Numerical Control (NC) technology refers to the method of controlling the actions of one or more pieces of mechanical equipment using digital instructions composed of numbers, characters, and symbols. Since NC systems typically utilize general-purpose or dedicated computers to implement digital program control, the technology is also known as Computerized Numerical Control (CNC); internationally, the term CNC is standard, while the term NC is rarely used today. The parameters controlled typically include mechanical quantities such as position, angle, and speed, as well as switching signals related to the flow of mechanical energy. The emergence of NC technology relied on the development of data carriers and binary data processing capabilities. Interchangeable data carriers in the form of perforated metal sheets appeared in 1908, and control systems utilizing paper-based data carriers with auxiliary functions were invented in the late 19th century. In 1938, Claude Shannon conducted research on high-speed data processing and transmission at MIT, laying the foundation for modern computers, including CNC systems. NC technology evolved in close conjunction with machine tool control. The debut of the first CNC machine tool in 1952 marked a watershed moment in the history of the global machinery industry, propelling the advancement of automation.
CNC technology-or Computerized Numerical Control-is a method that employs computers to implement digital program control. It uses a computer to execute control functions regarding equipment motion trajectories and the operational logic of peripherals, based on pre-stored control programs. By replacing hardware-based logic circuits with computers, various control functions-such as the storage, processing, calculation, and logical analysis of input commands-are performed via software. The resulting micro-instructions are transmitted to servo drive units, which actuate motors or hydraulic components to drive the equipment.
Traditional machining relied on the manual operation of conventional machine tools; operators would manually manipulate cutting tools to cut metal and use tools like calipers to verify product precision by eye. Modern industry has long since adopted computer-controlled machine tools; CNC machines can automatically process products and components directly according to programs pre-written by technicians. This is what is known as CNC machining. CNC machining is widely applied across all sectors of mechanical machining and represents a key trend-as well as a vital, necessary technological approach-in mold manufacturing.
CNC lathes (Computer Numerical Control lathes) are the most widely used and prevalent type of CNC machine tool in China, accounting for approximately 25% of the total CNC machine tool population. CNC machine tools are mechatronic systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, microelectronic, and information technologies. They serve as "mother machines" in manufacturing, offering advantages such as high precision, high efficiency, high automation, and great flexibility. The technological sophistication of CNC machine tools, along with their share of total metal-cutting machine tool production and ownership, serves as a key indicator of a nation's economic development and overall industrial manufacturing capability. As a primary category of CNC machine tools, CNC lathes hold a pivotal position in the industry; for decades, they have received widespread global attention and have undergone rapid development.
