Design Of Embedded Numerical Controller For Mini-cutter

As one of the most common automatic devices in shipyard and other machine manufacturing companies, automatic cutter keeps increasing in demand in the last few years. But the development of low cost mini numerical control cutter is dropped long behind that of large size machines in numerical manufacturing field for some historical reasons. So the research and development on numerical controller for mini cutter is one of the most significative applications lately.Based on MCU and DSP, the article developed a numerical controller for mini cutter which performs well on movement control and covers most of the main functions of PC based controllers.The following work has been done during the development:1. The controller’s hardware has been developed based on MCU and DSP, which is about 1/5 to 1/10 the price of PC based controller, and has met the low cost and small room occupation requirements of mini cutter.2. To reduce the difficulties of on-machine programming and manipulation of traditional mini numerical controller, the controller is developed with interface to read code from USB devices and with a visual aid pattern tracing tool.3. A high effective incremental interpolation algorithm has been introduced to stepping motor system to accelerate machine’s cut speed and keep interpolation error within one pulse equivalent during the operation of the cutter.4. A G-code resolution program has been developed to optimize command storage structure to improve interpolation efficiency and realize interrupted process’s restoration, back car function and start line selection function.The prototype of the introduced controller has been developed and tested in cutter manufacturing plants which has improved that the controller has good precision, high stability and a man-oriented interface. It has provided a good technical solution to improve manufacturing efficiency as well as products’quality.