CNC machine tools use automated computer controls to create accurate parts and tools. They require specialized technical knowledge to operate and use software support such as CAD and CAM. They offer extreme precision and high volume replication, but require constant maintenance to avoid inaccurate cuts and damage.
A computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool is a machine that creates tools and parts through automated computer controls. All CNC machine tool units are automated with computer manipulated parts; there are no manual CNC units. Most CNC machines are combined with design programs to further automate the process and ensure that all aspects of tool making are accurate and controlled. While CNC machine tool units are known for accuracy, they can create bad cuts if parts wear out.
With all CNC machine tool units, the cutting measurements and instructions are entered via a computer. Unlike a hand-held machine tool, where the user manually drills or cuts holes, using a CNC machine is more about understanding the code. The coding used in CNC machines is highly sophisticated, making the use of CNC machines very specialized for technically skilled operators.
This changed the part creation environment. In the past, using machine tools meant knowing how to work the material by hand and make all the cuts without the aid of a computer. CNC motion has changed the tool making environment and forced operators to have more technical knowledge to operate the machine tool.
When CNC machine tools were created, they didn’t have program support. This meant that all cuts and measurements had to be programmed by a computer while the operator was trying to reference a tool’s design. To automate the CNC machine tool process, software support has been added to most CNC machines.
There are two branches of software supported by CNC machines: computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Both of these programs are similar, because both are made for creating parts and controlling the processing of machine tools. CAD is more about designing the part, while CAM is more about controlling the machining machine. When a part is made in one of these programs, the CNC machine tool takes measurements and any other information, then accurately manufactures the part.
CNC machine tools are known for their extreme precision, much better than what a human hand can achieve. They can also replicate the same part at high volume. If the parts begin to wear, the cuts may become inaccurate and the parts will not look the same, or the parts will appear warped from their original design. The parts must be constantly maintained or further damage can occur to the CNC machine tool, eventually leading it to its unusable.
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