Computer Numerical Control: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:02, 4 July 2005

Revision as of 23:05, 15 July 2005

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With the increased automation of manufacturing processes with CNC [[machining]], considerable improvements in consistency and quality have been achieved. CNC automation eliminated 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.

In a 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 [[Computer-aided machiningmanufacturing|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).

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