Systems & Software

CNC & Machine Controls

OVERVIEW: The CNC (computer numerical control) system of a machine tool includes the control unit itself, as well as less visible parts of the motion-control system such as the servomotors, drives and axis positioning devices. These components are part of any CNC machine tool, but they might be bought separately and retrofitted later on older machines that are upgraded or refurbished. Also part of the control system are sensors that may allow the control to make certain real-time decisions during unattended or lightly attended machining processes. These can include probes for measuring the position of the part or machined features, as well as monitoring systems for detecting the presence of the tool or the force that is being exerted in the cut.

Featured Zone Content

February 2012

Upcoming Webinar: Integrated Robotic and Machine Tool Automation

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Learn how adding robotic automation to your manufacturing process can be a simple, cost-effective solution to greatly enhance your productivity....MORE

February 2012

Ask the Expert: Computer Numerical Control

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Initiate a dialogue with some of the industry's most respected experts. Ask Mike Lynch a question related to CNC....MORE

September 2011

The Need to Know Is Basic

By: Modern Machine Shop
An MTConnect-enabled monitoring system gives this shop a clear and simple picture of machine tool usage....MORE

November 2009

MTConnect Is For Real

By: Modern Machine Shop
Introduced at IMTS 2008, this communications protocol for CNC machines and other manufacturing equipment is already helping shops and plants implement effective machine monitoring systems. Although these "early adopters" are motivated by the long-term promise of enterprise-wide efficiency gains, their experience with pilot projects shows that benefits derived in the short term are substantial and worthwhile. ...MORE

January 2012

Retrofits Lift Venerable Machines to New Heights

By: Modern Machine Shop
Retrofitting nine 20-year-old skin mills at Boeing’s plant in Auburn, Washington reduced machine downtime and improved both safety and productivity. ...MORE

October 2011

Making Lean Connections

By: Matt Danford
When Nilpeter embarked on a lean initiative 14 months ago, no one at the printing press manufacturer had any inkling that they had already taken an important first step. ...MORE

April 2011

Read In to Digital Readout

By: Lori Beckman
Recently, I came across an article online from Production Machining that sums up five options that are cited to produce higher productivity in a shop. The first option jumped out as something I could pass on to my readers: “Add a digital readout (DRO) to any mill, lathe or grinder currently without one.” ...MORE

April 2011

Software Generates Tool Paths for Mazatrol Matrix Control

By: Modern Machine Shop
Shops using Mazak machines with the Matrix control can now take advantage of CamLink’s time-saving features that are said to enable more control over the machine. ...MORE

December 2010

Standard Software Addresses Common Machining Challenges

By: Derek Korn
These low-cost VMCs come standard with a number of software features that enable them to compensate for machining’s inherent physical and thermal challenges. ...MORE

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