Our ancestors never would have dreamed of computer controlled machinery – now CNC machining in Toronto is at the heart of the manufacturing sector. A CNC system consists of three basic components:
Part program
The part program is a detailed set of commands to be followed by the machine tool. Each command specifies a position in the Cartesian coordinate system (x,y,z) or motion (workpiece travel or cutting tool travel), machining parameters and on/off function. Part programmers should be well versed with machine tools, machining processes, effects of process variables, and limitations of CNC controls. The part program is written manually or by using computer assisted language such as an APT (Automated Programming Tool).
Machine Control Unit (MCU)
The machine control unit (MCU) is a microcomputer that stores the program and executes the commands into actions by the machine tool. The MCU consists of two main units: the data processing unit (DPU) and the control loops unit (CLU). The DPU software includes control system software, calculation algorithms, translation software that converts the part program into a usable format for the MCU, interpolation algorithm to achieve smooth motion of the cutter and editing of part program (in case of errors and changes). The DPU processes the data from the part program and provides it to the CLU which operates the drives attached to the machine leadscrews. It receives feedback signals on the actual position and velocity of each one of the axes. A driver (DC motor) and a feedback device are attached to the leadscrew. The CLU consists of the circuits for position and velocity control loops, deceleration, backlash take up and function controls such as spindle on/off.
Machine tool
(lathe, drill press, milling machine etc)
The machine tool could be one of the following: lathe, milling machine, laser, plasma, coordinate measuring machine etc. Figure 3 shows that a right-hand coordinate system is used to describe the motions of a machine tool. There are three linear axes (x,y,z) and three rotational axes (i,j,k), For example, a 5-axis machine implies any combination of x,y,z, i,j,k,and 6.
CNC machining in Toronto is suitable for both large and small production runs. This method yields consistently high results for both simple and complex pieces while delivering fast cycle times. Call our expert team today and learn more about why we are the top choice among manufacturers for CNC machining in Toronto!
