12/10/23, 6:27 PM 13 Parts of a CNC Machine - CNC Block Diagram | Xometry

Resources > Machining Design > 13 Parts of a CNC Machine — CNC Block Diagram

13 Parts of a CNC Machine —

CNC Block Diagram
Learn more about the different parts of a CNC machine and
their functions.

By Team Xometry
11 min read
December 16, 2022

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CNC (computer numerical control) machines are complex pieces of equipment

designed to automatically manufacture parts from a wide range of materials
that include metal, plastic, and wood. CNC machines come in many different
configurations, but the most common are CNC mills and CNC lathes. CNC
lathes are better suited to processing cylindrical parts whereas mills can be
used on flat, curved, or angular parts.

This article will describe the different parts of a CNC machine. Some parts are
common between lathes and mills, like the control unit, driving system, and
feedback system, while others are specific to a certain type of machine. For
example, tailstocks and headstocks are only found on CNC lathes.

1. Input Device
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The “input device” for a CNC machine is the means by which CNC programs are
loaded into the machine. This input device could be the keyboard (to directly
input G-code commands), a USB flash drive (to transport a completed program
from another computer), or wireless communication (if the program is to be
downloaded from another computer using the local network).

2. Machine Control Unit (MCU) Log In Search

The MCU (machine control unit) is the set of electronic hardware and software
that reads the G-code supplied by the input device, and translates it into
instructions that can be executed by the tool drivers to perform the desired
machining actions. It is one of the most important CNC machine components.
The MCU interprets the G-code coordinates into movements carried out by
servo motors along the various machine axes. It also interprets information
from feedback sensors to ensure that the tool is in the expected position after
the movement is completed. The MCU also controls tool changers and coolant
activation as specified by the G-code. A typical control unit is shown in Figure 1
below:

Industrial CNC control unit.

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Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Dmitry Kalinovsky

3. Machine Tools
"Machine tools" is the general term used to refer to any tool that may perform
a process on a workpiece, usually cutting tools. Machine tools take on many
forms depending on the type of CNC machine. CNC lathes use stationary tools
and move the spinning raw material into the tool to make cuts. CNC mills
move spinning tools into stationary material. However, more complex 5-axis
machines can move both the tool and the workpiece, which makes it possible
to create more complex features in the finished part. Machine tools are often
kept in “tool libraries,” which are machine racks to store all the tools that may
be required to machine a part. A tool changer automatically removes a tool
from the spindle, places it in the tool library, and installs the next tool. A typical
CNC mill machine tool is shown in Figure 2 below:

CNC mill machine tool

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Dmitry Kalinovsky

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4. Driving System
The driving system refers to the motors that move the tool along the various
machine axes. In the case of a standard CNC mill, the bed is moved
horizontally along the x- and y-axes and the cutting tool is moved up and down
along the z-axis. In a standard CNC lathe, the driving system moves the cutting
tool co linearly with the axis of workpiece rotation. The cutting tool is moved
into the outer diameter of the material along the rotational axis of the
workpiece vs transverse to the rotational axis. The movement in a CNC
machine is often controlled by servo motors, ball screws, and linear guides.
Servos can precisely move the ball screw nut to position the various
mechanical components such as the bed and the spindle. Linear guides ensure
movement of the bed and spindle is precise, with as little play as possible.

5. Feedback System
Despite the precision of the driving system, it may still be necessary to have a
closed-loop control system so that after the machine moves a mechanical
component to a specific position, this position is verified and, if necessary,
adjusted. The position can be measured by making use of a linear encoder or a
rotary encoder attached to the servo motor.

Special probing tools are also used to not only zero the machine but to also
measure the actual part during machining to potentially adjust machining
parameters to meet dimensional requirements. A typical probing tool is shown
in Figure 3 below:

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Probing tool for quality control.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Dmitry Kalinovsky

6. Display Unit
The display unit is a screen that displays important information to the
operator, some displays have large high-resolution screens that display a
wealth of information whereas others have small low-resolution screens with
only the bare necessities displayed. The display unit shows how the operator
interacts with the various CNC machine functions, such as inputting G-code or
changing machine settings. The display unit also shows the current machine
operating status.

7. Bed
A CNC mill’s bed is where the raw material is mounted. Various work-holding
jigs are used to secure the workpiece in place. The bed often has t-slots or
holes to which the jigs can be attached. Conventional CNC machine beds only
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along the horizontal x- and y-axes, but more advanced 5-axis machines can
include rotational motions along the x- and y-axes. Figure 4 below shows a
part mounted to the bed of a CNC mill:

Part mounted in bed of CNC mill.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Aumm graphixphoto

In a CNC lathe, the tool turret, and the tailstock are mounted to the bed, and
the raw material is mounted to the chuck.

8. Headstock
The headstock is a section unique to a lathe that contains the main drive,
bearings, and gears needed to rotate the chuck at the required speeds for
machining. The headstock can be found on the left-hand side of a CNC lathe.
The headstock is usually enclosed and is accessed via removable inspection
panels.

