外文翻译及原文-数控技术.docVIP

NUMERICAL CONTROL Numerical control (N/C) is a form of programmable automation in which the processing equipment is controlled by means of numbers, letters, and other symbols. The numbers, letters, and symbols are coded in an appropriate format to define a program of instructions for a particular work part or job. When the job changes. The program of instructions is changed. The capability to change the program is what makes N/C suitable for low- and medium-volume production. It is much easier to write programs than to make major alterations of the processing equipment. There are two basic types of numerically controlled machine tools: point-to-point and continuous-path (also called contouring). Point-to-point machines use unsynchronized motors, with the result that the position of the machining head can be assured only upon completion of a movement, or while only one motor is running. Machines of this type are principally used for straight-line cuts or for drilling or boring. Fig. 20-1 illustrates a typical sequence of a point-to-point movement from xyz coordinates 2, 0, 0 (point A) to 0, 1, 3 (point D). In this example, all three servomotors would begin operating and then each would shut off as it reached the proper station for this axis. The action would start at coordinate 2, 0, 0 (point A). The three motors operating together would carry the machining head to the vicinity of 1, 1, 1 (point B), where the y motor would stop. The head would then continue to 0, 1, 2 (point C), where the x motor would stop. Finally, the head would complete its movement to 0, 1, 3 (point D) under the action of motor z. Machine tools with point-to-point system controls are the simplest and least expensive. A comparison of continuous-path motion to point-to-point motion is illustrated in Fig.20-2. In this example, the motors would run continuously at proportional speeds. A straight line would be generated from A to D. Machine tools equipped with continuous-path capabili