The History and Culture of CNC Machine Tools

Numerical Control (NC) technology refers to the use of numerical instructions composed of numbers, text, and symbols to control the actions of one or more mechanical devices. Numerical control is generally achieved through the use of general-purpose or specialized computers to implement digital program control. Therefore, numerical control is also known as computerized numerical control (CNC), abbreviated as CNC. It is commonly referred to as CNC in foreign countries, and the concept of NC is rarely used again. It usually controls mechanical quantities such as position, angle, speed, and switch quantities related to the flow of mechanical energy. The emergence of numerical control relies on the emergence of data carriers and binary form data operations. In 1908, perforated metal foil interchangeable data carriers were introduced; At the end of the 19th century, control systems using paper as a data carrier and with auxiliary functions were invented; In 1938, Shannon conducted rapid data computation and transmission at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, laying the foundation for modern computers, including computer digital control systems. Numerical control technology has developed closely in conjunction with machine tool control. In 1952, the first CNC machine tool was introduced, becoming an epoch-making event in the history of the world's machinery industry and promoting the development of automation.