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9. Tailstock
The tailstock is a CNC lathe component that is used to axially support long,
cylindrical workpieces on one side while the chuck supports the other side
while also rotating the material. Without the tail stock, the forces created
during cutting will cause the material to deflect away from the cutter. The raw
material is centered on the tailstock quill which rotates freely in the tailstock. It
is especially useful for cutting components like power screws or shafts. The
tailstock can only move along the lathe z-axis to account for different raw
material lengths.

10. Tailstock Quill

The tailstock quill is situated in the tailstock, the quill has a conical end that is
collinear with the spindle and chuck axis. When machining a long shaft, a blind
hole is often drilled into the center of the end of the workpiece so that the quill
can be positioned into it for support. The quill has only a limited range of
motion. The tailstock is moved close to the part, then the quill is actuated with
pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to secure the raw material in place.

11. Footswitch or Pedal

Foot pedals are used to activate and deactivate the chuck and tailstock quill of
a CNC lathe. Foot pedals help operators load blanks and unload completed
parts from the machine. CNC mills do not typically have foot pedals as the
parts are already supported on the bed and the operators do not need to have
both hands free when loading and unloading raw material.

12. Chuck
The chuck is a lathe-specific part that is used to grip the raw material while it is
being machined on a lathe. It is rotated at high speed by the spindle. A chuck
typically has three or four pneumatically or hydraulically actuated grips. Three-
jaw chuck grips are self-centering. All the grips move radially at the same time.
The grips on four-jaw chucks can be individually adjusted, and are not self-

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centering. Four-jaw chucks are more accurate than the three-jaw type. They
allow for eccentric cutting, as their position can be precisely controlled to
account for any variation in the raw material. Figure 5 below shows a typical
three-jaw chuck:

A typical three-jaw chuck.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Antonio Yatsen

13. Control Panel

The control panel contains: the input device, the display unit, the keyboard,
and other control buttons to help operators interact with the CNC machine.
The control panel is often attached to the CNC machine with an extendable
arm that allows the operator to position the screen in a convenient location.

What is a CNC Machine?

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A CNC (computer numerical control) machine is a computer-controlled

automated tool that can be used to shape various materials like metals,
plastic, or wood based on a set of instructions generated through CAM
(computer-aided manufacturing) software. There are two commonly used CNC
machines: CNC lathes and CNC mills.

What Are the Advantages of Using a CNC

Machine?
CNC machines are widely used in the manufacturing industry due to their
many advantages. CNC machines can work without constant operator
interaction. They can also, theoretically, operate 24/7 when coupled with
robotic systems to load and unload the machines. CNC machines have
repeatable accuracy, which means that thousands of parts can be produced
with minimal dimensional deviation from part to part. CNC machines can also
produce parts with complex features that would not be possible with manual
machines.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using a CNC

Machine?
Despite their widespread use, CNC machines do have some disadvantages that
must be considered. CNC machines are expensive tools. They cost significantly
more than manual machines. However, they have high production rates, and
the per-piece cost can be spread over a sufficient sales volume to largely (or
entirely) recoup the difference in initial investment cost. Expensive skilled
labor is also needed to operate CNC machines. When machining small, one-off,
simple parts, it is often cheaper and quicker to use a manual machine, since
the programming and set-up of a CNC machine for custom parts may not be
economical.

How Does a CNC Machine Work?

A CNC machine works by automatically cutting raw material based on a set of
operator-supplied instructions called G-code. This G-code contains the
coordinates of the specific part features, the required tool to use, and the

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optimal speeds and feeds, as well as commands for when to turn the coolant
on or off. The MCU (machine control unit) converts this G-code into
instructions for the various servo motors and spindles in order to produce the
desired part.

How to Upgrade CNC Machine Parts

Commercial CNC machines are often not designed to have their main
structure or mechanical components upgraded. Due to this, it is important to
properly specify a CNC machine both for current and future requirements.
While the mechanics of the CNC machine cannot be upgraded there are some
components that can be upgraded to improve efficiency as listed below:

1. Machine Tools: While not a direct machine upgrade, upgrading to high-

quality tools can greatly improve machining efficiency.
2. Touch Probe: A touch probe can be used to zero the machine as well as
perform some measurements during machining to allow the machine to
correct any discrepancies.
3. Tool Library: A tool library is an automated storage system that is used
to store a range of tools in the machine so that they can be automatically
changed out during machining.
4. Automation: One of the most impactful upgrades to a CNC machine is
the inclusion of automation systems. One common example of this is a
robotic arm that is used to load raw material into the machine and then
unload a completed part after machining is complete. This significantly
increases machine productivity.

Is CNC Machining Profitable?

Yes, CNC machining is profitable. The automatic nature of a CNC machine
means that many parts can be quickly manufactured at a low cost compared
to manual machining, especially for relatively large production volumes.

Summary
This article presented the parts of a CNC machine, explained what they are,
and discussed the purpose of each one and how they function. To learn more

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about CNC machines, contact a Xometry representative.

Xometry provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, including CNC

machining and other value-added services for all of your prototyping and
production needs. Visit our website to learn more or to request a free, no-
obligation quote.

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Team Xometry
This article was written by various Xometry
contributors. Xometry is a leading resource on
manufacturing with CNC machining, sheet metal
fabrication, 3D printing, injection molding,
urethane casting, and more.

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