1. The Development of Mechanical Manufacturing Technology: In modern manufacturing systems, CNC technology is a key technology. It integrates microelectronics, computers, information processing, automatic detection, and automatic control, featuring high precision, high efficiency, and flexible automation. It plays a crucial role in achieving flexible automation, integration, and intelligence in the manufacturing industry. Currently, CNC technology is undergoing a fundamental transformation, evolving from a dedicated, closed-loop control mode to a general-purpose, open, real-time, dynamic, fully closed-loop control mode. Based on integration, CNC systems have achieved ultra-thin and ultra-miniaturized designs. Based on intelligence, by integrating computer, multimedia, fuzzy control, neural network, and other multidisciplinary technologies, CNC systems have achieved high-speed, high-precision, and high-efficiency control. During machining, they can automatically correct, adjust, and compensate for various parameters, enabling online diagnosis and intelligent fault handling. Based on networking, CAD/CAM is integrated with CNC systems. Machine tools are networked, enabling centralized control and group control machining.
2. Trends in the development of intelligent technology 2.1 Performance development direction (1) High speed, high precision and high efficiency.
Speed, precision, and efficiency are key performance indicators in mechanical manufacturing technology. Thanks to the adoption of high-speed CPU chips, RISC chips, multi-CPU control systems, and AC digital servo systems with high-resolution absolute sensing elements, along with effective measures to improve the dynamic and static characteristics of machine tools, the speed, precision, and efficiency of machine tools have been greatly enhanced.
(2) Flexibility.
This encompasses two aspects: the flexibility of the CNC system itself, which employs a modular design and offers broad functional coverage. Its strong adaptability allows it to easily meet the needs of different users; and the flexibility of the group control system, where the same group control system can automatically and dynamically adjust material and information flows according to the requirements of different production processes, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the group control system.
(3) Process integration and multi-axis.
Composite machining, primarily aimed at reducing processes and auxiliary time, is developing towards multi-axis and multi-series control functions. The process integration of CNC machine tools refers to the process of completing multiple processes and multi-surface composite machining of a workpiece after it has been clamped once on a single machine tool, through various measures such as automatic tool changing, rotating the spindle head or rotary table, etc.
(4) Real-time intelligence.
Early real-time systems were typically designed for relatively simple, ideal environments, focusing on task scheduling to ensure completion within specified timeframes. Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, attempts to replicate various intelligent human behaviors using computational models. Today, with advancements in science and technology, real-time systems and artificial intelligence have merged. Artificial intelligence is moving towards more realistic applications with real-time responses, while real-time systems are evolving towards more complex applications with intelligent behaviors. This has given rise to the new field of real-time intelligent control.
2.2 Functional Development Direction (1) Graphical User Interface.
The user interface (UI) is the dialogue interface between the CNC system and the user. Because different users have different requirements for the interface, developing a UI is extremely labor-intensive, making it one of the most challenging parts of computer software development. Current technologies such as the Internet, virtual reality, scientific computing visualization, and multimedia also place higher demands on UIs. Graphical UIs greatly facilitate use by non-professional users. Users can operate through windows and menus, enabling blueprint programming and rapid programming, 3D color dynamic graphics display, graphic simulation, dynamic graphic tracking and simulation, and the implementation of different view orientations and partial display scaling functions.
(2) Visualization of scientific computing.
Scientific computing visualization can be used to efficiently process and interpret data, enabling information exchange to move beyond textual and verbal expressions and directly utilize visual information such as graphics, images, and animations. The combination of visualization technology and virtual environment technology further expands application areas, such as drawing-free design and virtual prototyping, which is significant for shortening product design cycles, improving product quality, and reducing product costs. In the field of CNC technology, visualization technology can be used in CAD/CAM, such as automatic programming design, automatic parameter setting, tool compensation and dynamic processing and display of tool management data, as well as visual simulation demonstrations of the machining process.
(3) The interpolation and compensation methods are diversified.
Multiple interpolation methods are supported, including linear interpolation, circular interpolation, cylindrical interpolation, spatial elliptic surface interpolation, thread interpolation, polar coordinate interpolation, 2D+2 helical interpolation, NANO interpolation, NURBS interpolation (non-uniform rational B-spline interpolation), and polynomial interpolation. Multiple compensation functions are also included, such as backlash compensation, perpendicularity compensation, quadrant error compensation, pitch and measurement system error compensation, speed-related feedforward compensation, temperature compensation, tool radius compensation with smooth approach and exit, and reverse point calculation.
(4) Built-in high-performance PLC.
The CNC system is equipped with a high-performance PLC control module, which can be directly programmed using trapezoidal logic or high-level languages. It has intuitive online debugging and online help functions. The programming tool includes standard PLC user program implementations for lathes and milling machines. Users can edit and modify the standard PLC user programs to easily create their own applications.
(5) Application of multimedia technology.
Multimedia technology integrates computer, audio-visual, and communication technologies, enabling computers to comprehensively process sound, text, images, and video information. In the field of CNC technology, the application of multimedia technology allows for integrated and intelligent information processing, and has significant application value in real-time monitoring systems, fault diagnosis of production equipment, and monitoring of production process parameters.
2.3 Development of system architecture (1) Integration.
Employing highly integrated CPUs, RISC chips, and large-scale programmable integrated circuits (FPGAs, EPLDs, CPLDs), as well as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), can improve the integration level and hardware/software operating speed of CNC systems. Applying LED flat panel display technology can enhance display performance. Flat panel displays offer advantages such as high technological content, light weight, small size, low power consumption, and portability. They can achieve ultra-large display sizes. Advanced packaging and interconnect technologies integrate semiconductor and surface mount technologies. By increasing integrated circuit density and reducing interconnect length and quantity, product prices are reduced, performance is improved, component size is reduced, and system reliability is enhanced.
(2) Modular hardware modularization makes it easy to integrate and standardize CNC systems. Based on different functional requirements, basic modules, such as CPU, memory, position servo, PLC, input/output interface, communication, etc., can be made into standard series products. Functional trimming and the number of modules can be increased or decreased in a building block manner to form CNC systems of different grades.
(3) Networked machine tools can be remotely controlled and operated without human intervention. With a network connection, other machine tools can be programmed, set, operated, and run from any machine tool. The screens of different machine tools can be displayed simultaneously on the screens of each machine tool.
3. Intelligent New Generation PCNC Numerical Control System The development and research of intelligent new generation PCNC numerical control systems with closed-loop control architecture adapted to complex manufacturing processes has become possible. The intelligent new generation PCNC numerical control system integrates computer intelligence technology, network technology, CAD/CAM, servo control, adaptive control, dynamic data management, dynamic tool compensation, dynamic simulation and other high-tech technologies to form a rigorous closed-loop control system for the manufacturing process.
