What is CNC machining?

We all know that CNC technology plays a vital role in manufacturing. But what exactly is CNC? Today, we've invited a CNC lathe manufacturer to explain. CNC is short for Digital Control, a method of controlling mechanical motion and machining processes using digital information. Early versions included: NC (Numerical Control): representing the older, initial version of CNC technology; and CNC (Computerized Numerical Control): the newer, preferred abbreviation for CNC.

While NC may refer to CNC, it doesn't necessarily refer to the older CNC technology. Early CNC systems were composed of hardware circuits and were called hardware CNC (Hard NC). After the 1970s, hardware circuits were gradually replaced by dedicated computers, leading to computerized numerical control systems. These typically use dedicated computers with interface circuits, enabling the control of multiple CNC machines. Therefore, modern CNC generally refers to CNC (Computerized Numerical Control), and the concept of NC is rarely used anymore.

CNC machining has the following advantages:

① Significantly reduces the number of tooling fixtures; complex parts do not require complex tooling. ① To change the shape and size of a part, only the part machining program needs to be modified, making it suitable for new product development and modification.

② Stable machining quality, high machining accuracy, and high repeatability, meeting the machining requirements of aircraft.

③ High production efficiency in multi-variety, small-batch production, reducing production preparation, machine tool adjustment, and process inspection time, and reducing cutting time due to the use of optimal cutting parameters.

④ Capable of machining complex surfaces that are difficult to machine using conventional methods, and even machining some unobservable machining areas. The disadvantages of CNC machining are the high cost of machine tools and the requirement for highly skilled maintenance personnel. It typically controls mechanical quantities such as position, angle, and speed, as well as switching quantities related to the flow of mechanical energy.

The emergence of CNC relies on the advent of data carriers and binary data processing. In 1908, perforated metal sheet interchangeable data carriers were invented; at the end of the 19th century, control systems using paper as data carriers and with auxiliary functions were invented; in 1938, Shannon conducted rapid data processing and transmission at MIT, laying the foundation for modern computers, including computer numerical control systems.

Numerical control technology has developed in close conjunction with machine tool control. In 1952, the first CNC machine tool was invented (a collaboration between Parsons and MIT), marking a landmark event in the history of the world's machinery industry and propelling the development of automation. CNC technology, also known as Computerized Numerical Control (CNC), is a technology that uses computers to implement digital program control. This technology uses a computer to execute the motion trajectory of equipment and the timing logic control functions of peripheral devices according to a pre-stored control program. Because the computer replaces the original hardware logic circuits used in CNC devices, the storage, processing, calculation, and logical judgment of input operation instructions can all be accomplished through computer software. The generated micro-instructions are then transmitted to servo drive devices to drive motors or hydraulic actuators to move the equipment.