14.2 NUMERICAL CONTROL (NC)

•The use of numerical data to drive a machine for processes such as,

-milling

-turning

-drilling

-grinding

-shot peening

-tube bending

-flame cutting

-automated knitting machines

-automatic riveting

-etc.

•Basic components of NC systems,

-program

-controller unit

-machine tool

•Most suited to,

-parts are processed frequently in small lot sizes

-complex part geometry

-close tolerances on workpart

-many operations on part in processing

-large amounts of metal to be removed

-engineering design will possibly change

-parts that are too expensive for mistakes