Computer Numerical Control: CNC Faceoff

When choosing computer numerical control (CNC) technologies for new or retrofit machinery, use this checklist to help compare capabilities. Look for faster program processing, easier integration and use, and customization capabilities. See checklist, related article links. Engineering interaction: Leave your advice.

By Mark T. Hoske July 13, 2011

Computer numerical control (CNC) technologies have rapidly advanced. When selecting a CNC, consider faster program processing, easier integration and use, customization capabilities, and tooling speed. Also look at CAM integration, volumetric error compensation, CNC/IT integration, motion system connectivity, simpler integration, setup, use, maintenance, and human-machine interface standardization. Prior to selecting your next CNC machine, see the following checklist based on information from CNC manufacturers. [At bottom, link to related articles and click into a related blog post to leave your CNC advice.]

CNC faceoff: 18-point checklist

1) What’s your industry? Are there specific needs for your application? High-production markets, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, may have different needs from others, such as wood, marble, glass, presses, grinding, cutting, or forming.

2) What types of machines will you use? Dedicated turning and milling machines may have different needs than complex 5-axis, multi-spindle, and extended bed gantry machining centers. Needs may differ for prismatic part production, mold and die work, lathes, and other areas in the machine tool industry.

3) What kind of facility are you in? Contract manufacturer needs may differ from those of a small job shop, for instance.

4) Are the controls going onto a retrofit or a new design? Should machine tools be constructed the same way with the same kinds of controls as they have been for decades?

5) Are you looking for just a CNC or also an amplifier, motors, I/O modules, and operator panel?

6) Will you use any existing G code programming, newer plain-language programming options, or a combination?

7) Does CNC operating system design matter to you? Do you want to run one or two operating systems (Microsoft Windows and a real-time operating system) on the same platform?

8) How many axes need to be controlled? Five-axes (and greater) machining, for complex workpieces, require high-end CNC capabilities (often for aerospace and automotive manufacturing). Note that number of axes controlled can differ from spindles controlled, and from simultaneously controlled axes. 

9) Do you need transformation orientation for higher speeds and using programs on different machines? Related functions allow tool center point programming, so part programs can be processed independently of the tool length and the machine tool kinematics. Part programs also can increase speed by reducing part program size compared to a traditional point-to-point method. It also allows the same part program to run on different machine tool kinematics. Compression can help generate smooth transitions at block boundaries to ensure optimum cycle time and increase accuracy.

10) Do you need to integrate with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided design (CAD) software? CNC integration with CAD/CAM systems speeds time to completion and can decrease downtime between jobs.

11) Will you use simulation for design and feed the results into the control programming?

12) Will your machine tools require customization? Open architectures may more easily support customization for flexible support across many machine configurations. 

13) How accurate do you need to be? What are your tolerances for error or deviation from specifications? Techniques such as CNC volumetric error compensation (as opposed to individual axis compensation) allow higher accuracy, favored for tight tolerances in aerospace, for example.

14) Does information need to flow into the IT environment? Connecting CNC with IT systems enables users to evaluate overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), exchange data with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, schedule preventive maintenance, monitor systems remotely, and perform other functions, helping large end users to optimize factories and facilities.

15) Does CNC need to integrate with other motion systems? Integrating CNC with other drives and motors may ease information flow through a facility and provide a better overall view into processes and workflow.

16) Does CNC need to integrate tool and process monitoring, measuring and calibration, and other systems? 

17) Will you integrate CNC with safety automation?

18) What level of CNC knowledge exists among engineering design, engineering operations, operators, and maintenance personnel? Inquire about simple language commands for setup and programming, maintenance-free controls, and if wearable components are needed. Ask if human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are integrated across CNC offerings, if they are scalable, and if ease-of-use features can decrease the need for training.

Have you recently purchased or are you considering a CNC purchase in a new machine or for a retrofit? Leave your suggestions in the comments box of this Ask Control Engineering post on CNC advice.

-Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, using information from CNC providers; see links below.

www.boschrexroth-us.com 

www.br-automation.com 

www.fanuccnc.com 

www.heidenhain.com 

www.mag-ias.com 

www.meau.com 

www.num.com 

www.tenasys.com 

www.usa.siemens.com/cnc 

https://www.controleng.com/channels/machine-control.html


Author Bio: Mark Hoske has been Control Engineering editor/content manager since 1994 and in a leadership role since 1999, covering all major areas: control systems, networking and information systems, control equipment and energy, and system integration, everything that comprises or facilitates the control loop. He has been writing about technology since 1987, writing professionally since 1982, and has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from UW-Madison.