Trends and new development in NC:
Computer Assisted Programming, Interactive Programming, Voice Programming, Increasing Use of Computer Technology, Dramatic Increase in efficiency.
Use of new methods to feed programs and gradual replacement of punched tape.
Use of In –Process Inspection Probes: They are sophisticated dial indicators that can be mounted in machine tool with work piece. Sensor signals are transmitted inductively to machine tool avoiding need for supplementary direct wiring between the inspection probe and NC computer control unit. Time saving and improved accuracy are principal benefits.
Advanced NC System: Computer Geometric Modeling has outdated APT geometry concepts. Advanced NC systems attempt to make use of latest CAD/CAM geometry concepts. 'Bounded Geometry' method is used to define part structure. Surface and edges are used to describe geometry rather than lines, planes and circles.
Interface with CAD/CAM database: NC system can be interfaced with common design and manufacturing database. Database contains data relating to part geometry (raw stock and finished part dimensions) , fixtures, machine tools, available tooling and cost data. Also NC programming function can be interfaced with more general computer automated process planning packages.
Flexible Manufacturing System: One of the important developments in DNC was introduction of flexible manufacturing system (FMS). FMS consists of group of NC machines (automated workstations) that are interconnected by materials handling system. Computer controls all machines and work handling systems. Flexible Manufacturing System was first introduced around 1970. Owing to high cost, FMS could not find wide industrial application. Later on for increasing productivity and efficiency many manufacturing firms started installing FMS. The FMS represents an important step in the evolution of computer-automated factory of future.
Robotics: Industrial robots share much in common with numerical control machines. Robots are used for moving work parts and tools in performance of industrial tasks. Important number of these tasks are concerned with loading and unloading of production machines. Robot and machine form an automatic work cell with raw work parts being fed into cell by conveyor. All this is achieved with little or no human attention