Fault Analysis and Troubleshooting of CNC System
Introduction
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) system is a special type of controlling system used to control machine tools. The CNC system is composed of an electrical system, a control system, a mechanical system and a drive system. The electrical system of CNC machines is primarily responsible for the basic functions of a CNC machine, such as control of the feedrates and spindle speed, as well as providing input signals to the control system. The control system is responsible for executing the programmed instructions and sending control signals back to the motor drive and other components in the mechanical system. The rear part of the CNC mchine is called the drive system, which is responsible for providing power to the CNC machine.
In spite of its many benefits, the CNC system can sometimes experience faults. These faults can either be hardware related, software related, or operator related. Hardware related faults are the most common, and often result from wear and tear, aging of components, contamination, or environmental factors. Software related faults are more difficult to diagnose, as the software can be highly complex and may not present an obvious symptoms when a fault is present. Operator related faults cause the operators to make errors in setting up the CNC system, or to incorrect operation. These faults can be prevented by proper training and instruction.
Regardless of the cause of the fault, it is essential to correctly diagnosis and correctly troubleshoot the fault in order to restore normal operation. This paper first provides an overview of the different types of faults a CNC system may face. Then it discusses the various steps to troubleshoot the fault and discusses the various tools used in fault diagnosis.
Types of Faults
CNC system can experience various types of faults. Some of the common faults are listed below.
Hardware Faults: Hardware related faults can be caused by worn or aging components, contamination due to contaminants in the air or nearby machine, or environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, high humidity or dust. These types of faults are the most easily detected and can be the most expensive to repair.
Software Faults: Software related faults are not as easily detected as hardware faults. The software used in the CNC system is usually more difficult to debug, as the coding can be of
