In a narrow sense: a CNC system is the operating system used to control a CNC machine tool, usually installed on the motherboard of a CNC controller.

In a broad sense: a CNC system is a machine tool control module composed of multiple hardware and software components. It is also called a CNC controller. It holds a core position in a CNC machine tool, playing the role of the “brain.”

This article will popularize what a CNC system is from a broad sense.

What is a CNC system composed of?

Operating system (Software part)

Just like computer operating systems have Windows, macOS, Linux, etc., CNC machine tools also have their own operating systems. Their operating systems are usually named after the brand name, such as Mitsubishi, FANUC, Siemens, Socay, and so on. However, different from the openness of computer operating systems, the CNC operating system is highly bound to its own hardware.

CNC system (Hardware part)

Motherboard:

• Main control unit (Inner core): Issues machining instructions
• PLC motherboard (Outer core): Executes machining instructions

Control panel: Operates the CNC system to perform motion instructions through the control panel
Display: Used to display the graphical user interface
Servo motor / Servo drive: Control instructions are ultimately transformed into motor movements
I/O unit / Input-output module / Adapter: Collects signals and outputs signals
Power supply: Provides electrical power
Communication bus: The external hardware of the machine tool connects with the control system through the bus
Storage module: Stores data

What functions do CNC systems have?

• Visualized operation interface: Convenient and efficient interaction with the CNC system
• CNC programming functions: Standard programming (G-code, M-code, manual programming, conversational programming, CAM post-processor program importing)
• Machining path control: Supports interpolation (linear interpolation and circular interpolation) and multi-axis simultaneous control
• Accuracy compensation functions: Tool compensation: (tool length and radius compensation); Error compensation (calculating mechanical movement error lead time); Thermal deformation compensation (metal expands with heat and contracts with cold, bringing tolerances)
• Intelligent machining control: Calculates error variables in advance, performs look-ahead control, and optimizes automatic acceleration and deceleration
• Tool management functions: Automatic tool change, tool compensation database, tool life and breakage detection.
• Monitoring, alarm, and diagnosis functions: Crash warning for improper operations, and machining accuracy deviation monitoring.
• Data center and networking: Collects machining data and synchronizes via network
• Safety protection: Automatic emergency stop to prevent collision; Automatic Z-axis retraction upon power failure.
  
  

Mainstream CNC system brands and characteristics

Socay: Manufactured in Chinese, high cost-performance ratio, and wide versatility.

Mitsubishi: Manufactured in Japan (high speed and high efficiency)

• M80VB: High speed and high efficiency. Making parts. Used to machine conventional parts and some abrasives/tools, with extremely fast machining speed.
• M80VA: High precision and fast speed, primarily making molds

FANUC: Manufactured in Japan (stable, durable, and extremely strong compatibility)

• 0i-FMplus: Stable and durable, high penetration rate, low failure rate, good compatibility, and high value retention rate.

Siemens: Manufactured in Germany (high degree of intelligence), strong algorithms, prominent multi-axis simultaneous performance, excellent curved surface machining, and strong dynamic compensation.

Heidenhain: Manufactured in Germany (top-tier precision)

Some suggestions

When purchasing a CNC machine, you must ask clearly about the system and type used. Different CNC systems have different focus points. Even if the machine’s configuration is very high, if the system is not that compatible, the actual performance will be greatly compromised. Welcome to consult our engineers, who are very happy to answer system questions for you.