World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 42 2008
Design of Hydraulic Circuit for CNC Lathe
Machine Converted from Conventional Lathe
Machine
Zin Ei Ei Win, Than Naing Win, Jr., and Seine Lei Winn
Abstract—Nowadays, products can be produced by modern
technology, which uses computer software, hardware and firm ware
in industries. It is needed to use CNC lathe machine to get more
accurate dimensions and irregular shape. So, CNC machines are
becoming more and more important in modernized industrialization.
There are many conventional lathe machines in our country,
Myanmar. To build a new modern developed country, it is required
to convert these conventional lathe machines into semi automatic
control lathe machine. Developing and changing into semi automatic
control lathe machine, there are three required portions, namely,
mechanical, electronics and mechatronics. From the mechanical point
of view, the design of hydraulic circuit is dramatically needed. The
functions of hydraulic circuits for semi automatic control lathe are
analyzed in this paper. These consist of changing the tool, working
the machining processes and locating the tool in turret. In this
research paper, the hydraulic circuit design which can be changed
four kinds of tools by using hydraulic motor is made and also
constructed. The hydraulic circuit comprises vane pump, hydraulic
motor, and two directional control valves for changing the tool; 4/3-
way valve and 4/2-way valve. The transfer function of each
component is derived and the whole system is analyzed in this thesis.
Keywords—Accurate, changing, circuit and vane pump.
I. INTRODUCTION
A lathe is a machine tool for producing cylindrical, conical
and flat surfaces. It can be used for drilling and boring
holes which may be cylindrical or conical in shape. The basic
engine lathe, one of the most widely used machine tools is very
versatile when used by a skilled machinist. However, it is not
particularly efficient when many identical parts must be
machined as rapidly as possible. Numerical control is based on
the use of numerical data for directly controlling the position
of the operative units of a machine tool in machine operation.
Today, a more popular adaptation of the basic process of NC
is called Computer Numerical Control or CNC. Computer
Zin Ei Ei Win is with Mechanical Engineering Department, Mandalay
Technological University (corresponding author to provide phone: 095-09-
513-7242; fax: 095-067-404015; e-mail: zineieiwin@ gmail.com).
Than Naing Win, Jr., is with Mechanical Engineering Department,
Mandalay Technological University (corresponding author to provide phone:
095-09-215-0122; fax: 095-067-404015; e-mail: kaunghtet57@ gmail.com).
Seine Lei Win is with Mechanical Engineering Department, Mandalay
Technological University (corresponding author to provide phone: 095-09-
513-7242; fax: 095-067-404015; e-mail: seinelei1@ gmail.com).
401
numerical control is the process of manufacturing machined
parts using a computerized controller to command motors
which drive each machine axis.
In no field of engineering development has progress been so
rapid in that of hydraulic operation. Therefore, hydraulic
devices and control systems have become more and more
important due to automation and mechanization. Similarly, in
changing the tool in CNC lathe machine, hydraulic is used to
control the manufacturing processing of this machine.
In controlling processing, there are two types of control
system on NC/CNC machines viz. open loop and closed loop.
The overall accuracy of the machine is determined by the type
of control loop used. The opened loop control system does not
provide positioning feedback to the control unit. The
movement pulses are sent out by the control unit and are
received by a special type of servomotor command. Since this
control system only counts pulses and cannot identify
discrepancies in positioning, the control has no way of
knowing whether the tool has reached the proper location or
not. The machine will continue this inaccuracy until somebody
finds the error. The opened loop control can be used in
application in which there is no change in load conditions,
such as the NC drilling machine. The advantage of the open
loop control system is that it is less expensive, since it does
require the additional hardware and electronics needed for
positioning feedback. The disadvantage is the difficulty of
detecting a positioning error. In the closed loop control
system, the electronic movement pulses are sent from the
control to the servomotor, enabling the motor with each pulse.
The pulses are detected and counted by a feedback device
called a transducer. With each step of movement, a transducer
sends a signal back to the control, which compares the current
position of the driven axis with the programmed position.
When the number of pulses sent and received match, the
control starts sending out pulses for the next movement.
Closed loop systems are very accurate. Most have an
automatic compensation for error, since the feedback device
indicates the error and the control makes the necessary
adjustments to bring the slide back to its position. They use
AC, DC or hydraulic servomotors. These various motors are
mounted by hydraulic circuits or system. The term ‘hydraulic
circuit’ is a group of components such as pumps, actuators,
control valves, accumulators, restrictors, and pipelines.
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 42 2008
II. AIM AND OBJECTIVE
The main ambition of this research is to design hydraulic
circuit for CNC lathe machine which is more useful than
conventional lathe machine. This circuit makes the machine
faster, more safety and reliable. The objective of this thesis is
to analyze the working principle of components in the
hydraulic circuit and to design the hydraulic control system in
