Introduction to CNC and CAD/CAM Flashcards
Definition of automation in manufacturing
The process of enabling machines to follow a predetermined sequence of operations
with little or no human labor
using specialized equipment that perform and control manufacturing processes.
An automation system is able to
a. monitor the operations
b. make decisions about process parameters
c. control all aspects of machining
Automation application in manifacturing (5)
- Manufacturing processes
- Material handling and movement
- Inspection
- Assembly
- Packaging
Primary goals of automation (6)
- Integrate devices, machines and systems to improve product quality, reduce cycle times, reduce human effort
- Improve productivity by reducing costs through better control of the production
- Improve quality
- Reduce human involvement
- Improve safety
- Optimize the use of floor space
Definition of Numerical Control
A method of controlling the movements of machine components by inserting coded intruction in the form of numbers and letters.
Definition of Computer Numerical Control
The realization of NC by a computer installed on the machine
Types of control strategies
- Open loop: signals are sent to the positioning system, but the position is not checked
- Closed loop: the control signal sent to the positioning system is based on an error signal between the desired position and the actual measured position; it allows rejection to disturbances
Types of tool path control
- point to point:
- axis are moved independently
- path is defined to minimize time
- used for drilling - continuous path (contouring):
- axis are moved at the same time
- motion and operation are simultaneous
- accurate control of velocity and position is needed
- complex trajectories can be performed
Definition of interpolation
Determination of points between known points on a desired path, according to a specific Mathematical function
Types of interpolation
- Linear interpolation: straight line from start to end
reducing the distance between points any path can be approximated by a sequence of lines - circular interpolation: circle of a given radius around a given centre, between two points
Definition of part program
Ordered set of instructions in a coded format used to control the motion of a cnc machine tool
Possible commands of a part program
A block of a part program can contain
- NC commands
- call to subprogram
- setting of variables and conditional call
Composition of a block
several words, starting from the block number and ending with the end of block code
each word is composed by an address and a number
G addresses
Represent preparatory functions.
They are used for controlling axis, in particular:
1. Movement of the tool
2. Setting local coordinate system
3. Interpolation
4. Miscellaneous: tool compensation, safety check, skip
Types of addresses
- Modal: effective also in the following blocks, until a cancel block is used
- Non-modal: effective just in the block they are called in
Motion addresses
- Translational axis: X,Y,Z for motion on linear axis or U,V,W for motion on linear secondary axis
- Rotary axis: A,B,C