Lathe & CNC control

What is a Lathe?

 

  Explain Lathe or Lathe in Engineering?

A lathe is a machine tool which rotates the work-piece on its axis to perform various operations such as cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, or deformation with tools that are applied to the work-piece to create an object which has symmetry about an axis of rotation.This is an era of automation. Especially during the last decade, the industries have witnessed dramatic changes in the manufacturing techniques with the advent of NC machines, CNC machines and Robots ultimately to flexible automation.

What is NC (or) NC in Mechanical Engineering (or) Importance of NC in Mechanical Engineering?
      Automation has been associated with advancement in technology. Mass production processes throughout the world owe their success to the development in engineering industries. This has been achieved through tooled up general  purpose machines tools, automatic unit-built machine tools, automatic transfer machines etc. however it is believe that more than about half of the available machine tools are engages in small lot and piece production. These are the ones posing problems to automate conventional machine tools. In the process of automation for small batch production, hydraulic tracer controlled machine tools and programmed operating cycle machine tools have evolved. But these require changing over to new jobs. These problems of automation of small lot production have been overcome by Numerical Control (NC) machine tools to a great extent.
The “Electronics industries Association” defines Numerical Control as “a system in which action are controlled by the direct insertion of numerical data at some point. The system must automatically interpret at least some portion of the data” in a similar language numerical control mean control by numbers. The input information for controlling the machine tool motions is provide through punched paper tape or magnetic tapes in coded language(in binary alpha-numeric form).

ADVANTAGES OF NUMERICAL CONTROLLED MACHINES & LATHE MACHINES.

1 Accuracy And Repeatability
2 Almost Total Elimination Of Scrap
3 Lower Capital Investment
4 Less Floor Space
5 Savings In Facility Requirements
6 Reduced Inspection Time
7 Reduced Flow Time And Inventory
8 Versatility In Design
9 Improved Production Planning And Control

LIMITATIONS
1. NC especially calls for high investment.
2.  Specials skills in programming and maintenance are essential

CLASSIFICATION OF NC SYSTEMS
1.  Based on control system features.
      a. point to point systems
      b. Straight cut or straight line NC system
      c. Continuous path of contouring NC system.
2.  Based on Feedback
      a. Open loop NC system
      b. Closed loop NC system
3.  According to the structure of controlled circuits
      a. Analogue control NC system
      b. Digital Control NC system

 MAJOR ELEMENTS OF NC MACHINE TOOL
1.      The machine control unit (MCU)
2.      The machine tool
3.      The drive units
4.      Feedback or servo components
5.      Magnetic box and
6.      Operator control

 ADVANTAGES
1.      An increase in flexibility
2.      The reduction in hardware circuits and simplification of the remaining hardware, as well as the availability of automatic diagnostic programs, entails a need for fewer maintenance personnel.
3.      A reduction in inaccuracies in manufacturing due to a reduced use of tape reader.
4.      An improvement in the possibilities for correcting errors in part programming an editing feature.
5.      The possibility of using the computer’s peripheral equipment for debugging  the edited part-data tape, Ex A plotter of C.R.T can be used drawing shape of the part.
6.      CNC greatly reduces the number of control boards required and also the inventory ofspare boards.
HOW DOES CNC WORKS?

    A   Sequence of events leading to the machining of a part in point to point positional positioning
                               I.            The necessary information for numerical control can often be extracted from the Engineering drawing with little or no calculation. For this purpose, the part is considered as being in aquadrant of rectangular coordinates. The dimensions of all the important details are given from the data point on x and y axes.
                            II.            Stipulate the proper machining sequence. This information is listed on a format known as manuscript. The manuscript describes the x and y position of each hole, the sequence in which the hole are to be auxiliary function like turning the coolant on and off or clamping and unclamping the part.After the manuscript is prepared, the information has to be kept in hard disk of   programming transfer unit consisting DNC system to the control medium (punched tape etc) which is done on some automatic writing and tape perforating machines.

