Multifunction Numerical Control Solution for Hybrid Mechanic and Laser Machine Tool

Hybrid and also multitasking machine tools are equipped with a multifunction NC system. The popularity of multitasking machines is growing because of the decrease of the necessity to use manufacturing equipment and the reduction of the workpiece refixturing during processing. Hybrid machines provide a more efficient and productive manner of processing with the help of simultaneous and controlled interaction processes by the mechanisms and (or) energy sources. Equipment, which combines machining of parts and laser hardening of their surfaces, is becoming increasingly popular among machine builders as well as it replaces effectively a number of finishing operations to ensure the quality of surface. But the implementation of the hybrid solution is restricted not only from the HMI part, but mostly from the architecture of the control system. The control system laser treatment has its own specifics, so it should be integrated into the overall structure of machine tool as a standalone module. А solution for mechanical cutting and laser treatment on the basis of external interpolation module is implemented in such a way that according to the target solution can be performed simultaneously or separately. On completion of machining the part program switches on a laser for laser hardening. The control system turns off the built-in interpolator and forwards the data to the external interpolation module, the switching procedure is completely transparent to the operator. The paper illustrates the concept and design aspects of the CNC system architecture.