Multi-user nc machine

Many factors affect multi-user NC machine tool wear, making it seemingly unpredictable. Yet, it is known that tool wear, more specifically the load at the cutting tool tip, is directly proportional to the amount of current drawn by the machine's motor. In this case, an adaptive control device can allow a multi-user NC machine operator to set high and low current parameters. A tool that is becoming dull will cause the amount of current drawn by the motor to increase.

The current increase sends a signal to the multi-user NC machine to adjust the feedrate, thereby significantly limiting the number of opportunities for catastrophic tool failure. When conditions dictate, the computer provides a warning before the tool breaks. If the tool breaks while the machine is operating, the feedrate drops to zero to prevent further damage. Some applications go even further by retracting the tool to the Z axis, so the operator is not required to manually remove the tool.

Replacing worn tools before they break can save other tools and machinery, as well as protect the operator from risk of injury. Over time, operators gain confidence in their machines and capitalize on their new found multi-user NC machine ability to safely and efficiently oversee several machines at once.

In addition to safeguarding operators and machinery, multi-user NC machine adaptive controls can provide valuable, timesaving history files for tools, materials, and machinery. When cutting a piece of steel for example, speed parameters and related conditions can be collected and stored in memory. Any time that specific combination of tool, material, and multi-user NC machine are needed, an operator can call up those parameters from the history files and quickly get the job up and running.