CNC lathe machine.
III. SCOPE OF THESIS
To design the hydraulic circuit for CNC lathe machine, the
relative components and the working principle of components
in this machine should firstly be analyzed.
After studying the technologies of components, the basic
concept of hydraulic circuit is analyzed for certain and the
whole hydraulic circuit is designed. And then the transfer
functions of hydraulic circuit are derived for providing
MATLAB program.
IV. ESSSENTIAL FACTORS IN DESIGNING HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT
There are three important consideration when designing
hydraulic circuit and analyzing. They are as follows:
(i) Safety of desired function
(ii) Performance of desired function
(iii) Efficiency of operation
V. DESIGN CONSIDERATION OF HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT
At present day, it is required to convert conventional lathe
machines that are most widely used in many industrial zones in
Myanmar, into semi automatic control lathe machines.
Developing and changing into semi automatic control lathe
machine, there are three necessary portions, namely,
mechanical, mechatronics, and electronics. From the
mechanical point of view, it is absolutely needed to design the
hydraulic circuit for semi automatic control lathe machines.
Fig. 1 Conventional Lathe Machine
402
Basically, there are two types of pump; dynamic and
positive displacement pumps. We choose the type of positive
for it can change in the small internal leakage that makes the
output flow constant. And, positive displace pumps are divided
into three types, namely, gear, vane and piston pumps.
However, the gear pump is one type of the fixed
displacement pumps. Moreover, although the piston pump can
be designed both fixed and variable displacement design, it is
more accurate for getting the reversible flow through the
pump.
Therefore, the vane type pump is chosen. On the other hand,
it doesn’t need reversible flow and only needs variable type for
CNC lathe machine converted from conventional lathe.
However, there are two types in vane pump; unbalance and
balance. We choose the unbalance type because a balance
vane pump can’t be designed as a variable displacement unit.
After all, an unbalance vane pump is chosen for hydraulic
circuit in CNC lathe machine.
VI. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
Fig. 2 Hydraulic Circuit in CNC Lathe Machine
The diagram of hydraulic circuit in CNC lathe machine at
Pyin Oo Lwin (G.T.I) in Myanmar is shown in Fig. 2. In this
operation, vane pump is required to supply the pressurized
fluid which is controlled to drive hydraulic motor or hydraulic
cam type lathe turret by a directional control valve; 4/3 way.
The flow being controlled by this valve then passes to
hydraulic motor connected to the load.
The cylinder piston controls the position of tool changer via
a directional control valve; 4/2 way, in order to be clamped or
unclamped. In the condition of machining of screwing the
work piece, the tool changer tool must be in the clamp
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 42 2008
position. On the other hand, the tool changer must be in the
unclamp position when changing the tools as desired.
A. Design Calculation of Vane Pump
Fig. 3 Measurements of Vane Pump
Basing on the following equation,
TT = (VD _pp) / 2π
We have the outlet pressure of pump; 2158.14 kPa.
ηv = QA/ QT
Volumetric efficiency; ηv is 96.3 %.
B. Determination of Pipe Flow
Fig. 4 Hydraulic Circuit Diagram with Pipe Measurements
For deciding laminar or turbulent, we should consider about
Reynolds Number which is dimensionless. For both pipes of
L1 and L2 in Fig. 4, the flows are laminar.
C. Calculation for Cylinder Piston
Basing on the head losses of valve and pipes between pump
and cylinder piston, we have the force of extension and
retraction of cylinder; 11.52 kN and 17.54 kN respectively.
And the power of cylinder is 0.7 kW.
D. Calculation for Motor
This motor is a type of piston motor which is produced from
Lio Shin Company. Its can operate at 80 rpm and its flow rate
is 18 L/min (or) 3 × 10-4 m3/s. And its maximum pressure is 20
kgf/cm2 (or) 1933.41kPa. Applying these parameters, the
volumetric displacement is 2.1 × 10-4 m3/s and the overall
efficiency of motor is 89.43 %.
Piston motors typically have an overall efficiency of 85 to
95%. So, the overall efficiency for this system has a range in
standard ranges.
VII. TRANSFER FUNCTION OF HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT
In this circuit, close loop is clearly used in order to control
speed of hydraulic motor and displacement of cylinder piston.
It is needed to control to be more accurate. In controlling these
(1) devices, the position sensors are widely used to show odd and
even numbers of tool changers and to show whether the
cylinder is set to be clamped or unclamped.
(2) Motor and cylinder don’t operate at the same time. Cylinder
only works when changing tools. After changing tools,
cylinder is set to be clamped. Therefore, it is necessary to
divide this circuit into two portions; namely, portion with
cylinder defined by path 1 and position with motor defined by
path 2. Also each portion must have its own transfer function.
And, this transfer function is firstly derived before modeling
and simulating control system of hydraulic circuit.
So, the servo system performance is accomplished using
block in which each components is represented by a rectangle
(block).
For path 1,
Fig. 5 Path 1 with Cylinder
To get the transfer function of cylinder piston and valve,
G1(s) H(s) =K / [s{1+ (2ζ1s/ωn,1) + (s2/ω2n,1)}] (3)
When driving the cylinder piston by valve, the power transfer
is assumed to be maximum.
So, = 2/3 = 0.67
ωn,1 = [2{1+KW (1- )1/2} / (Lm,1C)]1/2 (4)
403
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 42 2008

