PC-based PCB cutting machine

The thesis is about a PC-based cutting machine using an optimization process. The hardware controller of the system is the PC. The cutting machine has 4 parameters to control, x, y, and z movements, and the rotational movement. The PC is connected to the machine through an interface card. There are four circuits connected to the card. These are driver circuits for the motors in the machine. The circuits are controlled and operated by a program written in C language. The program accepts the data from the user through a file or keyboard. The program includes a simulation tool to see the result of the cutting process before it can be actually done by the machine. The program can use 5 methods in the optimization process. The data are processed according to the chosen method. The cutting machine then accepts the necessary information from the PC and actuates the desired cuts. The system produces an output which is always rectangular so that it can be used in another cutting process