Design And Implementation Of LinuxCNC-based Multi-axis Control System

CNC(Computerized numerical control, referred to as CNC) system is a computer-based system for industrial control. There are vary kinds of systems available in the market and these systems differ in their structures’ composition. Most CNC system usually implements its motion control functions in the motion control card or the NC hardware device. Motion control card based structure enables userspace interface’s openness and customization, can fully guarantee the control system’s performance. The disadvantage is that the performance of the motion control system is completely determined by the motion control card, and motion control functions remain elusive.This paper presents the design and implementation of a Linux CNC based multi-axis control system. It is designed to ensure a certain precision, while at a lower cost. In this paper, multi-axis control system consists of a control section(Linux CNC) and the target devices(feed axis motor and spindle motor, etc.). Linux CNC, a Linux-based Open Architecture Controller, implements its motion control functions such as trajectory planning, direct and inverse kinematic calculations totally in the computer instead of the motion control card. Duel to the OAC system’s characteristics, the Linux CNC-based control system are more flexible and easy for hardware devices to be integrated compared to traditional CNC systems.This paper’s main contents include matching of Linux CNC and hardware devices, multi-axis control system setting up and control system’ test verification. The test verification include the control system feed axis control part’s functional verification, the spindle control part’s functional verification, the auxiliary equipment’s(handwheel) functional verification and the control system’s running test. This multi-axis control system can be used to study the machine tool design, process monitoring and control algorithm analysis. It has important research and application value.