CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. The CNC software helps in performing all the manufacturing works automatically. One can say that CNC software is a computer controlled manufacturing. While many people are unaware of the term CNC, it has actually been helping the manufacturing processes since 1970s. If you have a manufacturing company then you will be dealing with the CNC software every day.
Use of CAM and CAD
CNC program can be developed manually for simple applications. But for more complicated and complex process program writing is difficult. Hence a Computer Aided Manufacturing or CAM system is used. It is a software program that runs on a computer and helps in writing the CNC program. Many companies also use Computer Aided Design or CAD along with CAM system. The CAD drawings are developed by design engineering department of the company which reduces the requirement for redefining the configuration to CAM system.
Advantages of CNC
CNC has now become an essential part of almost every manufacturing company. Overall the manufacturing processes have not only become easier but also have improved due to the use of CNC software. There are some fields where the use can be vividly seen. These are:
Use of CAM and CAD
CNC program can be developed manually for simple applications. But for more complicated and complex process program writing is difficult. Hence a Computer Aided Manufacturing or CAM system is used. It is a software program that runs on a computer and helps in writing the CNC program. Many companies also use Computer Aided Design or CAD along with CAM system. The CAD drawings are developed by design engineering department of the company which reduces the requirement for redefining the configuration to CAM system.
Advantages of CNC
- Faster process: Using CNC along with CAD-CAM programs makes the overall process of receiving models from clients, designing the product, managing the projects and machining it faster. The delivery of products to the clients and market is much faster with the use of this software.
- Handling complex process: Managing many complex machines has become easier with the CNC. With CAD-CAM software it has become easier to calculate the machine cycles. Now it is easier to perform any task by setting the tool path.
- More control over the process: The CAD-CAM has now made the CNC functionality much better. The control over the whole process is much better with the CAM Tree Manager that tracks the task from beginning to end.
- Better benefits: High speed machining enhances the productivity and CNC works towards that. With the new CAD-CAM software, the cycle time is reduced as well as the wear and tear of machines.
CNC has now become an essential part of almost every manufacturing company. Overall the manufacturing processes have not only become easier but also have improved due to the use of CNC software. There are some fields where the use can be vividly seen. These are:
- Electrical Discharge Machining Industry: The process of removal of metal using electrical sparks by burning away the metal is called the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). CNC is used in this process in two kinds: vertical EDM and wire EDM. In the vertical EDM an electrode in the shape of the cavity is machined into a mold. The wire EDM is used in fabrication industry to punch and die for die sets.
- Metal Removal Industry: Earlier conventional machine tools were used in this industry like milling, tapping, boring, drilling, reaming etc. But now all these processes are controlled by CNC software. All kinds of operations in turning like boring, turning, grooving, knurling, facing, and threading are done on CNC. Grinding operations are also now controlled by CNC grinders.
- Woodwork Industry: CNC is also used in woodwork industry just like any metal removal industry. A number of tools and many operations to be performed on wood are done automatically using CNC. Routing and drilling are some common operations in this field that can be automated.
- Metal Fabrication Industry: Fabrication of metal refers to the work done on thin plates of metal. All this activity of sheets being reared to size, punched with holes and bend requires a lot of effort. CNC is heavily involved in the overall process of shearing, punching, laser cutting, flame or plasma cutting, forming, and welding.
- Other applications: Electrical component manufacturing industry use CNC software heavily for their operations. Many lettering and engraving systems also use CNC in their overall process.
