The Evolution of the Big "C" in CNC

So what is the big C ... its the machine you're sitting in front of, the computer of course.

When programs were first developed for NC machinery, a punch hole tape was used ( eight holes for eight bit logic), and the NC controller read the tape like an old player piano. Paper was used because it was immune to electrical interference and could be easily and cheaply replaced if damaged. Unfortunately it was also final, once the tape was made ... you had to try splicing in corrections if you made a mistake.

With the addition of the Computer to the Numerical Controller, manufacturers gained a number of important abilities. First and foremost, programs could be EDITED by the operator if mistakes were found. Secondly it allowed for the addition of the "Dry Run" or program VERIFICATION to check the program structure and commands for compatibility with the controller and machine configuration. And Lastly it allowed the operator to setup and STORE PARAMETERS outside of the actual program, such as tool length, radius and number assignments for multi-tool changing systems.

As computers have evolved from the old Commodore 64 (ask your parents if you've never heard of it), so have the computer controls on CNC machinery. The common CNC control on Job Shop mills nowdays are multi-function capable. They can read and accept programs from external sources, and they usually have Conversational Programming capabilities built into the controller where the operator can write, verify, edit and run the program right at the machine ... concurrently while another part is being cut!

Want to learn more about CNC programming, follow this link to a simple tutorial of the basics of G and M code programming for CNC machining