Q. Explain Machine-tool process to drill or punch holes?

Figure depicts an elementary system, including the input, digital processor, drill-positioning mechanism, and sampled-data position-control system. The process is controlled as follows:

1. The processor receives the input data and determines the sequence of operations, while storing both the sequence and the hole positions in its memory.

2. The sampled-data system helps in positioning the drill at the first hole location.

3. If the actual drill position agrees with the desired location stored in the memory, the processor sends a signal, thereby causing the drilling process to begin.

4. At the end of the first drilling operation, the process is continued until all the required holes are drilled.

To the basic system illustrated in Figure, additional controls such as speed control (to accommodate different kinds of materials to be drilled) and timing control (to control the time duration of the drilling process) can be added rather easily.