CNC & Machine Controls
The CNC (computer numerical control) system of a machine tool includes the control unit itself, as well as 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.
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ESSENTIAL READING
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2 Secondary Coordinate Systems You Should Know
Coordinate systems tell a CNC machine where to position the cutting tool during the program’s execution for any purpose that requires the cutting tool to move.
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4 Commonly Misapplied CNC Features
Misapplication of these important CNC features will result in wasted time, wasted or duplicated effort and/or wasted material.
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6 Machine Shop Essentials to Stay Competitive
If you want to streamline production and be competitive in the industry, you will need far more than a standard three-axis CNC mill or two-axis CNC lathe and a few measuring tools.
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Tips for Designing CNC Programs That Help Operators
The way a G-code program is formatted directly affects the productivity of the CNC people who use them. Design CNC programs that make CNC setup people and operators’ jobs easier.
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7 CNC Parameters You Should Know
Parameters tell the CNC every little detail about the specific machine tool being used, and how all CNC features and functions are to be utilized.
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5 G-Code Tips for Increasing CNC Efficiency
Optimizing G code is a low-cost way to improve CNC efficiency without sacrificing usability and safety.
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Latest CNC & Machine Controls News And Updates
AI Servo Tuning Explained: How CNC Machines Optimize Motion Automatically
What FANUC calls AI Servo Tuning is changing how machines behave before their first cut — even though most machinists will never touch it.
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Mitsubishi Software Package Monitors Machine Data in Real Time
Designed for seamless integration with the Mitsubishi Electric M6 Series NC control, the IMA Citizen M6 Adapter captures live machine data, enabling manufacturers to make smarter, faster decisions without replacing existing equipment.
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Siemens 3D Scanner Software Enhances CNC Programming Efficiency
The Optimize MyProgramming/3D Scanner software is a control-integrated solution for CNC programming that improves precision and reduces programming time.
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Mazak Achieves Production Milestone, Announces Plans to Open New Technical Center
Mazak Corporation celebrates the completion of its 40,000th machine at the Mazak iSmart Factory in Florence, Kentucky, showcasing advanced manufacturing and digital integration.
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Vericut Software Update Features AI-Integrated Workflows
Vericut 9.6 features a range of productivity-focused enhancements that simplify machining workflows and improve collaboration across the shop floor.
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Siemens CNC Control Enhances Shopfloor Productivity with Robot Integration
Siemens Digital Industries' Sinumerik 828 CNC seamlessly integrates with KUKA robots for cost-effective part handling and automation in job shops.
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Featured Posts
Advanced Tool Paths, Simple Implementation
Programming advanced tool paths used to be a complex, time-consuming task. Canned cycles in CAM software have now made them more accessible than ever.
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Setting Up the Building Blocks for a Digital Factory
Woodward Inc. spent over a year developing an API to connect machines to its digital factory. Caron Engineering’s MiConnect has cut most of this process while also granting the shop greater access to machine information.
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How I Made It: Mike Lynch
Mike Lynch has been a CNC programming teacher for three decades, in addition to being the longest-running columnist in Modern Machine Shop history, providing generations of machinists with expert insight into the art of programming parts. With this issue being Mike’s last, we wanted to highlight his career and what it means for the industry.
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2 Secondary Coordinate Systems You Should Know
Coordinate systems tell a CNC machine where to position the cutting tool during the program’s execution for any purpose that requires the cutting tool to move.
Read More
Five-Axis Machines Speed NASCAR Engine Production
Moving from an aging set of five-axis mills to more advanced machines enabled Hendrick Motorsports to dramatically improve its engine production.
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FANUC Details Robotic Vision, ROBODRILLS and More at IMTS 2024
FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.
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FAQ: CNC & Machine Controls
What does CNC stand for?
Computer Numerical Control.
Source: CNC Intro-The Key Concepts Of Computer Numerical Control
What is CNC?
Computer numerical control (CNC) is the control of machining tools through automation or computer programming. A CNC machine follows coded instructions such as G-code and M-code. These instructions are typically written by a person or by CAD/CAM software. This allows for a highly automated process that can be more efficient than manual machining, providing users with better productivity, speed and accuracy. The most basic function of any CNC machine is automatic, precise, and consistent motion control. All forms of CNC equipment have two or more directions of motion, called axes. These axes can be precisely and automatically positioned along their lengths of travel. The two most common axis types are linear (driven along a straight path) and rotary (driven along a circular path).
How much does a CNC machinist make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage of a CNC tool operator is $44,300 as of May 2020. The median wage is $42,260.
Further reading: New Apprenticeship Program At Hurco North America
5 Ways to Simplify Tasks for CNC Newcomers
Physics-Based Online Training in CNC Machining Available for Free Through DoD Initiative
What should new CNC machinists know?
1. Shop safety
First and foremost, newcomers to manufacturing must understand that the shop floor is a dangerous place. You must convey general concerns in two areas: safety equipment that workers use and safety practices to which they must adhere.
2. Shop math
The arithmetic that a typical CNC operator must be able to perform is simple. However, you must ensure that newcomers can use a calculator to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
3. Blueprint reading
Anyone working with CNC machines must be able to interpret a 3D workpiece from a series of 2D views on an engineering drawing. This involves understanding line types (visible, hidden, center, section, etc.) and orthographic projection.
4. Tolerance interpretation
Newcomers must understand that every workpiece attribute has an amount of allowable error, whether it be specified or implied.
5. Measuring devices
Explain the two basic types: fixed and variable gages. Go into detail for any fixed gages your CNC operators use, including go/no-go gages and gages that incorporate a dial indicator.
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