CNC Programming
CNC Programming
CNC Programming
& VMC
VAIBHAV THAKUR
HISTORY OF CNC
• US Air Force commissioned MIT to develop the first "numerically
controlled" machine in 1949. It was demonstrated in 1952.
• At 1970-1972 first Computer Numeric Control machines were
developed.
• Today, computer numerical control (CNC) machines are found
almost everywhere, from small job shops in rural communities to
companies in large urban areas.
• Utilization of computers in manufacturing applications has proved
to be one of the most significant advantages & developments over
the last couple of decades in helping to improve the productivity
and efficiency of manufacturing systems.
NUMERICAL CONTROL
NC has been used in industry for more than 40 years. Simply
put, NC is a method of automatically operating a manufacturing
machine based on a code of letters, numbers, and special
characters. A complete set of coded instructions for executing an
operation is called a program. The program is translated into
corresponding electrical signals for input to motors that run the
machine. NC machines can be programmed manually. If a
computer is used to create a program, the process is known as
computer-aided programming. The approach taken in this text
will be in the form of manual programming.
Numerical Control (NC)
BASIC ELEMENTS OF NC SYSTEM
TAPE PUNCH
TAPE READER
CONTROLLER
DEFINITION OF COMPUTER
NUMERICAL CONTROL
A CNC machine is an NC machine with the added feature of an onboard
computer
The MCU usually has an alphanumeric keyboard for direct
or manual data input (MDI) of part programs. Such programs are stored in
RAM or the
random-access memory portion of the computer. They can be played back,
edited, and
processed by the control. All programs residing in RAM, however, are lost
when the CNC
machine is turned off. These programs can be saved on auxiliary storage
devices such as
punched tape, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk. Newer MCU units have
graphics screens
that can display not only the CNC program but the cutter paths generated
and any errors in the program
Types of CNC machines
Based on Control Loops:
Open loop or Closed loop
• Machining
3D
Turning = Lathes, Turning Centre
Milling =Machining Centre
• Forming
2D
Plasma and Laser Cutting
Blanking, nibbling and punching
3D
Rapid Prototyping
ADVANTAGES
• Variance reduction
– Time and quality
• Eliminate direct labor.
• Produce increased part complexity
– Contouring
• Improve process efficiencies.
• Can obtain Consistency in cutting time.
• Setup time reduction.
LIMITATIONS
High initial cost.
High maintenance cost.
Skilled part programmer is required.
Expensive to repair.
Expensive tools.
DEFINITION
Vertical machining centre
A vertical machining center (VMC) is a machining center with its
spindle in a vertical orientation. High-end VMCs are high-
precision machines often used for tight-tolerance milling, such as
fine die and mold work. Low-cost vertical machining centers are
among the most basic CNC machine tools.
G & M Codes
• G-codes: Preparatory Functions involve actual tool moves.
Sample Block
N135 G01 X1.0 Y1.0 Z0.125 F5