JM201 MECHATRONIC WORKSHOP PRACTICE 2

ASSIGNMENT 1 : INDIVIDUAL
GROUP : DEM 2
1. What is the definition of CNC?

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is one in which the functions and motions of a
machine tool are controlled by means of a prepared program containing coded
alphanumeric data. CNC can control the motions of the workpiece or tool, the input
parameters such as feed, depth of cut, speed, and the functions such as turning
spindle on/off, turning coolant on/off.
2. State 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of using CNC in manufacturing
process?
Advantages
Using CNC machines effectively reduces the amount of time take to produce

furniture items.
CNC machines are not all that difficult to use once you learn how.
When programmed correctly, CNC machines are usually 100% correct with what
they produce.
Disadvantages

CNC machinery costs quite a lot more than conventional machinery.

When the operators had alignment the tools wrongly, the production of the product

wil be fully error.

Potential for Costly Error

3. What is EDM? Explain 2 types of EDM process and its working principle. Use
diagram to support your answer.

EDM Process
EDM spark erosion is the same as having an electrical short that burns a small hole in a
piece of metal it contacts. With the EDM process both the workpiece material and the
electrode material must be conductors of electricity.

The EDM process can be used in two different ways:

A preshaped or formed electrode (tool),usually made from graphite or copper, is
shaped to the form of the cavity it is to reproduce. The formed electrode is fed
vertically down and the reverse shape of the electrode is eroded (burned) into the
solid workpiece.
A continuous-travelling vertical-wire electrode, the diameter of a small needle or less,
is controlled by the computer to follow a programmed path to erode or cut a narrow
slot through the workpiece to produce the required shape.
Wire EDM Dielectric Fluids
The dielectric fluid must be circulated under constant pressure to flush (wash) away the
metal particles and assist in the machining or erosion process. If red sparks occur
during the cutting operation, the water supply is inadequate. To overcome this problem,
increase the flow of water until blue sparks appear.
Wire-Cut EDM
The wire-cut EDM is a discharge machine that uses CNC movement to produce the
desired contour or shape. It does not require a special shaped electrode, instead it uses
a continuous-traveling vertical wire under tension as the electrode. The electrode in
wire-cut EDM is about as thick as a small diameter needle whose path is controlled by
the machine computer to produce the shape required.

Principles of EDM
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a controlled metal-removal process that is
used to remove metal by means of electric spark erosion. In this process an electric
spark is used as the cutting tool to cut (erode) the workpiece to produce the finished
part to the desired shape. The metal-removal process is performed by applying a
pulsating (ON/OFF) electrical charge of high-frequency current through the electrode to
the workpiece. This removes (erodes) very tiny pieces of metal from the workpiece at a
controlled rate.

4. State 4 advantages and 4 disadvantages of EDM machine.

ADVANTAGES
Complex shapes that would otherwise be difficult to produce with conventional
cutting tools
Extremely hard material to very close tolerances
A good surface finish can be obtained.
Very fine holes can be easily drilled.
DISADVANTAGES
The slow rate of material removal.
Power consumption is high.
Excessive tool wear occurs during machining.
Electrically non-conductive materials can be machined only with specific set-up of
the process.
5. Explain why manufacturing process of EDM and CNC use G and M code for
the programming.
Helps telling the machine tool what type of action to perform, such as rapid move,
controlled feed move in a straight line or arc, and series of controlled feed moves that
would result in a hole being bored using the G code.
Helps to control the overall machine, causing it to stop, start, turn on coolant using
the M code.
Easily to the computer to read the instruction for conduct the machine.
Help in preventing any injuries occur in manufacture during the machine working by
give an instructions on that machine through codes.

 This G and M code can helps the machine to produce an actual size of product
without any errors.
The code can help preventing from any error occur by simulation it in CAD CAM

software.