ME 314

Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

Neil A. Duffie, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
Michael A. Leetmaa, 2004, Zhongbao Chen, 2006
All rights reserved.
Lih-Sheng (Tom) Turng
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Automation of Manufacturing Processes
Reading Assignments:
1. Kalpakjian Chapter 37 (37.3)
Automation of Manufacturing Processes
2. Machinery's Handbook 27th Edition
Numerical Control
Numerical Control Programming
Computer-Aided
Engineering
Product
modeling
Kinematics Analysis
Automated
drafting
Machining
data base
Machining
Languages
Robot
Languages
Process
Planning
CNC
Machines
Industrial
Robots
Inspection
Geometric
data base
Materials
data base
PRODUCTS
Assembly
Stations
CAD
CAM
CAPP
NC
Outline
Background and Definition
Typical CNC Machines
CNC Programming
Programming procedure
Blocks, words
G & M codes
proLight Lathe Turning Example
Background and Definition
NC Numerical Control
The first successful electronically programmed automatic
machine was a joint project between Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) and the US Air Force in the
mid 1950s. The controller was called Numerical Control, or
NC.
The Electronic Industries Association (EIA) defines NC as
a system in which actions are controlled by the direct
insertion of numerical data at some point.
NC machines were controlled electronically, without the
use of a computer.
Slide courtesy Professor J. Higley, Purdue University
Background and Definition
CNC Computer Numerical Control
CNC machines use a computer to assist and improve
functionality of number and code control.
In the 1960s, CNC machines became available with
timesharing on mainframe computers.
By the 1970s, specialized computers were being
manufactured for CNC controls.
During the 1980s, PC technology increases the reliability
and decrease the cost of CNC controls.
Today, all machines are CNC although the term NC is still
used, but not in its original definition.
Slide courtesy Professor J. Higley, Purdue University
Art Works by Turning Art Works by Turning
Typical CNC Machines
2-Axis Turning Center
A Turning Center is simply a CNC lathe with a multi-station
turret and an enclosure.
proLight Turning Center
3-Axis Machine Tool
Horizontal
spindle
(tool not shown)
z-motion
x-motion
y-motion
Table
(workpiece
not shown)
Screws
(drives not shown)
proLIGHT Machine Center
Advantages and Limitations of CNC
Advantages
Improve operation flexibility, dimension accuracy, process
repeatability, product quality, and productivity
Reduce tooling cost and lead time for setup, and perform
more operations with each setup
Make machine adjustments easy
Relax the requirements for skilled operators
Prepare programs rapidly
Limitations
Relatively high initial cost of the equipment
Special maintenance
Cost and need for programming and computer time
proLight Lathe Turning
2-axis machine tool
Produces parts with radial symmetry
proLIGHT Mill
3-axis machine tool
Produces prismatic parts
Programming Procedure
1. Study initial information
part (contours and dimensions), material,
machine tool
2. Make technical decisions
sequence of machining operations,
cutting tools selection and arrangement,
feed rates and speeds, cutting fluid, tool
path
3. Write program
program writing, debugging, testing, and
documenting
CAD/CAM and CNC Programming
1. CAD File
part contours and dimensions
CAD/CAM and CNC Programming
1. CAD File
part contours and dimensions
2. CAM File
tool paths and feed rates
tool selection and geometry
coolant on/off, etc.
CAD/CAM and CNC Programming
1. CAD File
part contours and dimensions
2. CAM File
tool paths and feed rates
tool selection and geometry
coolant on/off, etc.
3. NC Part Program File
NC part program for specific machine
output on network, disk, tape, etc.
specific machine post processor
Fundamentals of NC Programs
1. Blocks
An NC program is composed of blocks (lines)
of code. Each block contains a string of words.
2. Words
An NC word is a code made up of an alphabetic
character (address character) and a number
(parameter or value).
N001 G90 G00 X.5 Z1.0
block 1
5 words
Address Characters
N Block number
G Preparatory codes
X X axis motion coordinate
Z Z axis motion coordinate
U Incremental X motion dimension
W Incremental Z motion dimension
F Feed rate
M Miscellaneous codes

