The main function of the CNC machine is related to the automatic and precise movement control of its elements such as the work table, spindle, etc. In order to be able to perform these motion controls using all kinds of CNC machines, we need CNC machine drives. In this article, Farsad Machine would like to introduce you to the types of CNC machine drives and describe the functions of each one
What is a CNC machine drive?
The control unit in CNC machines is known as the most important part in these devices, which sends various signals to activate the drive motors and can cause the spindle to rotate or the tools to be in a special position. The CNC machine driver is a part of this control system that can determine how to manage different tools and parts. For more information on this, you can read the article What is a CNC controller? These drives can be placed in the following categories:
Electric drives
The electrical driver of the CNC machine works by using two direct or alternating currents and is therefore classified into AC and DC categories. These drives are small in size and easy to handle.Hydraulic drives
Another type of CNC machine drive is known as hydraulic, which has a large power ratio and can provide very precise movement. However, these types of drives are difficult to maintain and take up a lot of space. The basis of CNC hydraulic drives is the use of petroleum-based oils, which can be a fire hazard at high temperatures, and these drives require special practices to protect against corrosion. In this case, you can read the article on the principles of CNC machine maintenance.
Pneumatic drives
Other types of CNC machine drives include pneumatic drives that use air as a power supply and are completely fireproof.These types of drives have a very simple structure and their prices are reasonable; However, they produce little power, have less positioning accuracy and are noisy.
Types of CNC machine drives
In most CNC machines, AC and DC electric drives, servos or step motors are usually used, which are classified as follows:
Spindle drives to provide the main power in the cutting action
Feed drives to drive axes
Spindle drives
The spindle drive is used to provide angular motion to the workpiece with the cutting tool. This type of CNC machine drive is generally used to maintain speed accurately in a power band, which makes it possible to machine a variety of materials with different hardness. The speed range of these drives can be adjusted from 10,000 to 20,000 rpm, and there is a need for high overload capacity in them.Most older CNC machines use DC spindle drives; But today, due to the use of AC frequency converters, this type of CNC machine drives have been developed.
Feed drive
Another type of CNC machine drive, which is used to move the axes or work table, is called feed drive. The ideal working conditions for this drive are as follows:
The feed motor must operate with constant torque characteristics to overcome friction and working forces.
The speed of the drive should be very variable with a speed limit of 1 to 20 thousand rpm.
The feeding motor must work smoothly.
The drive must have good positioning resolution.
Other working requirements of the CNC machine feed drive are determined by considering the ratio of the cutter to the weight of the part, the inertia of the rotor and the number of feed drives.final word
CNC machine drive types are one of the most important parts in the control system of these machines, which regulate the way the spindle moves and its speed, the movement of the axes and the work piece. In this article, we answered the question of machine wear and tear, what is a CNC machine driver and examined its types
