A Scheme on Internet-based Checking for Variant CNC Machines in Machine Shop

This paper proposes Internet-based checking technique for machine-tools with variant CNC (Computerized Numerical Controller). According to the architecture of CNC, CNC is classified into two types such as CAC (Closed Architecture Controller) which is conventional CNC, and OAC (Open Architecture Controller) which is a recently introduced PC-based controller. CAC has a closed architecture and it is dependent on CNC vender specification. Because of this, it has been very difficult for users to implement an application programs in CNC domain. Therefore, an additionally special module is required for Internet-based application such as remote checking. In this case, web I/O embedded module can be efficiently applied for Internet-based checking. The module is directly attached to TCP/IP network for communication. In order to obtain the monitoring data of CNC machines, the I/O signals of the module are assigned to PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) input and output (I/O) signals within CNC domain. On the other hand, OAC has a PC-based open architecture and an additional module is not necessary for the connection with external site. Because of this, a simple DAU is just used for signal sensing and data acquisition without additional communication modules. For Internet-based remote checking of machine-tools with OAC, a user-defined daemon and application programs are implemented as the form of internal function within the PC-based controller. Internet communication is performed between the daemon program in CNC domain and web script programs in external server. Checking points defined in this research are classified into two categories such as structured point and operational point. The formal includes the vibration of bearing, temperature of spindle unit and another periodical management. And the latter includes oil checking, clamp locking/unlocking and machining on/off status.