Department of Mechanical Engineering,

University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Jalozai Campus

Course Code and Name:

Date:
Production Automation (ME-402L)

Lab No: 01 Course Instructor: Engr. Saqib Khan

Name of Student: Semester: 7th

Registration No: Department: Mechanical Engineering

Lab Title Introduction to CNC Boxford machine and its conversion between lathe and mill modes.

1. To study and learn about the CNC Boxford machine and its different parts
Objectives 2. To learn about the conversion of CNC Boxford machine between lathe and mill modes

Introduction A CNC Box-Ford machine is a system combining multiple tools (including drills, lathes, and
milling tools), which are built into cells from which the machine can select and use them. It is
designed to manufacture three-dimensional parts. The simplest machines move in one or two axes.
On the other hand, more advanced systems feature X- and Y-axis motion and can move
longitudinally in the Z-axis. Many are capable of rotational motion and even flipping parts
automatically so material can be cut on all sides with no manual intervention.
It can also be operated by manual code.

Theoretical A modern mainstay of manufacturing and production, computer numerical control, or CNC, goes
Background back to the 1940s when the first Numerical Control, or NC, machines emerged. However, turning
machines appeared before then. In fact, a machine used to replace handcrafted techniques and
increase precision was invented in 1751.

Early CNC machines in the 1940s and 1950s used punched tape, which was then commonly used
in telecommunications and data storage. This technology was replaced by analog computing
technologies. From the 1960s into the 1970s, digital technologies emerged, making the production
process automated and more efficient.

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The machining techniques that led to CNC manufacturing marked the start of industrialization.
Today’s definition of CNC machining is more specific. It involves entering 3D files into a computer,
which runs a program that controls the motion of tools within a machining center. The process is
fully automated, from the axis and speed of rotation of cutting tools to achieving the desired
dimension of part.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC):

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process in which pre-
programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. The process
can be used to control a range of complex machinery, from grinders and lathes to mills and CNC
routers. With CNC machining, three-dimensional cutting tasks can be accomplished in a single set
of prompts. The limitations of manual control, where live operators are needed to prompt and guide
the commands of machining tools via levers, buttons and wheels. To the onlooker, a CNC system
might resemble a regular set of computer components, but the software programs and consoles
employed in CNC machining distinguish it from all other forms of computation.

Boxford machine:
A CNC Box-Ford machine is a system combining multiple tools (including drills, lathes, and milling
tools), which are built into cells from which the machine can select and use them. It is designed to
manufacture three-dimensional parts. The simplest machines move in one or two axes. On the other
hand, more advanced systems feature X- and Y-axis motion and can move longitudinally in the Z-
axis. Many are capable of rotational motion and even flipping parts automatically so material can
be cut on all sides with no manual intervention. It can also be operated by manual code.

Fig. Actual CNC Boxford Machine

Control Panel:
There are different types f buttons used to control the machine these are

Feed hold: It acts as an interrupt control to the program and also prevent any further tool movement
until it cancelled.

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Single block: It is an automatic mode, controlled from pc when machine is running. This allow the
operation of only a single line of the program at a time.

Cycle start: It sets the automatic model and start the machine from the pc program.
Feed speed control: It controls the tool feed speed in X, Y and Z axes from 0 to 100% with 10%
increment.
Jog axes control: There are five buttons which control manual movement of the table in X and Z
axes. These buttons provide rapid movement in the indicated direction
Man: This button is used for manual mode. When the light is on machine is operated by control
panel and when we press MAN the light turns off and machine is operated by computer.
Coolant: This is used for controlling machine’s inner temperature.
Power ON/ Reset: Power ON is used for machine start and reset is used for any trip out
Turret index: This used for turret tool holder into the next position.
Spindle control: Spindle forward, spindle reverse, spindle stop
Emergency stop: This button is used for emergency purpose
Main Parts:
Machine Bed: The bed of a CNC Lathe or CNC Turning Centre forms the main base for the whole
machine. It is where the different components of the machine are mounted on.
Main Spindle: Often known as the heart of a machine tool, the main spindle consists of a spindle
assembly and the spindle drive system. These are some of the moving parts of the CNC machine
tool, and they include motors, gears, and the chuck.
Sub-Spindle: Separate from the main spindle as an option, the sub-spindle works in sync with the
main spindle to complete the first and second cutting operation in a CNC lathe. This improves
efficiency and throughput per cycle. When named as a second spindle. The mechanism has the same
capacity and power as the main spindle.
Chuck: A chuck is a vice-like structure that grips the work-piece to be machined. It is attached to
the main spindle that rotates both the chuck and the work-piece.
Guide Way: The guide way enables the tool to move horizontally and vertically to achieve a smooth
cutting process. To ensure durability, rigidity and the highest accuracy are needed for this structure.
Head-Stock: Comprising the main motor, the headstock holds the main spindle where the chuck is
mounted on. To ensure high performance, you need to consider if your machine tool’s headstock
can handle high torque at low speed. This is an important consideration for tough materials.
Tail-Stock: Tailstock is used to provide an extra support force on the other end of the component.
This is necessary when machining long and extra-long work pieces.
Tool Turret: The turret provides the possibility to change the cutting tools required for machining.
Hence it is mounted on the tool turret. The size of the turret is determined by the number and size
of tools that will be mounted on it.

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 Fig. Schematic Diagram of CNC Boxford Machine

Conversion between Lathe and Mill modes:

Mill mode: In mill mode operation the work piece is in tool post and tool is in spindle and work
piece can be rotated in all directions i.e. X, Y and Z.
Lathe mode: In lathe mode operation tool is in tool post and work piece is in the spindle and there
are 8 positions for tool 4 are for periphery and 4 for axially. In lathe mode the tool post can be
moved in only X and Z axes

Results and
Conclusions

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