 seconds can be programmed.

Example: G04 X10

This causes a delay in machining of 10 seconds.

G20 Imperial Units

All future instruction parameters will be taken as imperial values. That is,
they will specify inches.

G21 Metric Units

All future instruction parameters will be taken as metric values. That is, they
will specify millimeters.

G28 Go to Reference Point

G28 causes a fast traverse to the specified position and then to the machine datum.

Example: G28 X84.0 Y80.0 Z5.0

G40 Cancel Tool Radius Compensation

G40 switches off any tool radius compensation activated by a G41 or G42.
G41 Left Hand Radius Compensation

G41 causes future movement to take place to the left of the programmed path.
The offset used is equal to the radius of the current tool.

G42 Right Hand Radius Compensation

G42 causes future movement to take place to the right of the programmed
path. The offset used is equal to the radius of the current tool.

G90 Absolute Movement

All future movement will be absolute until over-ridden by a G91 instruction. This
is the default setting.

Example: G90

G01 X30 Y0

The position becomes X30, Y0.

G91 Incremental Movement

All future movement will be incremental until over-ridden by a

G90 instruction.

Example: G90

G01 X15

G91

G01 X2

The position

becomes X17.

1.9 M CODES - MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTIONS

Miscellaneous functions use the address letter M followed by two digits. They perform a group
of instructions such as coolant on/off, spindle on/off, tool change, program stop, or
program end. They are often referred to as machine functions or M-functions. Some of the M
codes are given below.
M00 Program Stop
M00 waits for EOB to be pressed.

M02 End of Program

M02 halts program execution. The spindle is turned off and the tool moves to the most positive
position on the Z axis.

M03 Start Spindle

An M03 instruction starts forward spindle motion. It requires a speed within the
range 100 to 3000 rpm.

Example: M03 S2200

The spindle should be switched on before any movement below the component surface.

M04 Reverse Spindle

An M04 instruction starts reverse spindle motion. It requires a speed within the
range 100 to 3000 rpm.

Example: M04 S2200

The spindle should be switched on before any movement below the component surface.

M05 Stop Spindle

An M05 instruction stops spindle rotation. It is good programming practice to issue an M05
before a tool change, and at the end of a program. However, this will be done automatically
should you omit this instruction.

M06 Change Tool

The M06 instruction causes the Fanuc to change to a different tool.

Example: M06 T1

You can set tool lengths and diameters at the start of the program using the TOOLDEF
directive.

M08 Coolant On

M08 turns the coolant on.

M09 Coolant Off

M09 turns the coolant off.

M30 Program end and rewind to start

M30 stops the program and rewind the program for the next cycle.

1.10 INTERPOLATION

The aim of interpolation is to calculate the intermediate points between starting and end
coordinates. The interpolation is required on continuous path to obtain the required
machined profile.
Types of interpolations

Linear interpolation
Circular interpolation
1.10.1 Linear interpolation

It is the movement of tool in a straight line with any orientation. In part program it is given by
the G code G00 and G01.In this, the co-ordinate values of the destination point is given prefixed
with the code G01. Data processing unit calculate the slope and trace the path.G00 code is
used for the straight line travel of the tool with maximum feed rate. The G01 code is used for
the straight line travel of the tool with specified feed rate.
E.g: G00 X30 Y25
G01 X20 Y30 F25

Example for Step and taper turning as shown in figure no 22

Figure 22: Linear interpolation

1.10.2 Circular interpolation
The movement of the tool along the circular path is called circular interpolation. It may be
either clock wise (G02) or anti clock wise (G03) with respect to the center from arc start
point to end point. The destination co-ordinate value is given prefixed with the required G code
G02 or G03. In addition, the arc center co-ordinate values in increment mode or arc radius are
given. Data processing unit determines the various intermediate points required for the
interpolation.
E.g.

G01 X0 Z0 F30

G03 X20 Z-10 R10 F20

G01 Z-25
G02 X30 Z-30 R5 F20
Example for Linear interpolation and Circular interpolation - Turning
center as shown in figure no 23

Figure 23:Circular interpolation

Example for Linear interpolation and circular interpolation – Machining
center as shown in figure no 24

Figure 24: Linear and circular interpolation

1.11 SUMMARY

In this unit covers introduction to NC and CNC machines. Also, in this unit describe the
basic components of NC systems, Principle of NC machines and CNC part
programming. In this unit also covers the topics of G code , M code and interpolation.

Further Readings:

1. CAD/CAM/CIM: Radhakrishnan P, New Age International Publishers 1994.

2. CAD/CAM: Groover, Mikell P and Zimmer’s Emory W, Prentice Hall India (P) Ltd,
2001.
3. CAD/CAM: Principles and Applications: Rao P N, Tata McGraw Hill Higher
Education P Ltd 2002.
4. Mastering CAD/CAM: Ibrahim Zeid, Tata McGraw Hill Higher Education P Ltd
2004

1.12 SAQ’s

1. Define interpolation and its types.

2. Explain the basic components of NC systems.
3. Write short note on working of CNC.
4. List out the merits and demerits of CNC machines.