Quick Explanation of the Process
This is how I view CNC. I break it down into simple steps that I can remember. Now, they all interact, but it is good to keep them in boxes for simplicity sake. I also like to keep them in a logical, progression type order. Here they are: Design, CAD, CAM, Control and Machine.
Today you are going on a journey. You are going to learn about the basics of CNC. I hope you are as excited as I am about this topic.
I have been using CNC equipment in my home shop for six years now. The technology gets better and better every year.
The software gets better every year. At one time large companies could only afford this technology. Now there are hundreds of thousands of these machines working in garages like yours and mine.
There are basically five elements to a CNC Project that you need to know:
Design – thinking and planning what you want to build
CAD – translating it into the computer
CAM – converting it into machine language
Controlling – directing your machine’s motion
Machining – building the part to specifications
These five elements are...