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

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 2012

A Sampling of Advanced Technologies at FANUC

By: Derek Korn
Here are some of my impressions about the technologies I saw during a recent trip to FANUC’s headquarters in Japan.

April 2012

Vector Programming Eases Five-Axis Aerospace Machining

By: Mark Albert
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.

February 2012

High-Performance CNC

By: Modern Machine Shop
The Fagor 8065 CNC is equipped with advanced features for high-speed machining in aerospace applications.

February 2012

Uniformity Paves the Way for Flexibility

By: Modern Machine Shop
Standardizing on one brand of machines provides the flexibility this firearm component manufacturer needs to accommodate a variety of custom component designs.

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.

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Siemens Answers with the Most Innovative CNC Solutions for Machine Tool Technology
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