11/02/2025 12:48:52
CNC Unit 1: CNC Basics
Ball screw
A screw and nut assembly with steel balls in place of threads which can achieve high
efficiency and zero backlash in computerized numerical control machines.
Block
In the word address programming system, a group of program words that appear on
the same line and are to be executed at the same time.
Cartesian coordinate system
Two- or three-dimensional systems that use X and Y or X, Y, and Z values for
location.
Absolute positioning system
A referencing method used with coordinate systems in which the coordinates of all
positions are referenced from the origin (X0, Y0, Z0).
Automatic Tool Changer
A device used in some CNC machines to automatically load, unload, and store tools.
Circular interpolation
Commanded by the G-codes G2 or G3, a type of motion that causes the cutter's path
to travel in an arc so that CNC machines can cut full or partial circles.
Conversational programming
A special type of MCU function developed to simplify the machine programming
process in which the operator selects the intended type of machining operation from
an on-screen menu and the machine prompts the programmer with a series of
questions.
Encoder
The sensor portion of a CNC machine's servo motor that works by recording the
amount of rotation a motor makes (in degrees), which provides feedback to the
machine control to ensure the desired amount of movement is obtained.
End of block
The semicolon character at the end of a block of CNC code that instructs the MCU to
move on to the next block.
G-codes
CNC programming codes that prepare a machine to engage in a particular mode for
machining; for instance, a G1 code tells the machine to feed in a straight line, or
linear motion.
Incremental positioning system
A referencing method used with coordinate systems which specifies a distance from
the current position to the next position instead of a location related to the initial
origin.
Linear guides
A modernized version of ways that are sealed, have pressurized lubrication systems,
and contain low friction ball bearings.
Linear interpolation
Designated by the G-code G1, CNC motion used to move the tool in a straight line
along one or more machine axis.
Machining center
A computerized numerical control (CNC) mill equipped with an automatic tool
changer.
Machining Control Unit
CNC Unit 1: CNC Basics
Ball screw
A screw and nut assembly with steel balls in place of threads which can achieve high
efficiency and zero backlash in computerized numerical control machines.
Block
In the word address programming system, a group of program words that appear on
the same line and are to be executed at the same time.
Cartesian coordinate system
Two- or three-dimensional systems that use X and Y or X, Y, and Z values for
location.
Absolute positioning system
A referencing method used with coordinate systems in which the coordinates of all
positions are referenced from the origin (X0, Y0, Z0).
Automatic Tool Changer
A device used in some CNC machines to automatically load, unload, and store tools.
Circular interpolation
Commanded by the G-codes G2 or G3, a type of motion that causes the cutter's path
to travel in an arc so that CNC machines can cut full or partial circles.
Conversational programming
A special type of MCU function developed to simplify the machine programming
process in which the operator selects the intended type of machining operation from
an on-screen menu and the machine prompts the programmer with a series of
questions.
Encoder
The sensor portion of a CNC machine's servo motor that works by recording the
amount of rotation a motor makes (in degrees), which provides feedback to the
machine control to ensure the desired amount of movement is obtained.
End of block
The semicolon character at the end of a block of CNC code that instructs the MCU to
move on to the next block.
G-codes
CNC programming codes that prepare a machine to engage in a particular mode for
machining; for instance, a G1 code tells the machine to feed in a straight line, or
linear motion.
Incremental positioning system
A referencing method used with coordinate systems which specifies a distance from
the current position to the next position instead of a location related to the initial
origin.
Linear guides
A modernized version of ways that are sealed, have pressurized lubrication systems,
and contain low friction ball bearings.
Linear interpolation
Designated by the G-code G1, CNC motion used to move the tool in a straight line
along one or more machine axis.
Machining center
A computerized numerical control (CNC) mill equipped with an automatic tool
changer.
Machining Control Unit
