My name is Seán Glen and I repair machine tools for Boeing. I work on CNC and conventional machine tools. I plan on starting or contributing to articles on machine tools. I realize that this is not a "how to" forum but there needs to be some background information on a technolgy that affects nearly every manufactured item in the world.
Machine Tool Concepts
- What is and what is not a machine tool?
- What is an axis? Why are axes perpendicular to each other?
- Rigidity
- Accuracy vs Tolerance
- Repeatability
- Feedback loops and nested feedback loops
- rotating motion and force vs linear motion and force
Component parts
- Bed
- Ways
- Leadscrew, acme, smooth and recirculating ball
- CNC (computer numerical controller)
- PLC (programmable logic controller)
- Servo drives, spindle drives, variable speed electric motors (rotating and linear) stepper motors, indexers
- Inputs, switches, sensors, logical inputs
- Outputs, indicators, relays, motor contactors, logical outputs
- Communication
Seán 04:55, 8 March 2006 (UTC)