CNC Machines

CNC Computerized Numerical Controlled

Numerical control (NC) refers to the automation of machine tools that are operated by programmed commands encoded on a storage medium. The first NC machines were built in the 1940s and '50s, based on existing tools that were modified with motors that moved the controls to follow points. These early servomechanisms were rapidly augmented with analog and digital computers, creating the modern computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools that have revolutionized the design process.

Axis of CNC machine

Five axes CNC machining refers to the ability of the CNC machine to perform movement about five different axes at the same time. Most CNC manufacturers define their machines movement starting with the three primary axes, X, Y and Z. The Z axis is parallel to the tool spindle. The other two axes are given by the machines ability to rotate about the X and Y axis. Axis A rotates parallel and about the X axis. Axis B rotates parallel to and about the Y axis. The C axis, allows the horizontally mounted workpiece to be rotated.

Control modes Point to point control is the simplest way to control the position of a CNC machine. Only the destination of the tool is controlled and not the way and speed. Distance control means the controlling of separate axes and operation speed. Contour control represents the numerical controlling of the coordinates, the way and operation speed.

Programming of CNC machines

In modern CNC systems, end-to-end component design is highly automated by using CAD/CAM programs. The standard language is the "Gcode" which was adapted for CNC use. The file format became so widely used that it has been embodied in an EIA standard.

CNC-like systems are now used for any process that can be described as a series of movements and operations. Tools with CNC variants are drills, lathes, milling machines, plasma cuttings, water jet cutters, laser cutting and 3D printing.