CNC
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Engineering
| Stands for | Computer numerical control |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
CNC stands for Computer numerical control, an engineering abbreviation.
Automated control of machine tools such as mills, lathes, routers, plasma and laser cutters by a computer that follows programmed instructions. CNC machines produce precise, repeatable parts from metal, plastic and wood, from aerospace components to custom furniture.
Example: The bracket was cut on a three-axis CNC mill from a solid block of 6061 aluminum.
Usage notes
Numerical control began in the late 1940s, when John T. Parsons used punched-card calculations to machine helicopter rotor blades, and MIT's Servomechanisms Laboratory demonstrated an NC milling machine in 1952. Programs are usually written in G-code, standardized as RS-274. Five-axis machines can tilt and rotate the part or tool to reach complex surfaces.
Related abbreviations
More engineering abbreviations
- BIM – Building information modeling
- BOM – Bill of materials
- CAD – Computer-aided design
- CAE – Computer-aided engineering
- CAM – Computer-aided manufacturing
- CFD – Computational fluid dynamics
- COP – Coefficient of performance
- CTE – Coefficient of thermal expansion
- DCS – Distributed control system
- DFA – Design for assembly
- DFM – Design for manufacturing
- ECN – Engineering change notice