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13 Main Difference between NC, CNC and DNC Machine

In this article, you’ll learn what is NC machine, CNC machine, and DNC machine and the Difference Between NC and CNC Machine and Difference Between CNC and DNC machine.

NC Machine (Numerical Control Machine)

Numerical Control (NC) A machine tool is operated by a series of coded instructions that include numbers, letters of the alphabet, and symbols that the machine control unit (MCU) can read. These coded instructions are changed into electrical pulses that the machine’s motors and controls follow to run manufacturing functions on a workpiece.

Numerical control (NC) points to the method of controlling the manufacturing operations by numerical instructions in the form of directly inserted coded in machine tools.

CNC Machine (Computer Numerical Control Machine)

CNC stands for computer numerical control. It is a machine controlled by a computer. Its outer appearance is related to that of an NC machine. Tape or Computer Keyboard or Tutor Keyboard is utilised as input media for CNC machines. For NC machines tape is to be fit repeat to design repeated jobs or products.

In a CNC machine, all the numerical functions are managed by the computer. The computer stores the programs which are required to operate the machine. The computer also gives the display of various parameters of the machine-like spindle speed, feed rate, etc. It consists of electronic in instrumentation to measure the output.

DNC Machine (Direct Numerical Control Machine)

Direct numerical control (DNC) is defined as a system that integrates multiple machines by direct connection through a central computer.

The central computer is designed to provide instructions on demand for each machine tool. The central computer also retrieves data from machines. Therefore, there is two-way information is exchanged between the central computer and each of the machine tool.

Difference between NC and CNC Machine

The various differences between NC and CNC machine are as follows:

Difference between NC and CNC Machine

Here NC holds for Numerical CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. And CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control.

NC machine described as a machine that is controlled by a set of instructions in the form of numbers, letters, and symbols. The set of instructions is called a program. Whereas in the CNC machine, it is described as the machine which is used to control the motions of the workpiece and tool with the help of prepared program in the computer. The program is written in alphanumeric data.

NC and CNC machines

In the NC machine, the programs are fed into the punch cards. Whereas in CNC machine the programs are fed directly into the computer by a small keyboard similar to our traditional keyboard.

In the NC machine, the modification in the program is difficult. As compared to the CNC machine, the modification in the program is very easy.

The NC machine is required for a highly skilled operator. Whereas in the CNC machine, a less skilled operator can also operate the machine.

The cost of the NC machine is less. As compared to the CNC machine, the cost of the machine is very high.

NC machine required a low maintenance cost. Where In a CNC machine, the maintenance cost is high.

In the NC machine, programs cannot be stored in the NC machine. Whereas in the CNC machine, programs can be stored in computers and used repeatedly.

NC machine offers less flexibility and computational capability. But CNC machine offers additional flexibility and computational capability.

In the NC machine, the accuracy is less as compared with the job. Where the CNC machine has high accuracy.

The NC machine requires more time for the execution of the job. As compared to the CNC machine, It takes very less time in the execution of the job.

NC machine is not possible to run it continuously. But the CNC machine can be continued for 24 hours of a day.

Difference between NC and CNC Machine

Difference Between CNC and DNC machine

The various differences between CNC and DNC machine are as follows:

Difference between CNC and DNC machine

In CNC, remote controlling of the working operation is not possible. Whereas in the DNC, it facilitates remote control.

The CNC is an integral part of the machine. But the DNC is not integral to machines, DNC computer can locate a distance from machines.

CNC machine has a transferring machining instruction. Whereas the DNC machine manages the information distribution to the number of the machine.

The CNC machine is a computer-controlled NC machine. By using the DNC machine programmer you can control more than one NC machine as you required.

CNC software is used to increase the particular capacity of the machine tool. Whereas in DNC, it does not only control the equipment but also serves as a part of the management information system.

Difference Between CNC and DNC machine

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About Saif M

Saif M. is a Mechanical Engineer by profession. He completed his engineering studies in 2014 and is currently working in a large firm as Mechanical Engineer. He is also an author and editor at www.theengineerspost.com

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