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#REDIRECT [[Computer numerical control]]
The [[acronym]] '''CNC''' stands for '''''C'''omputer(ized) '''N'''umerical(ly) '''C'''ontrol(led)'', and refers specifically to the [[computer]] control of [[machine tool]]s for the purpose of (repeatedly) [[manufacturing]] complex parts in [[metal]] as well as other [[material]]s, using a [[program]] written in a [[notation]] called ''[[G-code]]''.
CNC was developed in the late [[1940s]] and early [[1950s]] by the [[MIT Servomechanisms Laboratory]].
==Tools with CNC variants==
* [[Drill]]s
* [[Electrical discharge machining|EDM]]s
* [[Lathe]]s
* [[Milling machine]]s
* [[CNC wood router|Wood router]]s
* [[Sheetmetal work]]s
==Description==
The introduction of CNC machines radically changed the [[manufacturing]] industry. Curves were as easy to cut as straight lines, complex 3-D structures were relatively easy to produce, and the number of [[machining]] steps that required human action went way down.
With the level of automation being used in CNC [[machining]] the level of consistency and quality increased. CNC automation elimanted errors and provided CNC operators with time to perform more tasks. The CNC automation also allowed for more flexibilty in set-up and job changes.
In a production environment, all of these machines may be combined into one station to allow the continuous creation of a part involving several operations. CNC machines are nowadays driven directly from files created by [[Computer-aided design|CAD]] [[software]] packages, so that an assembly or part can go from design to production without any intermediate paper drawing work being required. In one sense, CNC machines may be said to represent special [[industrial robot]] systems, as they are programmable to perform any kind of [[machining]] operation (within certain physical limits, like other robotic systems).
CNC machines were relatively briefly preceded by the less advanced NC, or [[numerically controlled|Numerical(ly) Control(led)]], machines.
==External link==
*[http://www.stoneworld.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,4046,65312,00.html ''Computers advance stoneworking technology''] – By Jill Critchley (Stone World; www.stoneworld.com), 10 Oct 2001
* [http://www.gefanuc-europe.com GE Fanuc Automation Europe S.A.]
*[http://www.pmozarks.com/article/what_is_cnc.htm "What is CNC?"] – By Mike Lynch
*[http://www.cncci.com/resources/articles/CNC%20basics%201.htm Fundamentals Of CNC]
[[Category:Embedded systems]]
[[Category:Tools]]
[[Category:Production and manufacturing]]
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