What is CNC? Definition
CNC is an abbreviation of the English phrase Computer Numeric Control, and looking at its Turkish meaning, we see that it means computer numerical control. To put it in simpler terms, this can be expressed as the computer converting the design produced by Computer-Aided Design software (CAD) into numbers. You can mentally position these numbers as the coordinates of a graph. The numbers that form these coordinates control the movement of the cutter point by point. With this method, the computer ensures that the material is cut and shaped with pinpoint accuracy.
Features of CNC Machines
Basic machining skills are quite important. A CNC machine starts with basic machining principles, but it can automate processes that would be impossible for a manual human machinist to perform by turning handwheels. Since CNC technology contains a significant amount of electronics in addition to its mechanical aspects, knowledge about some electronics surrounding motion control applications is also useful. On the other hand, having basic computer knowledge can make its use easier. Those who will use these machines will notice that there are multiple software programs for control.
What to Consider in CNC Software
- Special Calculators can be used to calculate CNC speeds.
- There are special Program Editors that help us manage G-code.
- CAD programs used to create drawings and 3D models of the parts we want to machine.
- CAM programs that start from CAD drawings and produce the G-code that our CNC machines execute.
