A CNC Turning Center

A CNC Milling Machine

CNC panel Siemens Sinumerik

Siemens CNC panel

The abbreviation CNC stands for computer numerical control, and refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads G-code instructions and drives a machine tool, a powered mechanical device typically used to fabricate components by the selective removal of material. CNC does numerically directed interpolation of a cutting tool in the work envelope of a machine. The operating parameters of the CNC can be altered via a software load program. CNC (computer numerical control) refers specifically to a computer controller that reads G-code instructions and drives the machine tool. ... Download high resolution version (1984x1488, 1878 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (1984x1488, 1878 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1989x2126, 312 KB) Beschreibung Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): CNC Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1989x2126, 312 KB) Beschreibung Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): CNC Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution‎ (1,024 × 768 pixels, file size: 239 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution‎ (1,024 × 768 pixels, file size: 239 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Siemens has the following uses: Siemens is a German family name carried by generations of the telecommunications industrialists, including Werner von Siemens, Sir William Siemens, Wilhelm von Siemens and Peter von Siemens Siemens AG is a German electrical and telecommunications company, founded as a telegraph equipment manufacturer by Werner von... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution‎ (768 × 1,024 pixels, file size: 178 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution‎ (768 × 1,024 pixels, file size: 178 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... G Code is a scheme to assist in the recording of television programs on video recorders. ... A machine tool is a powered mechanical device, typically used to fabricate metal components of machines by machining, which is the selective removal of metal. ...

Historical overview

CNC was preceded by NC (Numerically Controlled) machines, which were hard wired and their operating parameters could not be changed. NC was developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s by John T. Parsons in collaboration with the MIT Servomechanisms Laboratory. The first CNC systems used NC style hardware, and the computer was used for the tool compensation calculations and sometimes for editing. Numerical control or numerically controlled (NC) machine tools are machines that are automatically operated by commands that are received by their processing units. ... John T. Parsons (Detroit, October 13 1913–) pioneered numerical control for machine tools in the 1940s. ...

Punched tape continued to be used as a medium for transferring G-codes into the controller for many decades after 1950, until it was eventually superseded by RS232 cables, floppy disks, and now is commonly tied directly into plant networks. The files containing the G-codes to be interpreted by the controller are usually saved under the .NC extension. Most shops have their own saving format that matches their ISO certification requirements. RS-232 (also referred to as EIA RS-232C or V.24) is a standard for serial binary data interchange between a DTE (Data terminal equipment) and a DCE (Data communication equipment). ... A floppy disk is a data storage device that comprises a circular piece of thin, flexible (hence floppy) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic wallet. ... A computer network is an interconnection of a group of computers. ... “ISO” redirects here. ...

The introduction of CNC machines radically changed the manufacturing industry. Curves are as easy to cut as straight lines, complex 3-D structures are relatively easy to produce, and the number of machining steps that required human action have been dramatically reduced. Manufacturing (from Latin manu factura, making by hand) is the use of tools and labor to make things for use or sale. ... A lathe is a common tool used in machining. ...

With the increased automation of manufacturing processes with CNC machining, considerable improvements in consistency and quality have been achieved with no strain on the operator. CNC automation reduced the frequency of errors and provided CNC operators with time to perform additional tasks. CNC automation also allows for more flexibility in the way parts are held in the manufacturing process and the time required to change the machine to produce different components. A lathe is a common tool used in machining. ...

Production Environment

A series of CNC machines may be combined into one station, commonly called a "cell", to progressively machine a part requiring several operations. CNC machines today are controlled directly from files created by CAM software packages, so that a part or assembly can go directly from design to manufacturing without the need of producing a drafted paper drawing of the manufactured component. In a sense, the CNC machines represent a special segment of industrial robot systems, as they are programmable to perform many kinds of machining operations (within their designed physical limits, like other robotic systems). CNC machines can run over night and over weekends without operator intervention. Error detection features have been developed, giving CNC machines the ability to call the operator's mobile phone if it detects that a tool has broken. While the machine is awaiting replacement on the tool, it would run other parts it is already loaded with up to that tool and wait for the operator. The ever changing intelligence of CNC controllers has dramatically increased job shop cell production. Some machines might even make 1000 parts on a weekend with no operator, checking each part with lasers and sensors. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computer-based software tools that assist engineers and machinists in manufacturing or prototyping product components. ... Computer software (or simply software) refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of a computer for some purpose. ... A lathe is a common tool used in machining. ...

Types of instruction

Main article: G-code

A line in a G-code file can instruct the machine tool to do one of several things. G Code is a scheme to assist in the recording of television programs on video recorders. ...

Movements

The most basic motion for a controller is to move the machine tool along a linear path from one point to another. Some machine tools can only do this in XY, and have to accept changes in Z separately. Some have two further axes of rotation to control the orientation of the cutter, and can move them simultaneously with the XYZ motion. Lately 4, and 5 axis machines have become popular. The 2 additional axies allow for the work surface or medium to be rotated around X and Y. For example, a 4-axis machine can move the tool head in XY and Z directions, and also rotate the medium around the X or Y axis, similar to a lathe.This is called the A or B axis in most cases. For other uses, see Lathe (disambiguation). ...

