The term numerical control is a widely accepted and commonly used term in the machine tool industry. Numerical control (NC) enables an operator to communicate with machine tools through a series of numbers and symbols.
NC and computer numerical control (CNC) have brought tremendous changes to the metalworking industry. New machine tools in combination with NC or CNC have enabled industry to consistently produce parts to accuracies undreamed of only a few years ago. The same part can be reproduced to the same degree of accuracy any number of times if the NC tape has been properly prepared or if the computer has been properly programmed. The operating commands which control the machine tool are executed automatically with amazing speed, accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability.
The ever-increasing use of NC and CNC in industry has created a need for personnel who are knowledgeable about and capable of preparing the programs which guide the machine tools to produce parts to the required shape and accuracy. With this in mind, the authors have prepared this textbook to take the mystery out of NC-to put it into a logical sequence and express it in simple language that everyone can understand. The preparation of a program is explained in a logical step-by-step procedure, with practical examples to guide the student> Review questions at the end of each unit are designed to stimulate reasoning and to increase knowledge of this exciting and everexpanding field.
Chapter 1. History of Numerical Control
Chapter 2. The Computer
Chapter 3. Input Media
Chapter 4. How Numerical Control Operates Machine Tools
Chapter 5. Porgramming Data
Chapter 6. Simple Programming
Chapter 7. Angular and Contour Programming
Chapter 8. Miscellaneous Numerical Control Functions
Chapter 9. Machining Centers
Chapter 10. Chucking and TurningCenters
ect.