What is CNC? Everything You Need to Know

The worlds of industry and manufacturing rely heavily on CNC technology. If in the past working hands were required to operate machines, drawings, etc., today computers are used that perform everything automatically according to settings and digital drawings.

CNC technology enables the production of complex parts quickly, with consistent quality and precision that was almost impossible through manual means alone.

What is CNC Technology and Why is it Essential in Industry?

The acronym CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control.

In practice, this means that instead of manual operation involving moving the machine axes and the need for precise actions at each stage, the computer runs software that defines the movement, speed and processing depth for itself. The software is written in a three-dimensional CAD model, goes through CAM software and is fed into the computer as operating code that the processing machine knows how to read.

Industrially, this has enormous significance. The technology enables machines to perform exactly the same movements time after time, even in production runs of thousands of parts. Speeds, angles and use of different tools can be defined without pausing for each change. There are fewer human errors and production times are significantly shortened.

In industries where every micron matters, such as semiconductor or medical industries, this capability is a prerequisite for market integration.

The Operating Principle of CNC Systems

CNC technology is relevant to all stages of production, from design to the metal chips coming out of the machine.

The operating principle is usually based on the following stages:

• Designing the part to be manufactured in CAD software, including defining all required dimensions and tolerances.
• Translating the model into a manufacturing process in CAM software: selecting tools, processing paths and sequence of operations.
• Creating G-code software containing the sequence of commands for the axes, rotation speeds, etc.
• Loading the software into the machine controller and setting the zero point of the part in the machine.
• Controlled running of the software, through simulation performed without material, to verify there are no malfunctions.
• Serial production, where the machine performs the exact same paths, with ongoing monitoring of part quality.

The Precision Revolution – From Manual Craftsmanship to Computerized Manufacturing

Before the CNC era, part quality was almost entirely influenced by the quality of the hands of the professional who worked with the machine. Every change in angle, tool or material required extensive experience, took a lot of time and involved trial and error. Good parts could be produced, but not always identical to each other, and the ability to meet precise requirements was limited.

The transition to computerized manufacturing changed the picture, and transferred the need for skill from the operation stage to the planning stage.

Today, instead of manually controlling dials, operators and engineers control processing paths, rates and cutting strategies. The machine itself performs the movement with precision that repeats itself, and therefore the level of uniformity, speed and ability to work with complex geometries has increased dramatically.

At the same time, quality control has also become more measurable and documented, in a way that allows going back to the original plan and understanding each stage in the process in depth.

CNC Applications in Processing, Cutting and Bending

In modern industry, computerized control can be found in almost every processing technology.

Among the common applications:

• Machining: Milling, turning, drilling and threading are performed on multi-axis machining centers. The machine removes layers from the material in precise paths, until the final shape is obtained.
• Laser cutting: The laser head moves above the sheet metal according to G-code paths, and cuts complex shapes with high precision and minimal thermal distortion.
• Sheet metal bending: Machines controlled by CNC technology bend at angle and length according to a defined program. This enables producing series of identical parts with tight tolerances even in complex shapes.

The Key Advantages of CNC Technology

Compared to traditional manufacturing, CNC provides more control, flexibility and efficiency. Among the key advantages:

• Precision and consistency: Every part in the series is manufactured according to the same commands, with minimal deviations (if any) between parts.
• Time savings: After the production program is defined, it is possible to quickly move from one part to another, and in some cases run the machine with minimal manual intervention.
• Raw material utilization: Computerized planning enables producing less waste and working more economically.
• Customization: There is no need to set up the entire production line again and it is easier to switch between different products, produce in small batches or make adjustments.

CNC Uses in Advanced Industries

Typical uses of the technology in various industries:

• Automotive industry: Using CNC, components can be manufactured for engines, gearboxes, brackets and molds for plastic tools. Thanks to the technology, deviations that could affect vehicle performance and reliability are avoided.
• Aerospace industry: Manufacturing engine parts, wing structures and chassis components. These are components that must be able to withstand extreme loads and tight tolerances, so the use of CNC is a basic standard.
• Electronics and semiconductor industry: In order to produce precise enclosures, test connectors and damping components, processing must be done at a micron level, with high repeatability across thousands of units.
• Medical industry: The technology helps produce implants, surgical instrument parts and components for diagnostic systems with perfect fit to the human body and stringent regulatory standards.

Beyond that, CNC technology is also applied in additional industries such as energy (turbine components and wind generators), defense (weapon bodies and sight mechanisms), tools (drill heads and molds) and the watch and jewelry industry (tiny parts with high precision).

Admati Agencies – Excellence in Controlled and Precise Manufacturing

Admati Agencies offers a complete range of solutions for diverse customers in advanced industries. Over the years, we have built expertise in implementing precise manufacturing technologies for the semiconductor, medical and defense industries, while working according to strict ISO standards and rigorous quality control.

We accompany customers from the initial planning stages to serial production. Our QA department is equipped with advanced measuring tools, with the help of which our experts ensure that every component leaving the production line meets the drawing requirements and the defined quality standard.

This is how we provide complete manufacturing solutions, based on advanced CNC technology and capable of handling any project and the unique requirements of each industry.