• NC – Numerical Control
Ø 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 1950’s. It was
a three axis milling machine controlled by a room full of vacuum
tube electronics. Even though it was unreliable, it set the stage
for modern machines. The controller was called Numerical
Control, or NC.
ØThe stepper motor takes voltage pulses and converts them to rotary
motion. If the machine resolution (smallest motion) is 0.0001” and you
want to move 3”, the computer sends 30,000 (30,000x0.0001”=3.0”)
pulses to the motor and the machine moves 3”.
ØProblem: stepper motors have limited torque, and if excess pressure is
applied, the motor will slip and the machine loses its position. Then, the
operator must restart the machine.
ØThe machine does not know where it actually is, only where it should
have moved. This method works fine unless the motor slips.
Machine Control Systems (continued)
ØThe servo motor has a feedback loop to check the machine’s actual
position. If the program tells the computer to move 3”, the servo motor
starts turning and does not stop until the feedback loop tells the computer
that the machine has actually moved 3”
ØAdvantage: servo motors have high torque capabilities to take heavy
cuts at high speeds. It stops and gives an alarm when the motor is over-
torqued.
ØAdvantage: the machine always knows its actual position.
Modern CNC Machine Characteristics
Ø Massive, usually four times heavier than an equivalent
conventional (manual) machine.