                                  OPERATION


For operating the CNC machines it must to know their controllers and its functions. The next step to know is how to load the work piece and which rule has to be used and how to perform the work and how to unload the work. In CNC machine we are using NC part program for machining the work piece. By feeding the program to CNC and running the program machine itself performs the work.
Here first of all we have to decide which type of profile has to machine. After deciding that the program will write a program. The program is downloaded to CNC machine from programming room with reference to program the operator will decide which of tool has to be used because of tool to be used is also indicated in the program. So the operator must use the tool which is indicated in the program. Next step is to load the work piece on the CNC lathe. After the operator has said the reference point to the cutting tool with respect work piece, next the operator calls the required program and engages the tool with what peace and starts the program. While running the program the work can be performed the operator has to decide how much depth of cut in to give. After completion of work the piece can be checked with template for accuracy. After that the work can be unloaded manually.
Now we will see the controllers and their functions clearly from here and also the one of NC part program to be used in CNC and groove distribution drawing that program and temptation drawing.

WASI ROLL TURNING LATHES
These machines are employed for rough and finish turning of rolling mill rolls. Work pieces up to 15T weight can be loaded on these machines. These machines are equipped with 2 axis CNC control, even complicated contours can be produced accurately.
Machine Bed: the bed is a single piece casting. The bed of this machines having two separate flat guide ways, one for carriage movement and the other for tall stock. The carriage quick ways are protected by telescopic covers. The bed is made up of gray cast iron. Chip flow facility: the chip flow through the space provided between the two beds space for installation of chip conveyor is also provided.

 HYDOSTATIC GUIDE WAYS
The carriage is supported by hydrostatic guide ways. These ways act as pressurized pockets and life the carriage above the bed to an extent of 0.02-0.04mm by means of pressurized oil flow. It provides a friction free, wear free contact between the bed and carriage, it avoids slip stick phenomenon oil is supplied by multi circuit gear pump to all these hydrostatic pockets with the same amount of pressurized oil. The presence of all the pockets can be checked one after another. This system achieves a high guiding stiffness.

 HEAD STOCK
The head stock is provided with large dimensioned gears with short shafts, for obtaining high torsion, the main spindle roller bearings are preloaded and press fitted on to the spindle taper. It is mounted close to the face plate to minimize the spindle growth due to heat. Two gear steps are provided and are shifted by means of press button switch on the carriage, oil splash type lubrication system is incorporated inside with flow control of lubrication failure. Whenever oil flow is interrupted the feed is immediately switched off and then main spindle is also stopped automatically.
Head stock is driven by thyristor controlled D.C. Motor. The drive power come for the D.C. Motor over a clutch with pneumatic disc brake through the two speed gear box to the face plate. The D.C. motor is controlled by simo-drive, which ensures an infinitely variable and consistent rmp/cutting speed, form 0-500 rpm.

 SPINDLE SPEED
The correct speed selection is essential for economical running of the machine. The speed depends on the tool, work piece material and surface quality required. Speed is setby S functions in CNC mode and by the operating elements at the control panel in manual mode. In he 1st gear step speed range is 1-83 and 2nd step it is 6-500 rpm. Spindle rotation can be selected for clockwise and anticlockwise directions and for jogging by pressing the buttons on the panel. In CNC mode the programmed speed/rpm can be modified from 50%-12% of the set value. In manual mode the potentiometer knob can be turned form for increasing or decreasing the spindle speed. The ammeter indicated the current consumption as percentage load. The motor is characterized to give in 1st a torque constant output(rpm) up  to 20 rpm and 2nd gear up to 120rpm. For the above ranges the motor will run with increased speed but however attainable torque value decreases.

 CONTROLS ON THE HEAD STOCK
Four control buttons are provided on the control panel fixed to the head stock. These are push buttons for spindle in clockwise and anticlockwise directions of rotation. The direction of rotation is indicated on top of them. The third button from top 1 for stopping the drives and spindle. It is indicated by letter O. at the bottom of the panel a big red colored push button with yellow painted circle is provided for emergency stopping of machine. It is indicated by letter ' O’. At the bottom of the panel a big red colored push button with the yellow painted circle is provided for emergency stopping of machine. It is indicated by “EMERG STOP”, by pressing this button on running drives are stopped at once.