ζ1= 1/4 [2Xm,1 / (1- )]1/2 _[(1+KW) / {1+KW (1- )1/2}] (5) VIII. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
By using above equations, the transfer function of path 1 is
obtained. For path 1,
G1(s) H(s) = 2.5 / (0.023s3 + 0.0007s2 +s) By simulating the block diagram as shown in Fig (6) with
By modeling this transfer function, MATLAB program,
Transfer Function of
Rate Limiter Valve and Cylinder

Displacement (mm)
Amplifier
Step Gain Scope

Feedback Gain

Fig. 6 Block Diagram for Path 1

For path 2, Fig. 9 Step Response for Cylinder under Position Control

According to Fig (9), the position of cylinder is controlled

by using step response for simulating the model of path 1. As a
result, it has a peak at the first operating time due to the step
response and it gradually becomes stable. So, the clamp and
unclamp system of cylinder is meant to be stable in order to be
accurate while operating the tool.

Fig. 7 Path 2 with Motor For path 2,

By simulating the block diagram as shown in Fig (8) with
To get the transfer function of the hydraulic motor, MATLAB program,

G2(s) H(s) = KW (1- )1/2 / [T1(s) – {Lm,2 / (2RV) T2(s)}] (6)

Angular Speed (rad/s)

G2 (s) H(s) = 1.15 / (0.013s + 1.74)

For having the transfer function of directional control valve,

Gv (s) = 1/ [1+ (2ζ2s/ωn,2) + (s2/ω2n,2)] (7)

= 1 / (0.04s2 + 0.14s+1)

By modeling these transfer function,

Amplifier Transfer Function of

Gain Hydraulic Motor
Fig. 10 Closed Loop Step Response for Controlling the Motor Speed

These transfer functions of path 2 are provided with

MATLAB program in order to analyze the results. It can be
Transfer Function of meant that there isn’t any different in curve performance
Rate Limiter
Step Valve Scope between the two results; simulation and programming with
MATLAB.

