Difference between Numerical Control (NC) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

In today's world, every manufacturing industry requires a high-quality product in a short period of time. This complexity of great precision in a short time period can be achieved using Numerical Control (NC) and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. Most people are unaware of the essential difference between these machines. The NC is the traditional control that permits storing data during machining. On the other hand, CNC goes a step further by offering more versatility and capability. CNCs have the ability to handle logical operations.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between Numerical Control (NC) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC). But before discussing the differences, you must know about Numerical Control and Computer Network Control with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is Numerical Control (NC)?

NC systems employ fixed logical functions to control a system tool or the system processing. It provides the control of machine movements and numerous functions using instructions represented as a numerical sequence. These NCs are powered by electronic control systems. However, you may not change the functions in the NC because of the strict wiring of the control logic, and it is defined as hardwired.

The external media feeds the instructions into the NC machines, such as magnetic or paper tape. It processes the data that is stored in the control system's "buffer storage" memory by reading it from this tape and processing it step by step. When the system is running on a single instruction block, the next block is read from the tape and stored in the machine control system's memory.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Numerical Control

There are various advantages and disadvantages of Numerical Control. Some main advantages and disadvantages of Numerical Control are as follows:

Advantages

1. The NC system aids in extending the machine's productive working time. It also aids in minimizing nonproductive time by eliminating nonproductive system movements such as tool change, workpiece handling time, etc.
2. These NC systems are used to produce complex parts where human error is likely. It aids in the production of parts with greater accuracy, less scarp, and fewer inspection needs.
3. NC systems aid in the automation of all manual tasks such as cutting, drilling, etc. As a result, the time needed to complete the task is reduced.
4. NC systems may be easily worked by less skilled labor. Since all processes in NC systems are automated, the only labor required is monitoring the task.
5. The adoption of this technology reduces labor costs because it requires less human intervention than a traditional machine. As a result, management may reduce its labor costs.

Disadvantages

1. The NC machines utilize complicated and complex technology. There is significant wear and tear due to their extensive use because they are frequently used to return the investment. Therefore, this machine requires more maintenance than a typical machine.
2. It necessitates a larger investment due to its complicated and complex technology. As it takes more investment, management must use the machine more aggressively to cover its costs through increased production. Therefore, that management may maximize the return on investment.
3. It requires highly skilled staff because it incorporates complex technologies that the average employee cannot operate. The difficulty of recruiting, hiring, and training these people is more expensive and time-consuming.
4. A proper understanding of NC programming is needed to make adjustments to the machine and troubleshoot the NC machine. Therefore, programming training for staff is required, which will cost more.

What is Control Numerical Control (CNC)?

CNC is an abbreviation for "Computer Numerical Control". It is created by combining the computer and numerical control. It employs internal microprocessors (computers) that are made up of memory registers. The memory registers hold many routines that may successfully modify logical functions. As a result, a machine operator may modify the software on the control. It is extremely beneficial to CNC machines.

CNC machines save logical functions and programs in special computer system chips. That's why they are referred to as softwired.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Numerical Control

There are various advantages and disadvantages of Computer Numerical Control. Some main advantages and disadvantages of Computer Numerical Control are as follows:

Advantages

1. It may run for 24 hours a day. It has greater flexibility and constant quality.
2. It may produce complicated designs with excellent accuracy in the shortest amount of time. They lowered the scrap rate, nonproductive time, power consumption, and load time.
3. It produces parts with the same precision. A CNC machine produces identical parts without any variation. They improved production as well as operational safety.
4. It may produce jobs with greater precision and accuracy than any other manual machine.
5. A CNC machine doesn't need a highly skilled operator. A semi-skilled operator may also operate with greater accuracy and precision.

Disadvantages

1. It needed computer systems and programming knowledge.
2. When compared to manually operated devices, the CNC machine is relatively expensive.
3. In the case of CNC, the maintenance cost is relatively expensive.
4. CNC machines must be installed in air-conditional places.
5. The CNC machine's parts are costly.
6. They have an expensive setup and expert operation.

Key Differences between NC and CNC

There are various key differences between NC and CNC. Some main differences between NC and CNC are as follows:

1. NC machines use punched cards to transmit instructions to the machine. In contrast, CNC controls the machine through a computer.
2. NC machines need additional time and expert operators to develop the products. On the other hand, CNCs require less manual labor and are faster and more automated.
3. The operational settings of NC machines cannot be changed. On the other hand, you can change the operational parameters in CNC machines.
4. CNC machines are more expensive and require more maintenance than NC machines.
5. NC has low accuracy and flexibility than CNC. In contrast, CNC has high accuracy and flexibility than NC.
6. NC requires extra time in the execution of the task. In contrast, CNC requires less time in the execution of the job.
7. The NC programs may only be changed by altering the data on the punched cards. On the other hand, CNC programs may be modified directly from the system.
8. There is no memory exist in the NC for storing instructions. In contrast, CNC requires memory to store instructions.
9. NC machines may not run continuously. In contrast, CNC machines may run continuously for 24 hours of a day.
10. Alteration in operation parameters is not possible in NC machines. In contrast, Alteration in operation parameters may be possibly changed in CNC machines.

Head-to-head comparison between NC and CNC

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between NC and CNC. The main differences between NC and CNC are as follows:

Conclusion

The main distinction between NC and CNC machines is that the NC directly controls the machine tools using punched cards. In contrast, CNC uses computer systems that communicate with several MCUs (Machine Control Units), which are the sources of the data.