History and Definition of CNC 202

3D

Three-dimensional. Having a length, depth, and width. 3D parts are created by additive manufacturing methods.

additive manufacturing

The process of joining or solidifying materials to make an object based on a three-dimensional computer model. Additive manufacturing methods typically build up layers of material to create an object.

automatic tool changer

ATC. A CNC machine component that holds and changes tools during operation. Automatic tool changers reduce cycle times by automatically changing tools between functions.

Automatically Programmed Tool

APT. An early programming language used in numerical control machining. Automatically Programmed Tool code is used to calculate the tool path of a specific machine task.

automation

The automatic control of equipment, a process, or a system. Automation is an efficient means of performing manufacturing processes.

Axes

An imaginary straight line that is used to describe the location or movement of an object in three-dimensional space. Axes in the Cartesian coordinate system include the X, Y, and Z.

ballscrew

A long, threaded device that rotates to move the worktable or cutting tool of a CNC machine. Ballscrews are powered by a servomotor.

boring

The process of enlarging an existing hole with a single-point tool. Boring is performed to improve the surface finish and concentricity of a hole.

CAD

Computer-aided design. The use of computer software to create the design and drawing of a part, product, process, or building. CAD drawings are automated and precise.

CAM

Computer-aided manufacturing. The use of computer software that facilitates the development of part programs. CAM software creates an image of the workpiece and develops the program code from information input by the programmer.

cell

An arrangement of machines, tooling, materials, and operators structured around the design of similar products. CNC cells encourage smooth product flows and use space efficiently.

changeover

The process of switching a machine setup from producing one part to another. Changeover takes very little time with CNC machines.

CNC

Computer numerical control. A programmable system of software and hardware that controls the operation of a machine. Computer numerical control uses mathematical data to execute program instructions and direct the movement of a machine and its components.

CNC Swiss-type lathe

A sophisticated machine with a sliding headstock and fixed bushing. CNC Swiss-type lathes create small, complex, cylindrical parts in one cycle.

computer numerical control

CNC. A programmable system of software and hardware that controls the operation of a machine. Computer numerical control uses mathematical data to execute program instructions and direct the movement of a machine and its components.

computer-aided design

CAD. The use of computer software to create the design and drawing of a part, product, process, or building. Computer-aided design drawings are automated and precise.

computer-aided manufacturing

CAM. The use of computer software that facilitates the development of part programs. Computer-aided manufacturing software creates an image of the workpiece and develops the program code from information input by the programmer.

control panel

The group of controls on a CNC machine that run, store, and edit the commands of a part program and other coordinate information. The control panel on a CNC machine usually consists of a keypad and display screen.

data

Any information or knowledge which can be stored. Data is often kept electronically in computer databases.

depth of cut

The distance that the cutting tool penetrates the surface of the workpiece. Depth of cut determines the amount of material removed with each cutting pass.

downtime

An unproductive period when machine production ceases. Downtime is often due to mechanical failure, part changeover, or maintenance needs.

drive system

The collection of parts that make a CNC machine move. Drive systems are made up of servomotors and ballscrews.

eight-axis machining

Machine control that can execute movement in eight general directions concurrently. Eight axis machining is generally associated with CNC Swiss-type machines.

electrical logic circuitry

A controlled path that contains electrical current. Electrical logic circuity transmits electricity throughout machines.

encoder

A device that translates mechanical motion into a digital signal. Encoders send motion locations to a numerical display panel on a machine.

end milling

A milling operation that uses a narrow cutter to machine surfaces both parallel and perpendicular to the spindle axis. End milling may cut with both the bottom and sides of the cutting tool.

face milling

A milling operation in which the surface of the workpiece is perpendicular to the spindle axis. Face milling primarily cuts with the bottom edge of the cutting tool.

feed rate

The rate at which a cutting tool and/or workpiece move in relation to one another during a machining operation. Feed rates can be adjusted during operation using override keys.

feedback system

A method of monitoring the position of a machine tool and sending informational signals to the CNC machine control unit. Feedback systems provide information that allows the MCU to make any corrections during the cutting process.

finishing

A final machining process that achieves the desired surface finish and tolerance for a part or component. Finishing is often performed on grinders.

five-axis machining

Machine control that can execute movement in five general directions concurrently. Five-axis machining can be performed by cutting-edge CNC machines.

G code

A programming language that pairs address letters with numerical values to form commands. G code is used to direct the operations performed by a machine.

geometric

The linear and curved shapes that characterize a part. Geometric complexity is one of the key advantages of additive manufacturing.

grinder

A machine that uses an abrasive to remove material from the surface of a workpiece. Grinders include surface grinders, centerless grinders, and cylindrical grinders.

hard-wired

Having wires that are physically connected to other devices or wires so as to consistently function the same way. Hard-wired circuits perform the same tasks over and over again.

Industrial Internet of Things

IIoT. The network of manufacturing machines that contain computer systems that send and receive data through cyberspace. The Industrial Internet of Things allows controls, sensors, and other instruments to exchange data without any human intervention.

Industry 1.0

The first major phase of manufacturing development, which lasted roughly from the 1760s to the mid-1800s. Industry 1.0 revolutionized early machine manufacturing by replacing human power with water and steam power.

Industry 2.0

The second major phase of manufacturing development that began in the late 1800s. Industry 2.0 revolutionized machine manufacturing by introducing electrical power and popularizing mass production.

Industry 3.0

The third major phase of manufacturing development that began in the late 1970s. Industry 3.0 revolutionized machine manufacturing by introducing microcomputers and developing advanced software applications.

