Application of PLC and AC Servo in NC Drilling and Milling Machines
Introduction
In the control system of the NC drilling and milling machine, various components such as the numerical control unit, programmable logic controller (PLC), and alternating current (AC) servo are closely integrated. As the core equipment in the production process, the NC drilling and milling machine has been widely used in industrial automation systems. In this paper, the application of PLC and AC servo in the NC drilling and milling machine will be discussed.
Application of PLC in the NC Drilling and Milling Machine
The PLC is abbreviated from the term Programmable Logic Controller and is a kind of digital control system used to control industrial automation systems. The PLC is mainly composed of a control unit, equipment, a power system and an input/output system. Nowadays, PLC has been widely used in controlling the NC drilling and milling machine as it can translate the instruction or command given by the numerical control unit into a programmable sequence order.
In the NC drilling and milling machine, the PLC can be used to monitor the condition of the machine, control the operations of the machine, and maintain the operations status data to prevent errors by checking with the readings obtained from the numerical control unit (NCU). Furthermore, the PLC is also responsible for safety alarms and maintenance instructions. For instance, when an emergency situation occurs that could damage the machine, the PLC can automatically send out a warning signal to alert the operator. As such, the PLC is critical in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the NC drilling and milling machine.
Application of AC Servo in the NC Drilling and Milling Machine
The AC servo system is composed of three major parts which are the control unit, the motor and the gearbox. The AC servo control system can be used to control the motion of the NC drilling and milling machine by adjusting the speed, positioning and acceleration in the mechanical axis. The AC servo system receives the commands from the numerical control unit and then translates the command into motion based on the parameters of the machine. Moreover, the AC servo system also helps enhancing the accuracy and stability of the NC drilling and milling machine.
In the drilling and milling machine, the AC servo system can control the acceleration, deceleration and speed of the tool bit, thus ensuring precision in machining operation. Additionally, the AC servo motor is also capable of providing precise control of tool bit speed and position depending on the programming of the numerical control unit. By precisely controlling the speed and movement of tool bit, operators can ensure smoother movements of the machine and control the accuracy of the machining process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PLC and AC servo have been widely used in the control system of the NC drilling and milling machine. The PLC can be used to monitor the machine condition and provide safety warnings in an emergency while the AC servo system helps optimizing the accuracy and stability of the machining process. As such, the effective integration of PLC and AC servo into the NC drilling and milling machine can contribute in providing a more efficient and safer machining operation.
