Numerical control apparatus and numerical control method

A numerical control apparatus for controlling a machine tool having at least two axes, comprising:

• point group data memory means for storing point group data entered in an interactive fashion according to guidance information;
• converting means for converting said point group data into NC commands;
• NC command memory means for storing said NC commands;
• movement command means for outputting an output pulse signal to command movement of said machine tool, said movement command means including a manual pulse generator, a jog feed button, a feed speed command preset together with said point group data, and selecting means for selecting one of a pulse signal generated from said manual pulse generator, a pulse signal produced by said jog feed button, and a feed speed command pulse signal generated based on said feed speed command and for outputting said selection as said output pulse signal;
• and
• interpolating means for interpolating said output pulse signal to move said machine tool to a next point designated by said NC commands when machining of the workpiece at one point of said point group data is completed, and outputting an interpolated pulse signal.

A numerical control method of controlling a machine tool having at least two axes, comprising the steps of:

• (a) generating a designated shape of an entire machining shape based on information entered in an interactive fashion according to guidance information;
• (b) moving said machine tool to an end point position of said designated shape;
• (c) activating a teaching button;
• (d) storing said end point position and said designated shape;
• (e) repeating steps (a)-(d) for each designated shape of said entire machining shape;
• (f) generating a final machining shape by joining said designated shapes at said end point positions;
• (g) generating a pulse signal from one of a manual pulse generator, a jog feed button, and a preset feed speed command;
• and
• (h) continuously guiding said machine tool along said final machining shape based on said pulse signal.