"Real-Time, CNC Machine Tool Control with Linux: A Senior Design Project at MUSE"

As machine tools age and their existing controllers fail, the machine tools must be either modernized or scrapped.This paper details the infusion of new technology and the resulting extended useful life of a computer numerical controlled (CNC) tabletop lathe.This work was undertaken as a senior design project by a group of senior engineers at Mercer University School of Engineering (MUSE).Key to the success of the project was the ability to have a low cost, high performance real-time controller that was compatible with the existing electrical components of the lathe.The CNC lathe was more that 15 years old with no available replacement parts from the original vendor.The Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Project software 1 installed on a personal computer running a Linux Operating System 2 was the basis of the new controller design.The student authors were able to deliver a completely functional table top CNC lathe along with a user manual to address operation and use of the EMC software in depth.Artifacts were created using G-codes from existing models.Details of the project and the successful conclusion are presented and discussed.