 FACE PLATE
Face plate fit on the main spindle bearing of the headstock. It is made up of nodular cast iron. It is provided with four clamping jaws. These jaws are adjustable by means of threaded spindles movement with alien. Hydraulic assist system is provided inbuilt for even screw for high gripping power and for inserted in the face plates two positions. The clamping rages are as follows:
Normal position – 100- 450 mm
Reversed position – 400 – 700 mm
(turn to  180°)
            The hydraulic system can generate 120 KN of force were spindle. A spanner must be used for hydraulic damping.
Type                            clamping force                                    hydraulic force /unit
HSP 6300                                75KN                                                  5
HSP 10000                              120KN                                                5

The torque may only be set given as above, otherwise the spindle may get damaged. For central alignment and clamping of work piece opposing spindles are adjusted in stages one after the other.
The faceplate can accommodate up to 8T of work piece weight. After each clamping  ensures that the ring follower for mechanical locking catch is in position, so that the load is not borne solely by the hydraulic system

 TAIL STOCK
Tail stock is a close single piece design with a live supported in antifriction Bearings, tail stock can be moved rapidly/slowly along the body by means of two speed gear AC motor through rack and opinion. The tail stock is firmly fixed by four spring clamping cylinders and it is released from bed by hydraulic oil pressure. Clamping is actuated by push buttons. The spindle with lives center is fixed in the tail stock housing.
Centralized lubrication provides lubricating oil for quick and gear drive. The grill can be adjusted for a distance of 10mm. it is used mainly for providing axial pressure between the centers on the work piece.
A Belleville spring washer stack is provided behind the quill for absorbing thermal expansions in the work piece. The axial force is measured and controlled by a hydraulic gauge unit with the contract pressure gauges.

 CLAMPING
When clamping the spring-loaded cylinders, clamping is done by the Springs in unpressurized condition and unclamping is effected by the hydraulic pressure. This has the advantage, that in case of power failure or defective valve clamping occurs and the movements cannot continue uncontrolled. The hydraulic supply unit works intermittently. A control lamp light up with hydraulic supply units is on. The adjustment drive is only possible to be operated clamping has been released.

 MAIN OPERATING AND CONTROL ELEMENTS
The operating and control elements for the machine functions are located in the control station on the carriage.
Additional operating panels for the respective partial functions are situated at the control cabinet, headstock and tail stock.
 EMERGENCY SITUATION
  EMERGENCY STOP
Use when danger occurs: on running drives are stopped immediately, it is not permitted to switch off the machines by using the EMERGENCY STOP after normally finished work. When emergency stop is active the toll is not cut free. Before starting the main spindle again, the tool must be released using the jog-mode, to avoid a possible tool breakage.

 HOLD ALL MOTIONS
All movements are stopped the light in the button flashes. Pressing the switch once again causes all functions to start and the light in the button goes out.

 CONTROL CABINET
MAIN SWITCH DRIVE
When switched on the machine control is connected to the power supply. At the end of the shift or when maintenance work is to be done at the electrical system, the Main switch would be switched off.
 MAIN SWITCH CONTROL
For CNC, measuring systems and control, When switched on, the CNC and control parts are connected to the power supply.
            When switched off, or not a store in the CNC are lost. If at the end of the shift, Tata is still stored it is required continue machining, this switch should not be switched off. Switch off is how ever necessary when maintenance work is to be carried out on the CNC.

 VOLTAGE CONTROL OF THE POWER SUPPLY
Line voltage displays the available current potential
 CURRENT CONTROL OF THE POWER SUPPLY
           Line current displays the available strength of current
 WORKING HOUR METER
          This display is activated, but the main switch is switched on.
 EMERGENCY STOP
            Use when danger occurs, all running elements stopped immediately
 MAIN CONTROL STATION AT THE CARRIAGE
 DISPLAY DEVICES
Spindle Load  -           Load Of The Headstock Drive In A %
Spindle Speed -           Main Spindle Speed In RPM
Feed X            -           X-Axis Feed In mm/min
Feed Z             -           Z-Axis Feed In mm/min

 


