Computer numerical control: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:50, 14 June 2005

Revision as of 03:11, 6 July 2005

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Numerical Control (NC) was the precursor of today's Computer Numerical Control (CNC), which controls the automation of machine tools and the inherent tool processes for which they are designed. The CNC machine tool is the [[servo]] [[actuator]] of the [[CAD/CAM]] (Computer Assisted Design/Computer Assisted Manufacturing) technology both literally and figuratively.

CNC inherits from NC the essential character of by-the-numbers interpolation of transition points in the work envelope (the "[[Machine Coordinate System]]") of a mult-axis motion platform, based on the separation of programming from operations. The set of instructions, or "program" (usually an ASCII text file in which, in its simplest form, a line of text specifies the axial coordinates of a point in the work envelope) is prepared from a blueprint or CAD file and transferred to the memory of the CNC via floppy drive, serial data interface or a network connection. Once stored in the CNC memory and selected, the program is executed by pressing the appropriate key on the machine operator panel.

==Historical notes==