Zone: CNC & Machine Controls

Move The Program Instead Of The Part

A complex five-axis part with hard-to-reach datums is machined in two setups instead of eight, thanks to a process that rewrites the tool paths to match the part's position.

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Accuracy Gain From Linear Encoders

If the position of a machine tool’s axis is measured using a rotary encoder, then potentially the ballscrew is being asked to perform two contradictory functions. The ballscrew both drives the axis into position and indicates that position—because the ballscrew lies in between the encoder and the moving element of the machine. Control technology supplier Heidenhain calls this “semiclosed-loop” operation.

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Retrofits Lift Venerable Machines to New Heights
1/17/2012 Modern Machine Shop: Retrofitting nine 20-year-old skin mills at Boeing’s plant in Auburn, Washington reduced machine downtime and improved both safety and productivity.
Making Lean Connections
10/17/2011 Modern Machine Shop: When Nilpeter embarked on a lean initiative 14 months ago, no one at the printing press manufacturer had any inkling that they had already taken an important first step.
Read In to Digital Readout
4/14/2011 Production Machining: Recently, I came across an article online from Production Machining that sums up five options that are cited to produce higher productivity in a shop. The first option jumped out as something I could pass on to my readers: “Add a digital readout (DRO) to any mill, lathe or grinder currently without one.”
Software Generates Tool Paths for Mazatrol Matrix Control
4/5/2011 Modern Machine Shop: Shops using Mazak machines with the Matrix control can now take advantage of CamLink’s time-saving features that are said to enable more control over the machine.
Standard Software Addresses Common Machining Challenges
12/21/2010 Modern Machine Shop: These low-cost VMCs come standard with a number of software features that enable them to compensate for machining’s inherent physical and thermal challenges.

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Overview Of:
CNC & Machine Controls

The CNC (computer numerical control) system of a machine tool includes the control unit itself, as well as less visible parts of the motion-control system such as the servomotors, drives and axis positioning devices. These components are part of any CNC machine tool, but they might be bought separately and retrofitted later on older machines that are upgraded or refurbished. Also part of the control system are sensors that may allow the control to make certain real-time decisions during unattended or lightly attended machining processes. These can include probes for measuring the position of the part or machined features, as well as monitoring systems for detecting the presence of the tool or the force that is being exerted in the cut.