CNC
Programmed machine control
CNC stands for computer numerical control, a manufacturing process where pre-programmed software directs the movement of machinery and tools.
CNC machines—mills, lathes, routers, plasma cutters—can produce precise, repeatable parts with minimal human intervention: The shop runs CNC twenty-four hours a day.
In a different context, CNC is an acronym in BDSM for consensual non-consent, a form of role-play where partners agree in advance to simulate coercion.
Processing grain mechanically
- turningAct of rotating
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- latheRotating shaping machine
- grindingMolar action sometimes
boring · tapping · routing · cutting · shaping · engraving · spindle · toolpath
Deliberately untrue statement
- productionMaking or generating something
- metalworkingShaping raw ore industrially
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- prototypingMaking preliminary models
factory · workshop · assembly · CAD · CAM · blueprint · engineering · molding
Easing of distress
- inlayEmbedded surface ornamentation
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- engravingCarving into hard surfaces
lettering · ornamental · fretwork · intarsia · marquetry · artistic · decorative · contour
Willingness to accept difference
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- repeatabilityCapacity for consistent duplication
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- micrometerMillionth of a meter
dimensional · measurement · alignment · gauging · resolution · metrology · interpolation · positioning
Industrial automation computer
- servoSelf-regulating motor
- feedbackReturned response data
- sensorsDevices that detect input
- actuatorsMovement-producing mechanisms
lights-out · unattended · programmable · encoder · homing
milling
Processing grain mechanically
grinding · boring · tapping · routing · cutting · shaping · engraving · spindle · toolpath · coolant
fabrication
Deliberately untrue statement
- productionMaking or generating something
- metalworkingShaping raw ore industrially
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
prototyping · factory · workshop · assembly · CAD · CAM · blueprint · engineering · molding · extrusion
relief
Easing of distress
- inlayEmbedded surface ornamentation
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
engraving · lettering · ornamental · fretwork · intarsia · marquetry · artistic · decorative · contour · pocket
tolerance
Willingness to accept difference
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- repeatabilityCapacity for consistent duplication
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
micrometer · dimensional · measurement · alignment · gauging · resolution · metrology · interpolation · positioning · backlash
PLC
Industrial automation computer
actuators · lights-out · unattended · programmable · encoder · homing
- manufacturingfactories, factory, car factory, assembly plants, electronics factory
- controlsbutton, switch, dial, knob, lever
- Mechanical Engineeringmechanical engineer, design engineer, valves, motors, aerospace engineer
- Tech AcronymsCPU, RAM, ROM, URL, HTML
- technical educationtechnical institute, technical training, vocational college, trade school, trade schools
- vocational trainingapprenticeship, apprenticeships, trade school, trade schools, vocational school
Requiring direct human manipulation
manual operation · manual · hand tools · hand-cranked · analog control
CNChandcrafted
Made manually, not machined
handmade · artisanal · bespoke · freehand · one-of-a-kind
- CNC machineProgrammed automated fabrication tool