CNC machine
device · 1952 · Digital age
A machine tool controlled by a program.
What it is made of
- Servomotor — has part. Servo drives move the axes.
- Lead screw — has part. Ball screws move the tables.
Principles and materials it uses
- Program control of a machine — uses. The tool’s movement is set by a program — at first on punched tape.
- CAD — uses. Programs from CAD/CAM.
- Cast iron — is made of. The bed is cast iron.
Where it is used
- Laser cutting — is used in. CNC.
- Waterjet cutting — is used in. CNC.
- Waterjet cutting — is part of. A CNC gantry.
History: what it evolved from and what it influenced
- Milling machine — evolved from. The first CNC machines were milling machines (MIT, 1952).
Things built in a similar way
- 3D printer — works like. A CNC machine that adds material instead of removing it.