Describe computer numerical control.

What will be an ideal response?


Machines controlled by data that are specially coded with numbers, letters, and special characters are operated by numerical control (NC). This encoded information defines the path of the machine tool in accomplishing specific tasks. These instructions can be fed into the machine from several different sources-an operator, a computer, a computer network, or portable magnetic media. When the job changes, the instructions must be rewritten to accommodate these changes. This is a relatively easy job and this flexibility is the key to the growth of numerical control.

Actually, NC is a broad term that includes traditional approaches as well as more modern developments, such as computer numerical control (CNC) and direct numerical control (DNC).

CNC processing and distribution applications are numerous, covering every material imaginable: metals, plastics/polymers, ceramics, composites, stone, wood, fabrics, leather, etc.

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What will be an ideal response?

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