The NC full form is “Numerical Control”. Numerical control is a method of automatically controlling machine tools through the use of programmed commands encoded on a storage medium, such as punched tape or disk, rather than controlled manually via handwheels or levers, or mechanically automated via cams alone.
Numerical control was first used in the manufacturing industry during the 1940s and 1950s. It has since become a widely used method for controlling machine tools in the manufacturing industry, leading to increased productivity and precision. The use of numerical control has made it possible to produce parts with a high degree of accuracy, repeatability, and consistency.
In numerical control, the machine tool is controlled by a computer, which reads the stored program and translates it into commands for the machine tool. The machine tool then follows these commands to produce the desired part. This allows for greater flexibility in the manufacturing process, as different parts can be produced using the same machine tool simply by changing the stored program.
Numerical control has revolutionized the manufacturing industry and has led to the development of new and advanced machine tools, such as computer numerical control (CNC) machines. CNC machines are equipped with a computer that can control the movement of the machine tool and adjust its cutting speed in real-time, allowing for even greater precision and control in the manufacturing process.
In conclusion, NC or numerical control is a method of controlling machine tools in the manufacturing industry using stored program commands. This technology has revolutionized the industry, leading to increased productivity, precision, and flexibility in the manufacturing process.