{"id":5770,"date":"2020-02-18T16:06:01","date_gmt":"2020-02-18T13:06:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/?p=5770"},"modified":"2024-11-11T15:15:51","modified_gmt":"2024-11-11T13:15:51","slug":"what-is-cnc-machining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/what-is-cnc-machining\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is CNC Machining? Working Principles, Capabilities & More"},"content":{"rendered":"

In short, CNC machining is a metal fabrication method where written code controls the machinery in the manufacturing process<\/strong>. The code determines everything from the movement of the cutting head and the part to spindle speed, RPMs, etc.<\/p>\n

CNC machining services<\/a> use a subtractive fabrication method. This means that material gets removed during the production process, making it the opposite of additive manufacturing, e.g. 3D printing.<\/p>\n

Background<\/h2>\n

CNC stands for computer numerical control<\/em>. The evolution towards the current state began with NC, or numerical control<\/em> only.<\/p>\n

The first NC machines were built in the 40s and 50s. These machines were based on existing tools but with some modifications.<\/p>\n

Motors moved based on the informational input given to them via punched tape<\/a>. The code was manually punched into data cards.<\/p>\n

In the 50s, the first steps towards CNC machining were done. At first, MIT’s computers were ready to produce the punched tape according to the inputs. In one instance, this reduced the time spent on producing the card from 8 hours to 15 minutes for a milling job.<\/p>\n

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