OPERATING ELEMENTS FOR THE MACHINE CONTROL

 MACHINE OFF
          The machine control is activated via this key-operated switch. Any CNC programs in the memory will held at position off.
 MACHINE ON (BASED ON THE MACHINE CONTROL PANEL)
            This illuminated button is activated to switch the machine on. The button flashes at first. It doesn't turn to continuous light until all necessary pump, ventilators etc., are functioning and then the machine is ready to operate.
 HOLD ALL MOTIONS
Activation of this illuminated button causes all running drives to stop, pumps and ventilators carry on working.
 NC-MAN
            When the selection switch is in the NC position the machine can be operated automatically on in adjustment mode via the CNC operation events. This can only be  switch over when the feed axis and the main spindle are at standard still. in man position, all machine functions, feedback and speeds are controlled via the manual operating elements on the operating pane.
 EMERGENCY STOP(IN CNC OPERATING PANEL)
            Use in case of danger. All running drives are stopped immediately.
 ERROR/MESSAGE/CYCLE
            The lamp lights up to show the respective condition. This enables first condition to be localized via the digit display on the display in the CNC part of the control station.

 DIAGNOSIS DIGIT DISPLAY
Errors and operating messages are displayed by digits.
 SELECTION
            Pressing of this button was as the digital display to display the next highest identification number and the number of the existing condition.
 DATA DISPLAY UNIT
            When operating in CNC mode the occurred situation will be displayed on the display unit also in playing language.
 FAULT RESET
            The lamp in the button flashes when an error occurs and stays on continuously when an operation message or operator error occurs. After rectifying the error messages are automatically extinguished.
 MAIN SPINDLE
 SPEED
            The speed of the main spindle can be regulated within the gear speed steps with the potentiometer from 0-100 % when the drives are running, the speed set is indicated on the indicator.
 SPINDLE TURNING DIRECTION
The main spindle turns in the respective of direction and at low, for as long as the button is held depressed.
 SPINDLE TURNING DIRECTION
            When pressed the main spindle turns in the respective direction at the speed set on the potentiometer. The buttons are selflocking, the lamp in respective button lights up.

 SPINDLE OFF
            When pressed the main spindle is switched off. The lamp in the button goes out. If the drive is switched off during a running feed movement, the feed is stopped first and then the main spindle stops after brief delay, so that the tool in the work piece can cut itself free.
 GEAR STEP I/II
To switch on the speed gear I or II the lamp lights up to indicate which key is speed has been switched on.
 FEED AXIS
Bed slide upper carriage
 FEED REGULATION-X- AND Z- AXIS
            The feeds can be regulated on the potential meter within the axis dependent range vary from0-100%
AXISPRE-SELECTION X+,X-,Z+,Z-
To preselect the feed axes and direction's
X-        to the turning center
X+       outwards
Z-        to the head stock
Z+       to the tail stock
            The respective button lights up to show the selected direction for taper turning purposes, both axes can be selected at the same time.
 PRE-SELECTION OFF
            By using this button the preselected direction is erased.

 HIGH SPEED
            When activated, the carriage travels in rapid motion as long as the button is pressed, independent from the adjusted feed speed on the potentiometer.
 LOW SPEED
            The carriage travels at slow-motion in the preselected direction as long as the button is heldpressed.
 MANUAL PULSE GENERATOR
            The use of the manual was generator is only possible in CNC code.
 HAND WHEEL X/Z
            By using the respective illumination button hand wheel is activated the lamp of the button lights up. switch off by  pressing again, the lamp in button extinguishes.
 SPEED INTERNAL SWITCH
            Thus the internal switch is used to remove regenerative chatter appearances.
 INTERVAL ON OFF
When the interval control is activated the first time, the light in the switch goes on when pressing again the light extinguishes the interval switch is compensated.
 FREQUENCY POTI
            To change the interval time in the range from 0 to 60 seconds.
 SPEED DIFFERENCE POTI
            To change the speed difference in the range 0 to 30% within the interval time.

