AUTOMATED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MACHINE TOOL

A control system for controlling multiple operations of a machine tool includes an electronic controller. The controller is programmed to execute sequences of command instructions, each sequence representing a group of command instructions which defines a single operation or unit of work for the machine tool. A plurality of sequences are grouped together to define a machine cycle for the machine tool. An input mechanism is provided for permitting an operator of the machine tool to generate control signals to the controller to control the operation thereof. A video display is also provided for permitting an operator of the machine tool to monitor the operation thereof. The video display shows a plurality of the sequences in the machine cycle for performing certain functions when operated in the forward mode, as well as the corresponding sequences in the machine cycle for performing the opposite functions when operated in the reverse mode. In the run mode, the video display highlights only the current sequence being performed in the forward mode. In the command mode, the video display highlights the next sequence to be performed if the step forward button is depressed and next sequence to be performed if the step reverse button is depressed. The controller is also programmed to display error messages in easy to understand text language for the operator.