Systems & Software

CNC & Machine Controls
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

April 2012

Vector Programming Eases Five-Axis Aerospace Machining


Because the CNCs on this shop’s largest five-axis machining centers accept vector coordinates as program input instead of traditional G codes, critical jobs can be shifted readily from machine to machine.

September 2011

The Need to Know Is Basic


An MTConnect-enabled monitoring system gives this shop a clear and simple picture of machine tool usage.

November 2009
Dashboard view

MTConnect Is For Real


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. 



April 2013

Technology Made Easy at FANUC Open House

By: Matt Danford
New technology from FANUC offers more than just performance enhancements.

April 2013

“CNC Retrofit” Often Means More

By: Matt Danford
This video testimonial provides an inside look at the myriad benefits Major Tool & Machine has realized from a new CNC platform—but like other, similar projects, implementing that platform required a complete motion system overhaul.

April 2013

Retrofits Done Right

By: Matt Danford
Manufacturers considering anything less than a total motion system upgrade could be selling themselves short.

April 2013
FANUC 30i-Model B CNC

CNC for Five-Axis, High-Speed Machining

By: Modern Machine Shop
FANUC will display its series 30i-Model B CNCs for five-axis, high-speed machining, which features new enhancements.

April 2013

CNC Software Measures Tools Automatically

By: Modern Machine Shop
Parlec will showcase the new SpeedScan feature for its ParleVision CNC software which enables the automatic measurement of standard tools without any data input and is said to increase efficiency by reducing the risk of operator error.


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