Automatic machines are generally used to minimise the need for manual effort.   The benefits are reduced operating costs, reduced operator errors, increased reliability, minimum work reduction due to human fatigue, illness and labour disputes..

Automatic Machines generally possess the following characteristics.

The following terms apply to modern automatic machines...

The transportation of materials around the floor of a workshop can be automated using AGV's (Automatically guided Vehicles) these are generally battery powered vehicles which are controlled using wires embedded into the floor or by taking using laser beams or using inertial systems.
Material handling into and out of the machine tool can be accomplished using proprietory robotic arms or gantry systems for heavier items.  The control systems for the handling equipment must be integrated with the machine tool control system

Numerical Control (N/C) is the term given to the programming control system for automatically operated machine tools and other manufacturing units..  Most modern machine tools can include N/C systems.  DNC is the term used for Direct numerical control when a central computer system controls a number of machine tool work stations..  CNC is the term for computer numerical control which is local control of a machine tool be a built in computer.

N/C programmes are coded instructions written in a standard language which is interpreted by the Machine Control Unit (MCU) which converts the instructions into electric signals which control the AC, DC or servo drives or the hydraulic or pneumatic valves feeding the fluid actuators on the machine tools.

Typical Applications for Computer Numerical Control.

Sheet Metal Machines Including

Fabrication Machines Including

Automatic Inspection Machine for tracing contours.

NC systems as used by, milling machines and lathes ,are generally based on the cartesian co-ordinate system.  The Z axis being the machine tool spindle. The programming movement of a CNC machine can be described in four ways.

The CNC controls fall into two general types Open Loop Control and Closed Loop Control.  The open loop control option includes for stepping motor drives with no feedback other than the internal system on the drive which provides for accurate descrete step movements.  The closed loop system is based on feedback generally with high powered servo drives.  The second option provides more reliable accuracy for long production cycles....

Character..  This is a number letter or symbol which is recognised by the controller

Word..a group of characters which defines a complete item of information.. There are two types of words as follows.

Dimensional words..  These are words directly interpreted as dimensions.  They begin with X, Y, Z (referring to dimensions parallel to the relevant axes) and I, J, K (referring to arcs of circles).

Management words..These are words not related to dimensions. Examples of management words are provided below;

Format:   Different Controls systems use different formats, the relevant manual normally explains the format.  A block of data consists of a complete line of instruction words for the controller.

Word (or Letter) Address Format:   The most currently most widely used format is the word (address) format. Each word commences with a letter called an address. Each word is identified within the block by its letter and not by its position.    Thus in each block only instructions which change have to be included.

Block Numbers (N)
Each block is preceded with the block number e.g. N5, N10, N15 etc the numbers are in steps of 5 to allow insertions of late code..

Preparatory functions (G)
Note: the G numbers below are for illustrative purposes only. There are actually a number of different G number tables e.g Fanuc 0MB, 0TC,3M, 5M, 5T, 6M,6T,10M, 10T, Haas Lathe, Haas Mill, Mazak M32,Okuma OSP500 lathe et.etc

Many of these can be obtained from the CNC reference links below:

Dimensional Words
A CNC control will instruct the machine to move the desired tool to a position parallel to the identified axis to the position indicated by the dimension words e.g X10.0 Y-20.0. If there is no sign it shall be assumed to be positive. To drill a hole 50mm deep at a set position the line of code would read (say) N20 G01 X30.0, Y60.0, Z -50.0.

Feed Rate
There are a number of methods of indicating the feed rate.. i.e.
F45 may indicate 45mm/min..
F0.3 may indicate 0.3mm/rev..
F10 may indicate a feed rate number for a rate predetermined by the machine tool maker..

Tool Number
The different tools used for machining a part will be allocated a different number. The tool number will identify the tool offset parameters and the tool loading position amongst other information.

Miscellaneous functions
A number of miscellaneous functions are available for various housekeeping operations..

Data Input
One method of inputting the information into CNC machines is via Manual Date Input MDI. This can be from a keyboard or via a learning mode..
The technology for stored data input has evolved from punched tape to magnetic tape to floppy disc. Program information can be input via a PC using the G & M codes as indicated above or direct for CAD CAM software..