Without a doubt, the two most common CNC machines are the machining center and the turning center. A machining center is used to machine flat or angled surfaces, and a turning center is used to machine cylindrical parts. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate both of these machines.
CNC machines rely on the coordinate system to machine incredibly accurate dimensions. This requires a mapping of the coordinate system onto the dimensions of the machine. Imagine applying the right hand rule to a machine. Every CNC machine is programmed to recognize where the X-, Y-, and Z-axes are located on the machine itself.
The location of axes on any CNC machine is not a haphazard process. Each machine relies on Electronics Industries Association (EIA) standards that dictate the location of these axes.
CNC machines rely on the coordinate system to machine incredibly accurate dimensions. This requires a mapping of the coordinate system onto the dimensions of the machine. Imagine applying the right hand rule to a machine. Every CNC machine is programmed to recognize where the X-, Y-, and Z-axes are located on the machine itself.
The location of axes on any CNC machine is not a haphazard process. Each machine relies on Electronics Industries Association (EIA) standards that dictate the location of these axes.
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| A turning center is used to machine cylindrical parts |
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| A machining center is used to machine flat or angled surfaces. |
