INTRODUCT

ION

What is a machine control unit?

Functions of Machine control unit.
Types of machine control unit.
Components of machine control unit.
Data processing unit.
Control loop unit.

What is Machine Control

Unit (MCU)?
It is a main part of NC machine found in every NC
& CNC machine. It act as a link between part program
& machine tool & help to transfer information among
them by changing the coded language in to machine tool
language.
It consists of some electronic hardware.
It reads NC program, interpret it and translates it into
mechanical actions of machine tool.

MCU FUNCTIONS
1. Machine tool spindle start and stop.
2. Vary the spindle speed.
3. Change the direction of rotation of the spindle.
4. Start and stop coolant supply.
5.Change the desired tool.
6.Lock and unlock fixtures /workpiece
7. Guide the cutting tool tip along the desired
path/position.
8.Control the rate of movement (feed rate)of the
tip.

Parts of MCU

Data Processing Unit

Rom (Secondary
memory) It helps to store
the programs

Control Logic Unit

Ram (Primary memory)

It consists of all the
storage data used to
read & execute the
memory of RAM

CLU consists of Interpolator, amplifier & feed back devices. Interpolator can be
linear or circular. In case of linear interpolator only start & end points are needed
while in case of circular type of rotation, centre & radius is requided to make the
tool makes the circle. Hence interpolation helps in movement of tool. Amplifier
helps to amplify the input & out put signal. Feed back devices are used to
compare input & output signals

Types of
MCU
1. Housed MCU
2. Swing Around MCU
3. Stand Around MCU

Housed
MCU
It is Mounted on
the machine
tool.
It is also built in
the casing of
the machine.

Swing Around
MCU
It is directly mounted
on the machine which
can swing around it.
It can be adjusted as
per requirement of the
operators position.
This arrangement
provides large working
space around
machine.

Stand Alone
MCU
It is enclosed in a separate cabinet
which is installed at some remote or
same place near to the machine.

Components of
MCU
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Input unit
Memory
Processor
Control Panel
Feedback Channel & Transducers

Input Unit
It is a electro-mechanical device
used to collect the input media.
Drive it through the system under a
reading head.
Interpret the coded information and
collect it for reuse.

Memory (Data
Buffer)
It stores the program into temporary
memory that is called Buffer .

Process
or
Basic function is to co-ordinate &
control the functions of other units
by giving signals to them at
appropriate point of time.
Previously processor used vacuum
tubes, then transistors and now IC.

Control
Panel
It permits the operator to interface
the machine operation manually.

Feedback channel and

transducer

To check the operations are done in a

way we want to, feedback is sent
through feedback channel .
Position and displacement
measuring devices are known as
transducers .
Transducers covert one form of
physical quantity into another .

Data Processing Unit

Input device [Tape Reader/ Punched
Tape Reader].
Data Reading Circuits.
Decoders to distribute data to the
axes controllers.

Control Loop Unit

Interpolator to supply machine-motion

commands between data points

Position control loop hardware for

each axis of motion