A high performance embedded machine tool controller

A Diamond Turning Machine (DTM) can fabricate components with extremely high precision and high quality surface finish characteristics. Existing commercial controllers are limited in their ability to support high performance machining and related advanced control algorithms. Evolving enhancements to the functional capability and control algorithms of a DTM require increased performance and flexibility from the computer system controlling it. To provide this capability the Precision Engineering Center at North Carolina State University has developed and implemented a high performance control system for such a machine tool The control system is based on a heterogeneous hierarchical multiprocessor computer architecture. This provides the capacity to apply advanced control concepts to the DTM, resulting in improved precision and quality of machined parts. Additionally, the ability to machine nonrotationally symmetric components has been made possible by application of multiprocessor capability.