Computer Numerical Control Explained To A Lay Person

Computer Numerical Control (or CNC) refers to the automation of machine tools, such as lathes, drill presses and screw machines, which can be employed in the ‘machining’ process where such tools cut metal components into desired dimensions. These machine tools are operated by abstractly programmed controls that are encoded on a storage medium, by far the most frequently used examples in modern CNC production procedures being the extremely automated CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture). Both of these processes play critical roles in CNC turning, CNC milling and CNC machining.

CNC machining


The use of CNC machining, compared to manual machining, allows drastically improved accuracy, productiveness, efficiency and safety as (because of reduced human interaction with the machinery) operators are placed at less risk. Also, CNC machines can easily run unmanned for longer periods of time and in the event of a mistake or problem developing, the CNC software automatically ends its job and pages or calls an off-site manager. Additionally, CNC production permits greater speed of manufacturing as parts that would call for numerous measures to manufacture normally may be produced rapidly by way of the automatic equipment.


CNC turning

Turning is the procedure whenever a single point cutting tool is parallel to the material. The material (whether it be wood, metal, plastic stone) will then be rotated and the cutting tool traverses over two axes of motion so as to create precise absolute depths and diameters. This can be done on the outside of the material or if prefered within the interior (in a procedure generally known as boring) which can be employed to produce tubular components to numerous required dimensions. This process may be carried out manually however nowadays it is more common to use a computer controlled and automated lathe which, as opposed to the manual procedure, does not need regular supervision by an operator.


CNC milling


CNC milling necessitates the use of commands or G-codes programmed in to the milling machine together with each alphanumeric code having a specified purpose to be executed by the machine. The mills then drill and turn together axes to cut and shape the material to the dimensions put into the machine. CNC milling machines can be controlled using the computer controls or the manual overrides that are located on the front of the machine. Although the program is the preferred way of managing the process, because the spindle can be programmed to make any essential cuts, making use of the manual overrides enable the operator to speed up and slow down when necessary.