COMPUTER NUMERIC CONTROL

ABSTRACT

In order to help students grasp the concepts of computer-aided manufacture, a small

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) workstation was built. It consists of a microcomputer,
stepper motors, and necessary interface electronics. The workstation may be controlled by
means of either a PC or network device. It can be used to work on stone or wood.

An important part of any design process is the repeated iterative adaption cycle
necessary in which a plan is adjusted to make it work. This important aspect of engineering is
not often emphasized in a curriculum because students must master a large number of design
techniques and actually implementing designs is both time-consuming and expensive. Since
metal-cutting processes are fundamental for industrial engineers, a compact, inexpensive
CNC workstation can be used to allow students to gain experience in this important aspect of
engineering.