Computer Control

Computer Numerical Control

A control system that uses computers to control the operation of machines during production.

Computer Aided Design

Software that provides tools for drawing and dimensioning a product.

Cartesian Coordinates

The letter-number combinations that locate points. The letters identify imaginary lines running through an object.

Computer Aided Manufacturing

Using computers to manufacture a product.

Workpiece

a piece of stock material from which material is removed to create a desired part or shape. Wood and metals are common materials used.

CAD/CAM

a process that combines computer-aided drawing and computer-aided manufacturing. Output from the computer used to design a product is used to operate the machines that manufacture it.

Flexible Manufacturing system

allows the manufacturer to make a variety of designs using the same machines.

Milling machine

also know as a mill, is a tool that spins a cutting tool know as an end mill, the stock material to be cut is moved along the x, y and z axes to adjust where the material is to be cut.

Manufacturing Cell

are a set of workstations with machines that are controlled by computers to perform a variety of operations. They can easily be programmed to adjust to a new design.

Axis

are imaginary lines running through an object, which tell the machine where to perform its operations. X runs left to right, representing the length of the workpiece, Y represents the width and the Z represents the height.

Programmable Logic Computer

are small computers that help to control machines, such as the ones on an assembly line. They can control many things such as flow rate, levels of materials, and other reprograming functions.

Codes

information which is entered into a machine that will tell the machine how fast to move, what direction , or the shape of a cut.

Lathe

is a machine tool used to make round and cylindrical parts such as a baseball bat, spindles or engine pistons.

Drafter

is a person that works with the engineer to develop careful drawings of objects they wish to manufacture, the programmers will use these plans to create code to control machines to make the object.

Machinist

is a person who operates a machine tool such a s a lathe or Mill to remove material to create a desired shape.

Machining

is a process used to create parts for other machines. Parts for engines, power tools, and appliances are often made this way.

Simulation Software

software that can test a product design by simulating the environment in which the product must be able to work.

Manual data input

when operators program simple operations directly into machines using a keypad to perform an operation in a factory.