MFGG 384  NC Systems

Summer Term 2001

 

2001 Catalog data:              Credit (2-4-4)  Two hours of lecture and two two-hour labs

                                                Prerequisites:  MFGG-370 Engineering Materials, MECH-200 Computer Aided

Engineering

 

Concepts of numerical control and the elements of numerically controlled equipment are evaluated.  Manual and computer assisted parts programming for positioning and continuous path operation are compared.  Computer graphics is used to design parts.  Computer-aided machining software will be used to generate tool paths.  The tool paths will be optimized in a virtual NC machine environment and will be tested and proven on a CNC machine.  A final project will entail the student's ability to integrate design of a part, design of the machining process, use of CAM to generate the best cutting paths, and produce the product on the CNC machine.

 

Textbooks:                            D. Gibbs, T.M. Crandell, T. Crandell, Introduction to CNC Machining and

Programming, Industrial Pr., 1991, ISBN 0831130091

 

References:                          F. Nanfarra, T. Uccello, D.H. Murphy, The CNC Workbook: An

Introduction to Computer Numerical Control, Industrial Pr., 1995

 

Coordinator(s):                    Lucy King, Professor of Manufacturing Engineering   

 

Course learning objectives:             

 

A student who successfully completes this course should be able to:

1.  Apply fundamentals and advanced concepts of computer controlled machining. (Program Outcomes: A,C ; MFGG PEOs: 1,2,3,7 )

2.  Use programming concepts to design the tool paths of  features in a part.  (Program Outcomes: A,B,C; MFGG PEOs:1,2,3,7 )

3.  Discern the functions of  various components of the CNC machine and vary the parameters that control the machine according to the material and geometry of the features of the part.  (Program Outcomes: A,B,E,N,O; MFGG PEOs: 1,2,3,7)

4.  Implement the tool paths into a virtual CNC and test the validity of the process.  (Program Outcomes: C,E,K,L,P; MFGG PEOs: 1,2,3,6,7)

5.  Study the effects of different values of these parameters on the product and use computer control to adjust these parameters.  (Program Outcomes: K,M,N,O,P; MFGG PEOs: 1,2,3,5,7)

6.  Obtain first run capability when making the product on the CNC machine. (Program Outcomes: C,K,M,P; MFGG PEOs: 1,2,3,5,6,7 )

7.  Work in a team environment on laboratory projects which relate lectures to practical

     applications.  (Program Outcomes: A,B,C, D,E,F,G,K,L,N,O,P,Q; MFGG PEOs: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7)

 

Prerequisites by topic:      

 

1.  Basic mechanical properties of materials

2.  Concepts of stress and strain

3.   Spread sheet calculations and graphing

4.   CAD data import and export

5.   Programming logic

6.   Basic material removal processes

7.   Technical writing and communication

 

 

Topics covered:

 

1.  Fundamentals of numerical control in machining, advantages and disadvantages

2.  Numerical control programming language elements and tool path design

3.  Operation of an NC machine

4.  Variable parameters affecting the efficiency and accuracy of a machining process

5.  Effects of material of the product, material of the cutting tool, fixturing and

     environmental conditions

6.  Different types of computer control of NC machines and their applications

7.  CAM software package, its usage, its language elements and its application

8.  Virtual CNC, its usage, its syntax and its application

9.  Integration of CAD, CAM, Virtual CNC, machining and production of a part

 

Schedule:                              Two lecture sessions of 60 minutes and two laboratory sessions

of 120 minutes per week

 

Computer usage:                 1.  Apply computer knowledge in CAD, CAM, programming NC and

                                                     Virtual NC.

                                                2.  Control an NC machine through direct serial communication and

                                                     network

                                                3.  External control of NC machine through Input/Output signals

                                                4.  Use commercial computer aided engineering software packages for

     CAD, CAM, Virtual NC to design, simulate, and optimize tool path

     design and machining process

 

Laboratory projects:           1.  Manual NC to catch the language elements of NC programming

                                                2.  Introduction to CAM package

                                                3.  Design and make product using CAM packagge

                                                4.  Vary spindle speeds and feed rates and depth of cuts and analyze the

                                                     surface finish and resulting dimensions of the product

                                                5.  Vary part material and tool material to study the interaction of different

                                                     materials. 

                                                6.  Design tool paths through Virtual NC package and test the process on

                                                     the screen

                                                7.  Verify the Virtual NC model with a real NC machined production

                                                8.  Project work on design, plan and fabrication of a student defined

                                                     product.

 

Relationship to professional component:  Two credits of engineering topics and two credits of engineering design

 

Prepared by:                         Lucy King                             Date:                       August 15, 2000