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How Does a CNC Machine Function
Home » Manufacturing » CNC » How Does a CNC Machine FunctionEvery machine has certain functions and ways of working. But the bottom line is that the machine is programmed to perform the functions requested. Here are some of those functions:
• Motion control: A little bit of this was covered above, but here are more details about it. It doesn’t matter what machine you use, if they are CNC machines, they are all programmed to operate in more than one direction. These directions of movement are called axes. These movements can be straight or circular. In CNC machines are axes are referred to by letters. For example, linear axis is designated as X, Y, and Z while the rotary axis is designed as A, B, and C.
• Programmable types: For a CNC machine to work properly it has to be programmed to operate in many different ways. Every machine has functions it works with to do the job as required. Here are some of those functions:
o Automatic tool changer – In the factory, many machines hold a lot of tools in what is referred to as a tool magazine. As soon as a tool is need for the machine, the machine can be programmed to automatically replace that tool without human intervention.
o Spindle speed – The machine can be programmed to control the speed of the spindle. The spindle can be programmed to go forward or reverse, depending on job and what is required of the machine at the time.
o Coolant – Machines even have the ability to be programmed to turn on the reservoir that pours coolant into the machine. This way the machine stays cool and has the proper lubrication it needs to work.
• CNC program: The heart of any CNC control is the software. As you read earlier, software is a step-by-step set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. But in this case the unit to be controlled is not a computer, per say, it is a machine. Some of the code used would be words that start with the letter F, S, and the axis motion. A typical program uses about 40-50 words to do the job.
• CNC control: The CNC control is what makes the machine do its thing. It follows the CNC program and performs the steps in sequence. As it reads the program, it activates the functions the program specifies. In today’s machines, the CNC control can modify the program if the program should be found not to work correctly due to errors in coding. It does this by performing special verification functions to see and confirm is the program is working correctly.
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