27
Addendum C
Definitions
CNC Terminology:
CNC:
Computer Numerical Control
– this just means a computer controlling something. We are
surrounded by CNC machines in our everyday life typically without even recognizing it. A digital
alarm clock is, in fact, technically a CNC machine, as is any coffee pot that will make coffee at a pre-
set time. Any devices
with the word ‘programmable’ in the title, as in thermostats or garage door
openers, are again, in fact, CNC machines. Your DVD player is as much a CNC machine as an
industrial robot welding a car together.
G-Code
: A standardized language that contains instruction on where and when to move various
parts of a machine.
Indexing
: The action of rotating an axis to a specific azimuth (number of degrees)
†
M-Code:
An instruction contained within the G-
code ‘Program’ that performs a utility function
unrelated to motion, like turning parts of the machine (Spindle motor, coolant, etc.) on and off. Also
used for controlling the ‘flow’ of the G-code by providing for organized execution of the various parts
of the program. i.e., pretty much everything that is not a command to move something.
Mill/Turn
: Combining the functions of Milling and Turning operations on the same machine. Normally
a milling machine and a lathe would be required to carry out both functions.
†See Macro under Computer Terminology
Computer Terminology:
Configure:
A potentially scary term that actually describes something every single person does every
day. ‘Configuring’ a machine is the simply act of entering information telling a machine what to do.
Setting an alarm clock is ‘configuring’ the machine. Setting the temperature on a thermostat is
‘configuring’ the machine. Any information that is variable and cannot be determined automatically by
the machine must be entered by an ‘operator’. An oven does not know the correct temperature to
bake a particular item, so the ‘operator’ (the cook) looks it up in a ‘spec’ (recipe) and ‘configures’ the
oven for the task.
CNC components that require ‘configuration’ normally come with that ‘recipe’ that tells the operator
exactly what to enter into the machine depending on the way the machine is needed to operate.
Drivers:
A small program that runs continuously and handles communications and data conversions
between the computer and an attached device (Printer, Mouse, Motion Controller, etc.).
Firmware:
‘Programs’ that reside permanently in the computer’s memory (even when the computer is
turned off). Because such programs are ‘resident’ in the computer’s memory, they can execute (or
‘run’) at any time (usually on power-up) without needing to be loaded from some storage media.
Flashing:
Describing the
process of imprinting ‘Firmware’ on ‘permanent’ memory, this is a bit of
slang that may have derived
from the term ‘Flash’ memory, which is one of several terms used to
describe the type of memory that can retain its contents without power
.
