Back when the term "CNC" was coined there where other non-numeric methods of controlling machines. and there where non-computer methods of machine controls. It was possible to do numeric control with no computer (using punched paper tape) and you could do non-numeric control using mechanical linkages. Machine control goes back to at least the 1940's.
So at the time it was important to say you were using BOTH "numeric control" as opposed to using cams and levers and that you were using a computer rather then punch tape or cards. Today it seem odd because what other reasonable method would anyone use? We have forgotten about the old technology, well except for hand wheels. On Tue, Aug 30, 2016 at 11:42 PM, <[email protected]> wrote: > Got into a bizarre argument... so of course it was initially "Computer > Numeric Control". I was noting people breaking it down to explain it to > people as "which means it's 'computer numeric controlled'" but that seems to > add nothing to the meaning. In fact it's confusing. > > It's computer-controlled, sure. I say "computer controlled" for people who > don't know the term "CNC". But what is the "numeric" adding? I presume that > meant something in like the 80's, but it's not used anymore. Computers use > numbers... and bits... and memory... and code... and electricity. It doesn't > seem to convey anything now but implies there's some special number thing > going on, which is why I always just say "CNC" or "computer controlled". > > Thing is, people occasionally become confused how a laser cutter or 3D > printer is NOT "computer numeric control", we never call those CNC. Well, > they ARE all computer-controlled, equally so, really. And numbers are > involved. But the term "CNC" seems limited to mills, routers, and plasma. A > waterjet or wire EDM, I just hear those without the "CNC" in front, because > there's no manual waterjets around. There are handheld plasma cutters > through. > > It seems like expanding it to "computer NUMERIC control" implies that > something entirely different in its core concept than laser cutters or 3D > printers... or, like, a paper printer, and people ask what that is. > > I was arguing the best answer is "CNC just means CNC, and specifically > cutters and plasma". > > Danny > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > _______________________________________________ > Emc-users mailing list > [email protected] > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users -- Chris Albertson Redondo Beach, California ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