  TURRED HEAD
1          2          3          4
90        180      270      360°
        The selection switch is used to select the requesting working position.
 REVOLVERKOPF I
            When activated, the turret head Swivels into the preselected working position. Swiveling is only possible, when the upper carriage is in rearmost (+X) position
 MO6
            If it is necessary to change the tool during programmed cycle, the MO6 has to be programmed, when the new tool has to be inserted. The light in the button will flash. The ensued tool change is acknowledged by pressing the reset button. The lamp goes out in the programmed cycle is continued by pressing the button cycle start in the CNC operating field. It must be ensured, that the tools change only take place at the planned tool station.
 MACHINE LIGHT I/O
            Used to turn on and off the machine lights
 X-AXIS RAPID RETRACT
            This function works only in CNC mode. This close button is to be used when the two breaks. The upper carriage drives in rapid motion approx. 50 mm to X+, all activated feeds stopped, the spindle continues turning. No tool to track occurs and emergency stop is activated.

 HEADSTOCK CONTROL STATION
MAIN DRIVE
The main spindle rotates in the respective direction at low speed for as long as the button is held depressed.
 SPINDLE 0
            When this button is pressed, any running drives are stopped immediately. The main however is stopped after a brief delay so that the tool can cut itself free.


EMERGENCY STOP
            Press in case of danger: all running drives are stopped at once.
TAILSTOCK CONTROL STATION
HEADSTOCK
            The main spindle turn into the respective direction at a low speed as long as the button is pressed.
CENTER SHAFT
            By activating the push button the Center shaft runs in the respective direction as long as the button is pressed.
TAIL STOCK ADJUSTMENT
            By pressing the button that tailstock travels in the respective direction for as long as the button is pressed. For adjustment that clamping must be released.
 SLOW-FAST
            For pre-selection of the tail stock adjustment speed
                        slow: mm/min 2800
                        fast: mm/min 60 
 CLAMP-UNCLAMP
The selector switch is used for clamping and unclamping of the tailstock on the bed.



LUBRICATION
            The button lights up during an automatic lubrication pulse. By pressing the button, additional lubrication pulses can be given(e.g for traveling over long distances).
EMERGENCY STOP
            Press only in case of danger : all running drives are stopped at once

 OPERATION PROCEDURE

STARTING PROCEDURE
A certain order must be followed to switch the machine and the control on and off.
·         Sector selection switch NC on-off at services station two on resp off
·         switch on main switch controlled at the control cabinet
·         switch on main switch drive at the control cabinet
·         switch on key operated switch mach. Off on the main control station.
·         Press button 1 at the main control station.
The machine is activated. The lamp in the illuminated push buttonpush button all motions flashes.
After this button has been pressed, the lamp goes out the machine is now ready for the operation.
·         Set the selector switch NC-MAN at the main control station MAN or NC
     The switch position NC can only be selected in the selection switch NC ON-OFF is                     switched on at the service station(position on).
·         Observe the indicator lamp fault
     The lamp fault must not be lit up
If, however, it is flashing on continuously lit up, there is the fault. This must be eliminated and acknowledged before machining begins.

WHEN NECESSARY
·         switch on chip conveyor
·         switch on machine lightning
RE-SWITCH AFTER EMERGENCY STOP
·         unlock the used emergency stop button(turn to the right side)
·         acknowledge via button fault reset
·         switch on the performance main switch at the control cabinet
·         use the illuminated button machine
·         acknowledge via button  hold all motions
SHUT DOWN
The machine and control must be switched off in such a way that the machine is not damaged in any way. The appropriate time to switch off the machine and control is when the current part program has been completely worked off, or in the case of man, the tool is not engaged.
·         Stop all running drives
·         switch off key operated MACH ON
·         if necessary, switch off main switch drive and main switch control 
   SHUT DOWN AFTER EMERGENCY STOP
            At all operation panels emergency stop buttons are arranged.
MODES OF OPERATION
            The machine can be operated in previous modes of operation, in connection with the Siemens CNS, SIEMENS 850 TE. These primarily depends on the machining tasks: setting is done at the control station.


