Friday, February 10, 2012

The features of DNC Networking?

By Fiona Kong


DNC, or direct numerical control is a term utilized in the producing industry for networking CNC (computer numerical control) machine tools. DNC Networking consists of four components:

1. A central computer

2. Bulk memory for storing the NC part programme

3. Telecommunication lines

4. Machine tools

CNC machine controllers contain the machining programme and when programs are too long to fit inside a CNC control's memory, a direct numerical control system could be implemented. In a DNC network, the program is placed in a fresh PC which calls the part program directions from bulk storage and sends info back from the machines.

It is a two way info flow where the machine requests instructions from the PC while the PC must receive this information and reply appropriately. The PC sends its Information to the machine, one block at a time, through its communications port in real time. If the computer is connected to one or two machines it can distribute programs to different machines as needed. One computer can be employed to control and service more than 100 separate machines at a time.

The machine, typically equipped with tape reader, is omitted in DNC therefore relieving the system of its least trusty component. Rather than using tape reader the part program is transmitted to the machine tool straight from the PC memory. Depending on the quantity of machines and computing wants that are imposed on the PC it is sometimes critical to use satellite PCs

There are two kinds of DNC, Behind the Tape Reader (BTR) and Special Machine Control (SMCU). In the BTR system, the PC is linked to the regular NCF controller unit. The operation of the system is similar to conventional NC, excepting the source of command instructions. The controller units have two non permanent storage buffers. One buffer for receiving block of instruction from the central PC and convert them into machine action while the other buffer provides commands instructions to the machine tool. In the SMCU system, the traditional NC unit is replaced by special machine control unit in which the special MCU is a device which is designed specifically so as to facilitate communication between the machine tool and the PC.

There are many blessings of DNC Networking including:

Time sharing by the central control allows for close control of the entire machine shop

Greater computational capacities

Increased trustworthiness due to elimination of tapes and tape reader at the machine

PC is found in a remote environment

Increased memory allows for storing large part programs

The downsides of DNC Networking include:

Part programming mistakes,

Pricey and high-priced due to high automation

Likelihood of complete machine failure in the event of PC malfunction.




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