Numerical control
Numerical control is also called computer numerical control (CNC). It is the control of a system or device by direct input of data in the form of numbers, letters, symbols, words, or a combination of these forms. It is an essential part of manufacturing with the use of computers, particularly for controlling the operation of machine tools. NC is also important for the operation of modern industrial robots.
Almost every product in the world comes into contact with machine tools at some point in the development process. Machine tools are machines that produce a product, part of a product or a shape by machining, forming, carving, engraving metal or other materials from a blank.
History
Even in the prehistoric times, the first humans worked with the help of a hand ax to form simple products. Step by step, this idea created machines that formed the basis for mass production. Conventional machines, such as those used until the middle of the 20th century, could no longer meet the demand for the growing need for goods of all kinds. In addition, the result of work on these machines was highly dependent on the qualification or the day shape of the machine operator.
In the 1960s the first numerical controls for machine tools were developed and installed. The emergence of the “NC” – numerical control was one of the prerequisites for the rapid rebuilding of the world economy after World War II. Thanks to the NC machines, needs for e.g. automobiles, aircraft, consumer goods, etc. could be covered in a quality-appropriate way. From the middle of the 1970s, the NC became the CNC, i.e. Computerized Numerical Control.
Features
However, a CNC is not simply the connection of a standard computer to a machine tool, but a computer solution tailored to the application of the machine tool, usually with its own operating system and user interface and controlled by a CAD-software. The use of computer technology in the environment of the machine tool increased the productivity substantially, but also new requirements were made both to the mechanical engineer, as well as to the user of the machine tools.
With manual processing, you can immediately react to irregularities or problems. When you are processing with a CNC machine, it is necessary to think in advance of any possible problems. Therefore, it is important to know the possibilities and special features of the tools well and be able to formulate them precisely. The trustworthiness of tools has a geometric and technological feature. Both are prerequisites for the cost-effectiveness of a CNC machining of workpieces.
Financial issues
The profitability of CNC technology is heavily dependent on the workload. Researches have shown that processing times in small businesses alter between one to a maximum of four hours per day. If you plan to buy a CNC machine you have to have a lot of orders, so it is worthy of buying. One has to take also into account the high energy costs.
The prices of machines have sharply fallen recently. The greatest progress is to be seen in programming and the software used with corresponding interfaces of CAD systems. Graphically oriented solutions allow the visualization of typical components with a visual 3-D view. Newer software solutions include not only a simulation but also a collision check for the early detection of errors in the program creation.
Applications
You can apply them at tool and mold making, model making, rapid-tooling, packaging industry, engraving applications, digitization, etc. And the applications still grow and seem to be limitless.
The machine tools can create simply ever shape using millings, water or one of the newest trends – a laser. A CNC laser cut is very clean and almost perfect. It is getting more and more popular among companies specializing in an engraving. It can be applied to every material and the usage is nearly limitless.
Source: Saad Fahim
Author: Opt Lasers Grav