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Computer Numerical Control
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and it has been
around since the early 1970’s. Before it was christened CNC, it
was called NC, for Numerical Control. When computers were
introduced during 1070’s, the name changed. It has stroked
almost all manufacturing forms in almost all stages of
production. CNC machines either substitute some existing
manufacturing processes or combine work with them.
You might have not heard of the CNC before, or what it does,
or how it makes lofty manufacturing operations a lot easier.
However, CNC machining is dubbed as one of the most important
factors of most production processes. The common tasks CNCs
machines usually perform are drilling holes, tool changing,
cooling and lubrication of separate factory machines at the same
time.
Let’s start with a brief introduction. CNC stands for Computer
Numerical Control and it has been around since the early 1970’s.
Before it was christened CNC, it was called NC, for Numerical
Control. When computers were introduced during 1070’s, the name
changed. It has stroked almost all manufacturing forms in almost
all stages of production. CNC machines either substitute some
existing manufacturing processes or combine work with them.
A CNC program is just any other set of instructions. It’s
written like a sentence and the order of operation is
chronological. The machine will then execute that set of
instructions step-by-step. A special series of CNC words/codes
are used to relay what the machine is supposed to do. CNC codes
begin with letter addresses (like S for spindle speed, and X, Y
& Z for common linear axis motions).
When certain codes are arranged together in a coherent method,
this group of CNC codes create a “command” that is like a
sentence. A common CNC machine will only be needing around 40-50
words/codes to program different commands. See, it’s not very
difficult to learn.
Although CNC sounds very independent and do-it-all, there are a
few words that you need to know to fully understand CNC
operations.
THE CAM
CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. It simplifies the
programming processes which are new, and added to the CNC
program regularly. Of course, the easy applications can be
programmed with only the simplest machines around: the pen,
paper and calculator. However, more complex programs are vital
regularly. It is when composing these programs become much more
tricky and (worse) tedious.
The CAM is a program that runs on a computer that aids the CNC
programmer with the programming. It also works hand-in-hand with
the CAD (Computer Aided Design) design drawing (those designs
engineers compose/nurture). With the CAM helping, redefinition
of the work-piece configuration is not needed. What the CNC
programmer is left to do is just to specify the machine
operations to be executed and the CAM system will compose the
CNC program automatically. Thanks to CAM, programming
tediousness will not be a problem to the CNC programmer again.
THE DNC SYSTEM
DNC stands for Distributive Numerical Control. It is a computer
that is connected with one or more CNC machines, forming a
network. When a program is manually composed and ready to be
loaded to the CNC control, it is being typed right into the
control. However, this is like using the CNC machine as a
luxurious keyboard.
Moreover, if the CNC program is achieved with the help of CAM,
it is already in text form and ready to be loaded to the CNC
control. The DNC simply distributes the CNC program to more than
one CNC machine. Lately, the newest controls are more advanced
in terms of networking capabilities and can be networked with,
say, the Ethernet.
If it’s your first time to read and learn about the CNC, it may
sound so mighty and ubiquitous. It’s about time you learn they
also need help from some programming friends such as the CAM and
the DNC. No man is an island; but hey, neither are CNC machines.
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