NC / C N C
Numerical Control (NC) is a method for control of slide motions and auxiliary
motions of machine tools in form of numerical data.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is Microprocessor based system to
store and process data for control of slide motions and auxiliary motions of
machine tools.
Development of computer numerically controlled Machine is outstanding
contribution to Manufacturing industry
It has made possible automation of machinery processes with flexibility to
handle as small and medium batch quantities in part production.
Functions of CNC Machines
One or more machine axes slide movements controlled either single of
simultaneously.
Control of feed rate along slide ways and its direction.
Control of spindle rotational speeds (step-less constant surface speed)
Start/Stop of main spindle rotation and change of direction.
Control of coolant, ON/OFF.
Control of tool change, turret head indexing, tool selection, loading of selected
tool from automatic tool changer etc.
Control of numerous other functions e.g. tool wear/breakage monitoring
function, pallet changing, robot loading functions. Also other function related
to operator and/or machine safety system. Software and limit switch
boundaries, chuck guard locks, overload monitoring.
Advantages of CNC Technology:
Due to its flexibility, the machine utilization is very high.
The lead time is very largely reduced thereby prediction of the delivery
schedule is more reliable.
Need of special purpose tooling, jigs and fixtures is mostly eliminated.
Consistency in quality is assured since the manufacture is automatic. This
indirectly reduces the inspection costs.
Handling time is very largely reduced since most of the operations can be
carried out in minimum number of set ups. With facility of automatic tool
changing, pallet change and clamping and unclamping arrangements, the non-
machining time is eliminated to maximum extent.