All motions can be built from linear motions if they are short and there are enough of them. But most controllers can interpolate horizontal circular arcs in XY. In Euclidean geometry, an arc is a closed segment of a differentiable curve in the two-dimensional plane; for example, a circular arc is a segment of a circle. ...

Lately, some controllers have implemented the ability to follow an arbitrary curve (NURBS), but these efforts have been met with skepticism since, unlike circular arcs, their definitions are not natural and are too complicated to set up by hand, and CAM software can already generate any motion using many short linear segments. A NURBS curve being created in NX Shape Studio. ...

Drilling

A tool can be used to drill holes by pecking to let the swarf out. Using an internal thread cutting tool and the ability to control the exact rotational position of the tool with the depth of cut, it can be used to cut screw threads. Various examples of swarf, including a block of compressed swarf Swarf (or turnings) is shavings and chippings of metal -- the debris or waste resulting from metalworking operations. ... Screw thread, used to convert torque into the linear force in the flood gate. ... This article is about screws and bolts. ...

A drilling cycle is used to repeat drilling or tapping operations on a workpiece. The drilling cycle accepts a list of parameters about the operation, such as depth and feed rate. To begin drilling any number of holes to the specifications configured in the cycle, the only input required is a set of coordinates for hole location. The cycle takes care of depth, feed rate, retraction, and other parameters that appear in more complex cycles. After the holes are completed, the machine is given another command to cancel the cycle, and resumes operation.

Parametric programming

A more recent advancement in CNC interpreters is support of logical commands, known as parametric programming. Parametric programs incorporate both G-code and these logical constructs to create a programming language and syntax similar to BASIC. Various manufacturers refer to parametric programming in brand-specific ways. For instance, Haas Automation refers to parametric programs as macros. GE Fanuc refers to it as Custom Macro A & B, while Okuma refers to it as User Task 2. The programmer can make if/then/else statements, loops, subprogram calls, perform various arithmetic, and manipulate variables to create a large degree of freedom within one program. An entire product line of different sizes can be programmed using logic and simple math to create and scale an entire range of parts, or create a stock part that can be scaled to any size a customer demands. This article is about the programming language. ... Founded in 1983, Haas Automation is the largest machine tool builder in North America. ... FANUC Robotics America, Inc. ... Okuma can be a place name: Ōkuma (大熊町; -machi), a town located in Futaba District, Fukushima, Japan. ...

Parametric programming also enables custom machining cycles, such as fixture creation and bolt circles. If a user wishes to create additional fixture locations on a work holding device, the machine can be manually guided to the new location and the fixture subroutine called. The machine will then drill and form the patterns required to mount additional vises or clamps at that location. Parametric programs are also used to shorten long programs with incremental or stepped passes. A loop can be created with variables for step values and other parameters, and in doing so remove a large amount of repetition in the program body.

Because of these features, a parametric program is more efficient than using CAD/CAM software for large part runs. The brevity of the program allows the CNC programmer to rapidly make performance adjustments to looped commands, and tailor the program to the machine it is running on. Tool wear, breakage, and other system parameters can be accessed and changed directly in the program, allowing extensions and modifications to the functionality of a machine beyond what a manufacturer envisioned.

There are three types of variables used in CNC systems: local variable, common variable, and system variable. Local variable is used to hold data after machine off preset value. Common variable is used to hold data if machine switch off does not erase form data. The System variable this variable used system parameter this cannot use direct to convert the common variable for example tool radius, tool length, and tool height to be measured in millimeters or inches. In computer science, a local variable is a variable that is given local scope. ...

Tools with CNC variants

• Drills
• EDMs
• Lathes
• Milling machines
• Wood routers
• Sheet metal works(Turret Punch)
• Wire bending machines
• Hot-wire foam cutters
• Plasma cuttings
• Water jet cutters
• Laser cutting
• Oxy-fuel
• Surface Grinders
• Cylindrical Grinders

For other uses, see Drill (disambiguation). ... Electrical Discharge Machine Electrical discharge machining (or EDM) is a machining method primarily used for hard metals or those that would be impossible to machine with traditional techniques. ... Conventional metalworking lathe In woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, and glassworking, a lathe is a machine tool which spins a block of material so that when abrasive, cutting, or deformation tools are applied to the block, it can be shaped to produce an object which has rotational symmetry about an axis... Endmills for a milling machine. ... A wood CNC Router is similar to a metal CNC mill with the following differences: The wood router typically spins faster — up to 24,000 RPM It typically uses smaller tools — typical shank size 20 mm or at most 25 mm. ... Sheets of stainless steel cover the Chrysler Building Thin sheets of gold leaf Sheet metal is simply metal formed into thin and flat pieces. ... A hot-wire foam cutter is used to cut polystyrene foam and similar materials. ... Plasma cutting is a process that is used to cut steel and other metals (or sometimes other materials) using a plasma torch. ... A diagram of a water jet cutter A water jet cutter is a tool capable of slicing into metal or other materials using a jet of water at high velocity and pressure, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance. ... Laser cutting is a technology which uses a laser to cut materials, and is usually used in industrial manufacturing. ... “Oxyacetylene” redirects here. ...

