Computer numerical control: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:16, 6 August 2024

Revision as of 21:08, 7 August 2024

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[[File:Cnc lathe.png|thumb|A CNC [[metal lathe]] with the door open.]]

In [[machining]], '''numerical control''', also called '''computer numerical control''' ('''CNC'''),<ref>{{Cite web|title=What Is A CNC Machine? {{!}} CNC Machines|url=https://premierequipmentcncmachines.com/what-is-a-cnc-machine/|access-date=2022-02-04|website=premierequipmentcncmachines.com}}</ref> is the [[automation|automated control]] of tools by means of a [[computer]]. It is used to operate tools such as [[drill]]s, [[lathe]]s, [[Milling (machining)|mills]], [[Grinding machine|grinders]], [[CNC router|routers]] and [[3D printer]]s. CNC transforms a piece of material ([[metal]], [[plastic]], wood, ceramic, stone, or composite) into a specified shape by following coded programmed instructions and without a manual operator directly controlling the machining operation.

A CNC machine is a motorized maneuverable tool and often a motorized maneuverable platform, which are both controlled by a computer, according to specific input instructions. Instructions are delivered to a CNC machine in the form of a sequential program of machine control instructions such as [[G-code]] and M-code, and then executed. The program can be written by a person or, far more often, generated by graphical [[computer-aided design]] (CAD) or [[computer-aided manufacturing]] (CAM) software. In the case of 3D printers, the part to be printed is "sliced" before the instructions (or the program) are generated. 3D printers also use G-Code.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=3ERP |date=2022-06-24 |title=What is CNC Milling and How Does it Work: Everything You Need to Know - 3ERP |url=https://www.3erp.com/blog/cnc-milling-everything-you-need-to-know/ |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=Rapid Prototyping & Low Volume Production |language=en-US}}</ref>