Industry 4.0

The fourth major phase of manufacturing development that is defined by the use of machines interconnected via the Internet. Industry 4.0 revolutionizes machine manufacturing by advancing digital data exchange and automation capabilities.

lathe

A machine used to create parts, often cylindrical, by removing material from a workpiece. CNC lathes are much more precise than their manual counterparts.

machine control unit

MCU. A small, powerful computer that controls and operates a CNC machine. The machine control unit interprets the numerical data in the part program to guide machine movement.

machine tool

A power-driven machine that uses a cutting tool to remove metal from a workpiece. Machine tools can hold a variety of cutting tools.

machining center

A sophisticated CNC mill that can perform multiple machining operations in the same setup. Machining centers can hold a wide variety of cutting tools, including mills and holemaking tools.

magnetic tape

A thin ribbon of material, such as metal or plastic, coated with magnetized material that can store information. Magnetic tape gradually replaced punched tape as a medium for recording and inputting data into NC machines.

mass production

The time- and cost-saving process of rapidly producing a large volume of parts. Mass production is made possible through traditional manufacturing operations.

MCU

machine control unit. A small, powerful computer that controls and operates a CNC machine. The MCU interprets the numerical data in the part program to guide machine movement.

mill

A machine that uses a rotating multi-point tool to remove metal from the surface of a workpiece. Mills may be operated either manually or by computer numerical control (CNC).

milling

A cutting operation that feeds a rotating multi-point tool along a part's surface to remove material. Milling operations are very versatile and generally produce flat surfaces.

mylar

A strong, thin type of polyester film invented in the mid-1950s. Mylar is used to reinforce punched tape and magnetic tape associated with NC machines.

NC

Numerical control. A system that guides machine tool components and manufactures parts using electrical logic circuitry to execute program instructions coded into tape. Numerical control was the precursor to computer numerical control.

numerical control

NC. A system that guides machine tool components and manufactures parts using electrical logic circuitry to execute program instructions coded into tape. Numerical control was the precursor to computer numerical control.

operator

A person trained to run a computer numerical control machine on a daily basis. Operators monitor and adjust machining operations.

part program

A series of alphanumerical instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific workpiece. Multiple part programs can be stored in a CNC system at one time.

part run

A series of identically shaped finished products. Part runs create batches of uniform parts.

plasma cutting

A method of cutting metal that uses plasma, which is a jet of gas that has been ionized by an electric arc. Plasma cutting is a quick process that creates high quality cuts.

programming language

A set of symbols and rules used to present information to a processor. Programming languages are used to create programs for a CNC.

prototype

A preliminary model of a part or a machine used to evaluate the look and performance of a design. Prototypes are used to determine the specifications for the final part.

punch press

A machine with a stationary base and an upper arm that moves along a vertical axis to shear, bend, or form sheet metal. Punch presses are often used to perform punching and stamping.

punched tape

A strip of material that uses holes that represent computer language to store data. Punched tape is an obsolete medium of data storage used to input computer commands directly into NC machines.

punching

A shearing operation that creates an open hole in sheet metal by separating an interior section. Punching can be performed using a punch press.

real time

The near-instantaneous interval of time that computers require to process data. Real time is virtually the same as actual time because computers process data nearly immediately.

repeatable

Capable of machining parts consistently to continually deliver accurate and precise results. A repeatable process is crucial for the efficient, quality production of identical parts.

servomotor

A motor in a CNC machine that powers movement of the machine tool. Servomotors rotate the ballscrew on a CNC machine, causing the table of a mill or the slides of a lathe to move.

setup

All the necessary preparation of tooling and fixturing that occurs on the machine before a part program can be executed. Every part setup requires the calculation of new offsets.

software

The instructions, formulas, and operations that structure the actions of a computer. Software often consists of a computer program or application.

specifications

A description of the essential physical and technical properties of a part. Specifications are established either in a blueprint or directly in CAD/CAM software.

speed

The rate at which the machine spindle rotates. The spindle speed affects how fast the cutting tool or workpiece moves at the point of contact.

stamping

A metalworking operation that uses dies and punches to form or separate sheet metal into parts. Stamping can be performed using a punch press.

stock

Raw material that is used to make manufactured parts. Stock is available in standard shapes, such as long bars, plates, or sheets.

subtractive manufacturing

Any manufacturing process in which a piece of raw material is machined into a desired final shape through a controlled material removal process. Subtractive manufacturing methods are fast but create a large amount of waste.

tapping

The process of cutting internal threads in a hole with a rotating multi-point tool. Tapping can be performed on a mill or machining center.

three-axis curvature data

Three axis. Information that describes the motion and position of an object in three-dimensional space. Three-axis curvature data provides instructions for machine movement along three axes.

three-dimensional

3D. Three-dimensional. Having a length, depth, and width. Three-dimensional space is represented by three linear axes.

tolerances

An unwanted but acceptable deviation between an actual part dimension and its intended design. Tolerances are assessed during the inspection stage of manufacturing.

toolpaths

A series of program blocks that describes the movement of a single cutting tool. Complex toolpaths are typically generated using computer-aided manufacturing.

turning

A cutting operation that rotates a cylindrical workpiece while gradually passing the cutting tool along the surface of the rotating part. Turning is performed on a lathe and is commonly used to create cylindrical parts.

two-dimensional

2D. Having length and width. 2D drafting is often used with CAD systems for partmaking.

vertical mill

A mill with a spindle that is perpendicular to the worktable. Vertical mill worktables are parallel to the ground.

water jet cutting

A cutting method that uses a powerful, high velocity stream of water to cut through materials. An abrasive can be added to the water to facilitate the water jet cutting process.

welder

The power source that provides the electricity needed to perform a weld. Welders join two pieces of metal together through the application of heat.

welding

A joining process that uses heat, pressure, friction, or a combination of methods to fuse two materials together permanently. Welding is used in a variety of industries from auto manufacturing to aerospace engineering.