See also

• Computer-aided design (CAD)
• Computer-aided engineering (CAE)
• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
• G-code
• Numerical control
• Machine tool
• Tooling University (offers online CNC training classes)
• Coordinate-measuring machine (CMM)
• Robert C. Byrd Institute CNC training and education.
• Direct Numerical Control DNC
• Configurable Network Computing JDEdwards CNC Administrator
• F1 In Schools F1 in Schools Technology Challenge

CADD and CAD redirect here. ... Computer-aided Engineering analysis (often referred to as CAE) is the application of computer software in engineering to analyze the robustness and performance of components and assemblies. ... Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computer-based software tools that assist engineers and machinists in manufacturing or prototyping product components. ... G Code is a scheme to assist in the recording of television programs on video recorders. ... Numerical control or numerically controlled (NC) machine tools are machines that are automatically operated by commands that are received by their processing units. ... A machine tool is a powered mechanical device, typically used to fabricate metal components of machines by machining, which is the selective removal of metal. ... Tooling University is an unaccredited online training service providing workforce development training for precision metalworkers, or tool and die workers. ... A coordinate-measuring machine (CMM) is a device for dimensional measuring. ... Robert C. Byrd Institute The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) is an independent program administered by Marshall University. ... Direct Numerical Control, also known as Distributed Numerical Control, (both DNC) is a common manufacturing term for networking CNC machine tools. ... Configurable Network Computing or CNC is JD Edwards®s (JDE) client-server proprietary architecture and methodology that implements its highly-scalable enterprise-wide business solutions software that can run on a wide variety of hardware, operating systems (OS) and hardware platforms. ... F1 is short for Formula One. ...

External links

• Screw Machining capital of the world
• The Enhanced Machine Controller, opensource CNC control software
• MyNC Numerical Control System, opensource CNC software
• Machinist journal News, Case studies for machinists
• CNC NEWS
• CNC Machines for WOOD,Acrylic,Aluminium,Plastic,MDF.....

Footnotes

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

CNC

v • d • e Computing in metalworking
CNC, CAD, and CAM	2.5D · CAD · CAE · CAM · CNC · G-code · Numerical control · Stewart platform Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... Image File history File links Blacksmith-hammer-anvil-50x50. ... Turned chess pieces Metalworking is the craft and practice of working with metals to create structures or machine parts. ... In machining, 2. ... CADD and CAD redirect here. ... Computer-aided Engineering analysis (often referred to as CAE) is the application of computer software in engineering to analyze the robustness and performance of components and assemblies. ... Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computer-based software tools that assist engineers and machinists in manufacturing or prototyping product components. ... G Code is a scheme to assist in the recording of television programs on video recorders. ... Numerical control or numerically controlled (NC) machine tools are machines that are automatically operated by commands that are received by their processing units. ... An example of Stewart platform Two hexapod positioners. ...
Metalworking topics	Casting · CNC · Cutting tools · Drilling and threading · Fabrication · Forging · Grinding · Jewellery · Lathe · Machining · Machine tooling · Measuring · Metalworking · Hand tools · Metallurgy · Milling · Occupations · Press tools · Pipe and tube bending · Smithing · Turning · General terminology · Welding This article is about the manufacturing process. ... a Cutting Tool, in the context of Metalworking is any tool that is used to remove metal from the workpiece by means of shear deformation. ... Drilling is the process of using a drill bit in a drill to produce holes. ... A typical steel fabrication shop Fabrication, when used as an industrial term, applies to the building of machines , structures, process equipment for chemical, fertilizer sector by cutting, shaping and assembling components made from raw materials. ... This article is about smithing. ... Rotating abrasive wheel on a bench grinder. ... For the Korean music group, see Jewelry (group). ... Center lathe with DRO and chuck guard. ... A lathe is a common tool used in machining. ... A machine tool is a powered mechanical device, typically used to fabricate metal components of machines by the selective removal of metal. ... The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ... Turned chess pieces Metalworking is the craft and practice of working with metals to create structures or machine parts. ... Metalworking hand tools are hand tools that are used in the metalworking field. ... Georg Agricola, author of De re metallica, an important early book on metal extraction Metallurgy is a domain of materials science that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their intermetallic compounds, and their compounds, which are called alloys. ... Endmills for a milling machine. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Smith (metalwork). ... Power press with a fixed barrier guard A press, or a machine press is a tool used to work metal (typically steel) by changing its shape and internal structure. ... A smith, or metalsmith, is a person involved in the shaping of metal objects. ... Turning, CNC turning, or manual turning is the process used to produce cylindrical components in a lathe. ... This article needs to be wikified. ... Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. ...