Numerical Control Technology Terms
Numerical control (NC) technology is one of the most important technologies to have been developed in the twentieth century. As the name implies, this advanced automation technique uses numerical data to control various machine tools, such as lathes and routers, to produce parts and components with a high degree of precision.
NC technology has been around for some time and is used extensively in the manufacturing industry. The following is a list of terms commonly used when discussing NC technology:
Axis: An axis is a reference line, or plane that provides a reference point for cutting or machining. In a two-axis system, one axis refers to the X-axis, which moves across the material, while the second axis is the Y-axis and refers to the vertical movement of the tool.
Program: A program is a set of instructions for the controller, which tells the machine tool how to execute the desired cutting or machining operations.
Controller: The controller is the computer that controls and monitors the entire NC system. It is responsible for interpreting the codes in the program and activating the motors.
Motor: A motor moves the cutting head of the machine from one location to another. It is also used to rotate the tool and cause it to cut into the material.
Tool Path: A tool path is the path taken by the cutting tool so that it can cut the material. The tool path is determined by the program and is the basis for the cutting or machining operation.
G-Code: G-Code is the programming language used to communicate with the controller. It is a set of instructions in which each letter and number combination has a specific meaning and tells the controller what to do.
Velocity: The velocity of the machine tool is the speed at which it moves and/or rotates in order to cut the material.
Feedrate: The feedrate is the speed at which the material is fed into the cutting head. It is important to adjust the feedrate to ensure that the material is not being forced too quickly into the cutting head and that the material is being cut in the desired shape.
Feature: A feature is a part of the material that has been altered by the machine tool. A feature may be a hole, groove, or other alteration in the material.
Radius: The radius is the distance from the center of the tool to the edge of the material. This is an important consideration for ensuring that the material is being cut in the desired shape.
Lathe: A lathe is a machine tool used for turning or machining cylindrical stock material. The material is rotated and then the cutting tool is used to shape the material.
Router: A router is a machine tool used for making cuts in wood, plastic, and other materials. Routers use a strong electric motor to spin a cutting tool, which carves out the desired shape in the material being cut.
Drill: A drill is a machine tool used to make holes in materials. Drills use a rotating spiral bit that is lowered onto the material and bores a hole.
Cutter: A cutter is a sharp cutting blade mounted on the machine tool. Depending on the material being cut and the desired shape, different types of cutters are used, such as end mills, drill bits, and reamers.
Table: The table of a machine tool is the flat surface on which the material being cut is placed.
Workpiece: A workpiece is the piece of material that is being machined.
Spindle: A spindle is the rotating shaft of the machine tool. It is used to rotate the tool and cause it to cut into the material.
Feed Spindle: A feed spindle is a special type of spindle used for feeding the material into the cutting head.
Coolant: Coolant is used to cool the machine tool when it is running. Coolant is typically a liquid, although compressed air may also be used.
Chip: A chip is a piece of the material that is removed from the workpiece by the machine tool. Chips must be cleared away from the cutting area to prevent clogging of the machine tool.