Feedback Gain IX. CONCLUSION

Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machining
Fig. 8 Block Diagram for Path 2 technology is a mouthful, but it is also fascinating by using
computers to create metal parts and products for equipment
and machines. In more simple terms, it is high-tech machining

404
 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 42 2008

technology. Machining and metalworking have been [10] William L. DeRoy: Classification of Positive Displacement Pump, 2000,
http://www.eduadv.org/eng/mechtro/hyd.mac
developed with computer technology. More efficiency output [11] Spotts.M.F.: Design of Machine Elements, Maruzen Company LTD,
operations with even greater precision resulted from this 2000.
marriage of machining and computers. In this technology, the [12] Ing.grad.A. Schmitt: The Hydraulic Trainer, SIR ISAAC PITMAN &
hydraulic system is extensively used to control the process and SONS LTD, 2001.
[13] John F.Douglas and Janusz M.Gasiorek: Fluid Mechanics, 4th ed.
drive the machines. So, most of conventional lathe machine Person Education (Singpore) Pte.Ltd, 2002.
are currently converted to CNC lathe machine. The hydraulic [14] H.C.Town: Hydraulic and Pneumatic Operation of Machines, Mac
circuit is very important for controlling the hydraulic system Graw-Hill Co., 2003.
[15] Binit Kumar Jha: CNC Porgramming Made Easy, Tota Yodogawa
and describes the functional structure of the hydraulic system. Limited, 2004.
In this thesis, the main components in hydraulic circuit and [16] Anthony Esposito: Fluid Power With Applications, 6thed. Prentice-Hall
its functions have been discussed in chapter three. Some of India Private Limited, 2005.
parameters of pump are taken from Camel Pump Company and
motor’s, from Lio Shing Company. Basing these parameters,
the efficiency of pump is 96% and motor’s is over 89%.
The performance of hydraulic circuit is provided with the
transfer functions. The hydraulic circuit in this thesis can be
divided by two paths; (1) a directional control valve (4/2 way)
and a cylinder, and (2) a directional valve (4/3 way) and a
piston motor. The main reason for dividing two paths is that
these two portions are not operated at the same time. So, each
path can be derived to transfer function. From the transfer
function, there is a curve for each path. These curves show
versus of output and time. And, these transfer functions are
provided with MATLAB programming procedure. The main
purpose of this thesis is to control cylinder position and
especially motor speed. According to these curves, it is found
that dynamic responses for components are stable. So, the
whole hydraulic circuit is meant to be stable.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This research paper couldn’t have been accomplished
without help and guidance from the people who served on the
committee of WCSET. Especially, it is worth to express the
deepest gratitude to Dr. Khin Maung Aye, Rector, West
Yangon Technological University and Dr. Mya Mya Khaing,
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Yangon Technological University. Finally, the author
extremely thanks to her friend, Dr. Thin Sandar Oo, Lecturer,
Department of Textile Engineering, West Yangon
Technological University and all members of her family.

REFERENCES
[1] C.T.Bower: The book of the Lathe, AM.I.Prod.E, London, 1957.
[2] Herbert Addison: The Pump User’s Handbook, Mac Graw-Hill Co.,
1958.
[3] Willian Wolansky and Akers: Modern Hydraulics, A Bell & Howell
Information Co, London, 1970.
[4] Josheph.P.Messina and Igor J Karassik: Pump Handbook, Mc Graw-Hill
Book Company, 1983.
[5] Theodore Franklin: Cam Type Turret Lath Machine, Lio Shing
Company. 1984, http:// www.turret.com.tw
[6] Bumin.F.F.: Conversion of a Conventional General Purpose Lathe to a
CNC Lathe, M.S.C Thesis, M.F.T.U, 1985.
[7] David Gibbs: An Introduction to CNC Machining, Second Edition,
English Language Book Society, Cassel Publisher Ltd, (1987).
[8] Thomas E. Ogata R: Types of pump, Engman-Taylor Company.1997,
http://www.allpumps.edu.org
[9] Genjamin R. Mohan: Hydraulic & Pneumatic Symbols, 1999,
http://www.Hyd_Pnue_symbols.html.org

405