Zone: CNC & Machine Controls

Move The Program Instead Of The Part

This part has taken eight setups 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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Software And CNC Package Improves Production By 15 Percent
8/19/2008 Production Machining: With a unique part program software suite onboard a powerful CNC, one shop has found it’s producing more and better parts much faster on a recently acquired turning center.
Composites Keep A Big Machine Busy
8/10/2008 Modern Machine Shop: On-machine inspection is part of the way this shop machines large composite structures efficiently.
Achieving Metal-Like Tolerances In Composite Parts
8/5/2008 Modern Machine Shop: On-machining probing compensates for uncertainty in machining operations in composites
The Case For Constant Velocity
6/17/2008 Modern Machine Shop: Constant Velocity Technology uses high speed computer hardware and creative algorithms to enable machine tools to achieve fast, consistent feed rates across complicated 3D surfaces.
Remote CNC Access And Operation
1/3/2008 Modern Machine Shop: An all-hardware interface grants real-time access to CNC functions via the Internet without taxing the machine's brainpower.

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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.

Product Announcements

Motion And Machine Controller: Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. 9/25/2008
CNC Features Nanometer Interpolation: GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms 9/25/2008
CNC Retrofits: Southwestern Industries, Inc. 9/9/2008
Control For Cycle And CNC Lathes: Heidenhain Corp. 9/2/2008
Optimize Block Processing Time: Fagor Automation Corporation 9/2/2008