Term
| The early, programmable electronic control systems that were developed before the availability of inexpensive and compact computers. The grandfather of CNC. |
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| A form of electromechanical motion control used on machine tools, whereby a computer and computer program are used to perform machining operations. |
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Definition
| Computer Numerical Control (CNC) |
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| A device that is used to give positioning feedback to the control. Digital linear and rotary encoders are common on CNC machine tools. |
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| The main control computer of a CNC system; control or controller. |
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Definition
| Machine Control Unit (MCU) |
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Term
| A specialized lead screw that uses close-fitting ball bearing to reduce friction and backlash between the screw and nut. Ball screws are used to transmit motion from the servomotors to the machining tables. |
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| A manually operated machine tool. |
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| Electronic signals that are sent back to the control to indicate actual position, velocity, or state of the machine tool. The control will then compare the actual condition to the desired position and make adjustments. |
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| A machine that can be used to produce another machine. The basic equipment used in precision metalworking. |
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| A specialized motor used in motion control systems that can deliver continuous motion at various speeds. |
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| A specialized motor used in low-end motion control systems that rotates a predefined angle with every electrical pulse. |
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| The computer that operates a CNC machine tool; the machine control unit. (MCU) |
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| The smallest unit of measurement that a positioning or measuring system can be expected to achieve. A typical dial caliper has a resolution of 0.001", whereas a speedometer of a car might have a resolution of 5 MPH. |
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| What are some examples of CNC Machine tools? |
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Definition
| Milling machines, Grinders, Lathes |
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Term
| Language that attempts to make programming easier. English-like statements and prompts to create program, often directly at the control. |
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Definition
| What is Conversation Control Language? |
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