It is easier to understand what the CNC machine is.The CNC machineoffers greater additional flexibility and computational capability. Inan industrial setting, CNC machines can be combined into entire cells oftoolingmachines that can operate independently of each other. Theyare often driven by completely digital designs,which eliminates the needfor design blueprints to be physically drawn up. Many are capable ofrunning for several days without human intervention.
The most common CNC machinesare milling machines, lathes, and grinders. Milling machines automaticallycut materials, includingmetal, using a cutting spindle, which can move to different positions anddepths asdirected by the computer instructions. Lathes use automatedtools that spin to shape material. They're commonly used to make verydetailed cuts in symmetrical pieces, like cones and cylinders.
They use coded instructionsthat are sent to an internal computer, which allows factories to fabricateparts accurately and quickly. There are many different types of CNCmachines, ranging from drills to plasma cutters, so they can be usedto make a wide variety of parts. Though most are used industrially inmanufacturing, there are also hobby versions of most of the machinesthat can be used in private homes.
In fact, some are so sophisticated that they can contact theoperator’s cell phone and send an alert if a malfunctionoccurs. These automatedfeatures make it possible to produce thousands of parts with minimalsupervision, and free the operator to perform other tasks.