THE CNC DIFFERENTIATES BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING MODES OF OPERATION:

SET ACTUAL VALUE STORAGE (PRESENT)
To set o to preset the actual position of the axis
REFERENCE POINT (REF)
To synchronize the CNC with the measuring systems.
MANUAL INPUT (MDA)
            For block by block input and work off of CNC blocks for teach-in and play back.
SETTING (JOG)
The selected axis travels as long as one of the direction buttons is held depressed.
 INCREMENT 1 (INC)
When the direction button is pressed, the axis travels 1 my.
 INCREMENT 10 (INC)
            When the direction button is pressed, the axis travels 10my.
INCREMENT 100 (INC)
When the direction button is pressed, the axis travels 100 my.
 INCREMENT 1000 (INC)
When the direction button is pressed, the axis travels 1000 my. 
 INCREMENT 10000 (INC)
When the direction button is pressed, the axis travels 10000 my.

10INCREMENT 100000 (INC)
When the direction button is pressed, the axis travels 100000 my.
REPOSITIONING AT THE CONTOUR (REPOS)
When automatic operation has been interrupted, the axes can be traveled in job. The repos, the axes then automatically return the point of interruption in reversed order.
AUTOMATIC(AUTO)
The variants automatic, block/block and decoding block/block was possible here.
AUTOMATIC
            After cycle start has been pressed, the parts program is work off automatically block by block from the punched tape of the program memory.
 BLOCK/BLOCK
After cycle start has been pressed, only one block at a time is executed. Computing blocks are executed in automatic mode of operation.
DECODING BLOCK/BLOCK
            On program blocks are executed block by block.
 TEST RUN FEED
            The program is executed at the higher speed than the programmed speed.
 EXTRACTS AND BLOCK
Blocks with “I” in front of the block number are skipped
 CONDITIONAL STOP
            When MOI is programmed, the program stops and must be restarted by pressing cycle start.

TRAVEL LIMITATION
            The end positions of the travel paths are secured by limit switches, these being rapid traverse reduction, stop and emergency stop. When the reduction is approached, the axis dependent slow-motion speed is automatically switched on at stop, on axes are stopped. If the limits switch stop is overrun due to a defect, movement will be stopped at emergency stop, upon which the fault indicator illuminates.
REFERENCES POINT
            A reference(zero) point is defined for each axis by a limit switch as reference between the measuring system and the machine. After the reference point ‘R’ has been approached the pertaining reference point ‘F’ coincides with ‘R’: the absolute and actual value storage are preset with given values. The travel and the position of the reference points can be seen in the following sketch.   

ADJUSTMENT OF THE AXES

The machine is adjustable in three axes
Z-axis  -           bed slide, longitudinal
X-axis  -           top carriage, cross
            The axes can be traveled individually either in manual mode or by way of the numerical control. The position indicator is effective in both modes of operation.

                In manual mode, the feed rates and feed direction are set on the operating treatments at the control station. Continuous feed went of X and Y axes is only possible when the main spindle is running. When the spindle is switched off, running feed drive is stopped and then after a brief delay, the spindle stops so that the tool in the workpiece can cut itself free. When the main spindle is at a standstill, adjustment of the axes will only be made in jog operation.

RETRACTING FROM A LIMIT SWITCH
            Retracting from axes X and Z by approaching an emergency stop limit switch and emergency stop condition is initiated. The lamps fault flash. The fault is displayed in digits.
·         Set manual mode of operation
·         press and hold down the emergency lights switch bridged at the control cabinet and with the help of the second operator, carry out the following
·         acknowledge the fault by pressing the button
·         retract the axis behind the emergency stop limit switch by pressing the illuminated direct push button(-/+)
·         release the button at the control cabinet
·         by pressing the illuminated push button fault/reset unlocked the fault, the indicator lamps and the digital display extinguish
·         we adjust the machine to continue the machining
 HEADSTOCK
            The head stock carries the main spindle, which is borne is double row cylindrical roller bearing. It is driven by a 2-speed gear. · With direction of rotation the spindle rotates clockwise, when locking towards the face plate. With direction of rotation the spindle rotates counterclockwise, when locking towards the faceplate. The respective lamps lights up to indicate the selected direction of rotation and engaged gear speed.
 SPINDLE SPEED
            The correct selection spindle speed is essential for the economic running of the machine. The speed depends on the tool and the workpiece, as well as surface quality required.
The speed ranges are set by M-functions in the CNC mode, and by the operating elements at the control station in manual mode.