The present invention demonstrates an improved CNC
Control system, which integrates operator-induced changes into the pre-programmed CNC
machining process. The improved CNC
Control system develops a Human Activity Storage Program (HASP), which is used for subsequent production in conjunction with and simultaneously with the
Numerical Control Program thereby enhancing the production process by integrating the skilled machinist's input into the production process. The
numerical control program of a CNC
machine is interfaced with an IBM compatible
personal computer (PC) to make information relative to the
block number, feed-rate and / or spindle speed over-ride values available at the
personal computer. If the CNC Control has been re-configured properly (with regard to the ladder interface and
operating system) a PC computer is not required. During the
machining of a part the
machine operator will manually over-ride the feed-rate and / or the spindle speed to optimize
machining performance. Through the use of
VISUAL BASIC OR C++
programming modules and routines, the spindle speed and feed-rate controls (located at the CNC Control) are polled at frequent or 5OO ms intervals. The status or over-ridden values of these controls are correlated to the active
block number in use during each polled sequence and this information is written to an "event file". After the subject part has been completed, one of two options can be used. An "edit phase" is initiated which utilizes the information in the "event file" to reconstruct the MCD file. After the edit phase is complete, the
resultant output "Optimized MCD" can be used to produce like parts with confidence that all motion is running at peak performance and all programmed trajectories are maintained. The cycle can be repeated again (if desired) to ensure even greater efficiency while
cutting. In the alternative, the event file can be employed to "command" the CNC Control with respect to feed-rate and / or spindle speed over-ride settings.