N(O) G X(U) Z(W) I K R Q L F S T M P

Symbol ; Comments
G & M Codes
The machine operation is divided into two basic
types:
G codes, also called preparatory functions
tell the machine what type of movement or function
should be performed. For example, rapid moves,
linear feed moves, arc feed moves, thread cutting,
etc.
M codes, also called miscellaneous functions
turn the spindle on and off, coolant on and off, etc.
Some Preparatory Functions (G codes)
move tool at max speed without
contact with workpiece
move tool in a straight line
move in circular path CW
move in circular path CCW
What is CW/CCW?
time delay with no motion
rapid traverse
G00
linear interpolation
G01
circular interpolation
G02
G03
dwell
G04
Interpolation Group
Some Preparatory Functions (G codes)
dimension words state the
position the machine is to be in
after the block is executed
dimension words state the change
in position of the machine, after
the block is executed, with respect
to the position of the machine
before the block was executed
absolute mode
G90
incremental mode
G91
Programming Mode Group
spindle on
M03 Snnnn turn spindle on, CW rotation
M04 Snnnn turn spindle on, CCW rotation
spindle off
M05 turn spindle off
tool change
M06 Tnn nn is the index of the tool to be used
program end
M30 mandatory at end of NC program
M02 same as M30
Some Miscellaneous Functions (M codes)
machine specific
(often resolution of
position sensors
on machine axes)
Dimension Words (X,Y,Z,etc.)
absolute mode
N001 G90
rapid traverse
N002 G00 X0.2 Y0.4 Z0.0
BLU = basic length unit
machine specific
(often resolution of
position sensors
on machine axes)
Dimension Words (X,Y,Z,etc.)
absolute mode
N001 G90
rapid traverse
N002 G00 X0.2 Y0.4 Z0.0
BLU = basic length unit
examples:
1 BLU = 1 m
1 BLU = 0.0001 inch
machine specific
(often resolution of
position sensors
on machine axes)
Dimension Words (X,Y,Z,etc.)
absolute mode
N001 G90
rapid traverse
N002 G00 X0.2 Y0.4 Z0.0
BLU = basic length unit
examples:
1 BLU = 1 m
1 BLU = 0.0001 inch
proLight:
1 BLU = 1 inch
proLight moves:
0.2 inch in X
0.4 inch in Y
0.0 inch in Z
proLight Lathe Turning
proLight Lathe Turning
N001 G90 ; Absolute coordinate system
N002 M06 T01 ; Select tool #1 (turning tool)
N003 M03 S2000 ; Turn spindle on (CW), set 2000 rpm
N004 G00 X0.0 Z-0.9 ; Rapid traverse
proLight Lathe Turning
N004 G00 X0.0 Z-0.9 ; Rapid Traverse
proLight Lathe Turning
N004 G00 X0.0 Z-0.9 ; Rapid Traverse
Do not run the tool into the workpiece during Rapid Traverse!
proLight Lathe Turning
N005 G01 X0.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; enter part
proLight Lathe Turning
N005 G01 X0.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; enter part
proLight Lathe Turning
N005 G01 X0.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; enter part
N006 G01 X1.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; make facing cut
proLight Lathe Turning
N005 G01 X0.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; enter part
N006 G01 X1.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; make facing cut
proLight Lathe Turning
N005 G01 X0.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; enter part
N006 G01 X1.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; make facing cut
N006 G01 X1.0 ; can omit unchanged values
proLight Lathe Turning
N006 G01 X1.0 ; make facing cut
N007 G01 Z-3.9 ; turn side
proLight Lathe Turning
N006 G01 X1.0 ; make facing cut
N007 G01 Z-3.9 ; turn side
proLight Lathe Turning
N006 G01 X1.0 ; make facing cut
N007 G01 Z-3.9 ; turn side
Do not run the tool into the chuck during machining!
proLight Lathe Turning
N001 G90 ; Absolute coordinate system
N002 M06 T01 ; Select tool #1 (turning tool)
N003 M03 S2000 ; Turn spindle on (CW), set 2000 rpm
N004 G00 X0.0 Z-0.9 ; Rapid traverse
N005 G01 X0.0 Z-1.0 F10 ; enter part
N006 G01 X1.0 ; make facing cut
N007 G01 Z-3.9 ; turn side
Computer Numerical Control
314 - 5
The End