What is the cnc machine?

Now that we have seen what the NC machine is and its various parts, it is easier to understand what the CNC machine. CNC is the short form for Computer Numerical control. The CNC machine comprises of the mini computer or the microcomputer that acts as the controller unit of the machine. While in the NC machine the program is fed into the punch cards, in CNC machines the program of instructions is fed directly into the computer via a small board similar to the traditional keyboard.

In CNC machine the program is stored in the memory of the computer. The programmer can easily write the codes, and edit the programs as per the requirements. These programs can be used for different parts, and they don’t have to be repeated again and again.

Compared to the NC machine, the CNC machine offers greater additional flexibility and computational capability. New systems can be incorporated into the CNC controller simply by reprogramming the unit. Because of its capacity and the flexibility the CNC machines are called as “soft-wired" NC.

The advantage of cnc machine

 Advantages

High repeatability and precision

Volume of production is very high

Complex contours/surfaces need to be machine

Flexibility in job change,automatic tool settings,less scrap

More safe,higher productivity,better quality

Less paper work,faster prototype production,reduction in lead times

High efficiency

Operate almost continuously 24 hours a day,365 days a year

Disadvantages

Costly setup,skilled operators

Computers,programming knowledge required

Maintenance is difficult