Techniques used in the simulation and control of PROTEC computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine software

The computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine is a state of the art technology that has revolutionized the manufacturing processes. The main objectives of the project described were to manufacture a basic study model having the capability of performing simple machining operations. A software-oriented machine was decided to be worked upon. The reasons for developing a software-oriented system were mainly its flexibility and economics. This CNC control system developed in Visual Basic works on Windows-95 and later. The simulations mainly depend upon the digital differential analyzer (DDA) method of interpolation. The linear and circular interpolations are calculated in this software control of the CNC machine. Screen animation is another main feature of the software control that enables the operator of the machine to control any mistakes of entries. The software accesses the interface card through parallel port. The program can easily be combined with a programmable graphics (PG) system relieving the part programmer from writing part programs.