A Digitally Controlled Drill Press

The diagram below shows a digital control system for a drill press that includes: the input, digital processor, drill-positioning mechanisms, and sampled-data position control system.

The process is controlled as follows:

• The processor receives the input data and determines the sequence of operations while storing both the sequence and the hole positions in the memory.
• The sampled-data system helps in positioning the drill at the first hole location.
• If the actual drill position agrees with the desired location stored in the memory, the processor sends a signal, thereby causing the drill process to begin.
• At the end of the first drilling operation, the process is continued until all the needed holes are drilled.

Related: What is Motion Control?