A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) controller is a purpose-built digital device that governs the operation of a piece of machinery. When you see industrial equipment being supervised as it does a series of complex actions while workers help feed it material and move the finished product to the next step in the chain, the machine is likely under the command of a CNC controller.
How Do CNC Controllers Work?
A CNC machine is like any other piece of industrial equipment, save for the computer that all of the operational buttons are plugged into in lieu of the buttons and levers that allow for human control. The way that CNC controllers decide how to send the commands may be picked by an internal circuit board with one or two scripted actions or by software that can be rapidly reconfigured with design schematics created in a Computer Assisted Design (CAD) program or a similar application for the specific controller.
What Can a Machine Ran by a CNC Controller Do?
An industrial machine ran by a CNC controller is typically used for extensively repetitious work, to complete frequent tasks more easily, or to allow for intensively precise work down to minuscule fractions of an inch. You can do everything from quickly cut a sheet of metal into a jigsaw puzzle to manufacturing a replacement part for an old car that has been out of production for years, all determined by the type of machine and the intricacy of the controller's programming.
Who Uses CNC Machines?
The most frequent users of CNC machines are involved in heavy fabrication, construction, and automotive repair. These hard-working professionals need custom-designed pieces in sturdy materials at high volumes to meet the demands of their customers. The art community has also been seeing a surge in the number of creative souls using computer-guided machines as another tool in their kit.
To talk to an expert about your CNC machine, contact the professionals at Northline Industrial today!