In fact, CNC technology is now inseparable from CNC machine tools. Simply put, a CNC machine tool is a machine tool with a CNC system added. Of course, a CNC machine tool is not just about adding a CNC system. CNC technology is currently the most advanced machining equipment used in the machining industry, encompassing various categories such as CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, CNC milling and boring machines, CNC machining centers, and CNC wire cutting machines. CNC technology uses digital program signals to control the machine tool's machining process via computer.
A machine tool is a machine that makes machines, and also a machine that can make machine tools themselves. Turning, milling, planing, grinding, boring, drilling, EDM, shearing, bending, laser cutting, etc., are all machining methods. Machining, in essence, is processing metal blanks into the required shapes, including both dimensional and geometrical precision. Equipment capable of performing these functions is called a machine tool. CNC machine tools evolved from general machine tools; they are high-precision, high-efficiency automated machine tools. CNC means numerical control.
CNC machine tools, simply put, are numerically controlled machine tools, which are automated machine tools equipped with a program control system. This system can logically process programs with control codes or other symbolic instruction rules, decode them, and then make the machine tool move and process parts. The control unit of a CNC machine tool completes all the operation and monitoring of the CNC machine tool; it is the brain of the CNC machine tool. The CNC equipment we generally refer to mainly refers to CNC lathes and machining centers.
Using CNC machine tools to complete the machining process has advantages that cannot be compared with conventional machine tools:
1. It can significantly improve productivity. After the workpiece is clamped, the pre-programmed machining program is input, and the machine tool will automatically complete the machining process. When the machined parts change, generally only the CNC program needs to be changed, thus greatly shortening the machining time and improving productivity by several times compared to ordinary machine tools.
2. It has very high machining accuracy and the product quality is very stable. Because it is processed automatically according to the program, the machining accuracy can also be corrected and compensated by software, so extremely high machining accuracy can be obtained. Nowadays, almost all high-end, precision, and advanced products in various enterprises are manufactured using CNC machine tools.
3. High degree of automation greatly reduces labor intensity and significantly blurs the distinction between physical and mental labor. The operation of CNC machine tools involves high technological content, requiring high qualifications from operators and even higher skills from repair personnel. They are no longer considered "blue-collar workers" in the traditional sense. Those who can operate CNC machine tools are called "gray-collar" workers; those who know how to repair them are called "silver-collar" workers; and CNC generalists who can both operate and repair are called "gold-collar" workers.
For more information, please visit the Machine Tool Channel.
