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CNC is a word that has become familiar even to ordinary people, it has been in the air constantly and for a long time. What is a CNC? CNC machines? How did it appear? Everything in this article.
Computer numerical control (CNC)
CNC is a system of automatic control of machine tools and other machines using computer programs.
No matter how complicated this term may seem, it means only that the machine has become similar to now familiar printer, to which commands for printing are sent from the PC.
Such a breakthrough made it possible to automate and significantly increase speed and accuracy of machine tools of all types.
The main advantage of CNC machines is not just automation, but almost complete exclusion of human factor. Subsequently, enterprises were able to take more complex and precise orders, which allowed them to open up new horizons in mechanical engineering and processing of new materials.
Before CNC?
Manual machines
The first ones required constant presence of an operator, and not just to control the process, but to participate directly in them. The movement of the tool, speed of its rotation, supply of material and many other parameters, all these processes of the machine completely depended on the operator, his skill level and experience.
Half – automation
With the development of technology, some processes have been automated. For example, cam mechanisms, gears, and flywheels were used to control movement of tools. Camshafts were used in lathes to set the desired trajectory for movement of tool. Nevertheless, such a system was more suitable for simple and similar tasks, for more complex ones it still required the presence of an operator or a long reconfiguration of equipment.
Software-controlled machines (forerunners of CNC)
Before advent of fully digital CNC systems, software-controlled machines based on punched cards, tapes, and other analog technologies were used. These systems could control movement of instrument according to a given program, but they were still limited in their capabilities.
The program for machine was created in advance and recorded on punched cards or magnetic tapes. Each card or tape contained a set of commands to control movement of instrument. The operator loaded the program into machine, which then performed operations automatically, following instructions on punched cards or tape.
Despite the automation, the operator still had to control process, especially if errors or unforeseen situations occurred.
The main components of CNC system
CNC Controller
The brain of machine. Commands from the program pass through it and are transmitted to the machine. The controller controls movements of the machine parts and ensures accuracy of operations.
Software
This is a set of programs that creates and interprets control commands for the machine. Programs are usually written using a special programming language based on G-codes. CAM programs for creating tool trajectories based on 3D models, programs for recording and editing control codes (G-codes).
Executive mechanisms
These are physical components of the machine, such as motors, drives, and sensors that execute commands from controllers. They move a tool or a workpiece along specified axes and ensure that operations are performed with high precision.
Operator Interface
A panel or computer interface through which the operator interacts with CNC system. With it, you can download programs, configure parameters, and monitor operation of the machine.
Technology’s benefits
- High precision: machines perform operations with high precision, which is especially important for complex parts.
- Repeatability: CNC machine allows you to perform same operations repeatedly.
- Reduction of processing time: automation of processes and reduction of the human factor, as a result minimizing risks and increasing efficiency.
- Adaptability: programs are easy to change or adjust to different materials and tasks.
- Perfect new machines: this kind of technology allows you not to worry about manual control of machine, so every year machines become more powerful and more diverse. For example, like Wattsan machine tools.
Main problems of non-CNC machines
- Human factor, which often leads to errors and high production costs.
- Limited precision, even on automated machines, was limited by capabilities of mechanics and skills of operator.
- Low productivity, because manual work requires a lot of time.
Transition to CNC made it possible to eliminate all these problems, make production efficient, eliminate human factor, and improve quality of material processing.
Where is CNC used?
CNC is used in a wide variety of industries, including:
- Aircraft construction
- Car construction
- Jewelry business
- Shipbuilding
- Medicine
- Construction
And many other areas. CNC has become a breakthrough technology. She has radically changed the approach to processing and production of materials. It gave us new discoveries, to process materials in a way that we had never known or been able to do before.
Technology is evolving, and who knows where else technological progress will lead us.
Conclusion
CNC technology has revolutionized manufacturing, making processes faster, more precise, and less dependent on human intervention. From its origins in manual and semi-automated machines to the highly advanced CNC systems of today, this technology has enabled industries to push the boundaries of material processing and engineering. Its application spans across aerospace, automotive, medical, and many other fields, proving its versatility and necessity in modern production. As CNC technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly open new possibilities for innovation, efficiency, and precision in manufacturing.
