What is CNC Router Machine?

What is CNC Router? The CNC Router is a multipurpose machine. This machine is used to cut wood, plastic or metal, as well as engrave or route out letters on signs. The CNC router is an amazing machine that can do seemingly almost anything, so you can get a lot of usage from this machine. Many small fabrication shops, and even individuals are finding the accuracy and versatility of a CNC Router is very useful. The CNC Router is great for hobbies, engineering prototyping, product development, art, robotic education, production work, furniture, advertisement and other fields.


The 6000 series CNC Router Machine
Photo by AXYZ Automation Inc

The 6000 series CNC Router Machine applications including
* Plastic fabrication
* Education
* Aircraft manufacture
* Mould making
* Wood working
* Sign making
* Solid surface
* Boat building
* RV manufacturing
* Metal working
* Engineered composite panels

A CNC Router machine has a similar operation with a plotter and controls by a computer. The CNC Router works on the 3D motion control to make high quality parts for you. Basically, the CNC Router has three axes X, Y and Z. Each axis will be motorized with stepper motor or servo motor that drives the router via a gantry system to form a 3 axis CNC Router machine.

Normally, the CNC Router machine will be supplied with a powerful software to do your design or drawing. You draw your work on the computer and convert it to G codes then send your drawing to the CNC controller for final result in 3D. The CNC controller will command the CNC Router machine to make the desired parts for you, quickly and accurately. Most CNC router software will convert your drawing into G codes automatically before send to CNC router machine via router CNC controller. This makes CNC Routers ideal for woodworking, plastic molding, advertisement fields and aerospace industry.

What is CNC Controller?

What is CNC Controller? The CNC controller is an important part of CNC machine tools. It is the heart of any CNC machines system. A CNC controller connects all the important link between a computer system and the electrical components on the CNC machine such as the servo motors, spindle motor, coolant motor, lubrication motor and other electrical components. The main function of the CNC controller is to run the electrical components on the CNC machine tools to drive the mechanical parts on the CNC machine or to control the multiple axes on the machine.

Centroid CNC Controller
Basically, to drive the mechanical components on the CNC machine, the CNC controller will work side by side with CPU unit, computer systems, servo motor drive, motion controller, PLC unit and inverter to form a sub-field of automation to determine the tool position on each axis, moving velocity of each axis, spindle speed and to run other electrical components such coolant pump, hydraulic pump, lubrication pump and light.

In fact, the powerful CNC controller does far more than drives the motors which some of the controllers have the capabilities to detect and control the limit switches, the coolant flow amount, air pressure, hydraulic pressure, detect temperature, detect and run up to 200 tool positions and more. CNC Controls enhance the machine's productivity capabilities with a new level of easy-to-access information and programming tools. Some of the CNC controller systems are available for a wide-range of applications such as grinding, drilling, digitizing, engraving, probing, cutting, milling, punching, turning and many more.

Nowadays, the modern CNC controllers range from professional stand alone system built-in with keyboard and user interface to hobby use CNC controllers that require a personal computer. The modern controllers come with CNC software packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and the Computer Numerical Control software. The CAD is used for displaying and editing designs on the computer. The CAM is used to convert the geometry into tool paths or computer numerical codes called G codes that can be understood by the machine tools. The Computer Numerical Control software will control the machine tools to physically cut your 2D or 3D workpiece in real time.

Most of the CNC controllers in the market are provided with the user interface such as RS232 port, USB flash memory port and LAN port. It is easier to transfer the cnc programs and any files from computers or USB flash memory to CNC controller. LAN port can be connected to router or Hub to establish the connection between the controller and other computers. Using RS232 you can transfer or modify any files on controller from other PC or laptop.

Most of CNC Controllers are equipped with

* USB port to download and upload the files between controller and USB flash memory
* RS232 port to connect the controller with a personal computer (PC) or laptop
* LAN port to connect the controller with other computers
* Probe port to auto set the tool height offset and set tool reference point
* Axis buttons to control the movement of each axis on the machine
* MPG port
* Feedrate button to control the velocity of machine tools
* Speed control (FAST/SLOW) button when moving the axis
* Spindle adjustable speed button
* Spindle CW and CCW buttons
* Spindle ON/OFF button
* Auto and manual function buttons for spindle and coolant
* Coolant ON/OFF button
* Tool Check button
* Tool path viewer and cut-time estimation
* Single mode button to run the machine tool block by block program number
* Light ON/OFF button
* Incremental button 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001
* Start, stop, repeat on any line of G-code
* Emergency stop button
* and much more

List of CNC Machines

These are the List of CNC Machines or the Type of CNC Machines that are commonly available in the market. Anyway, sometime it is too hard and bit confusing to categorize some type of CNC machines due to too many capabilities built-in one machine such as combination of milling, turning, and grinding capabilities.

In fact, some of the CNC machines deliver an awe-inspiring combination of features that yield speeds, feeds and surface finishes that have never been seen before. But I believe, the way to categorize the type of CNC machines equipment and tools will be drastically changed by reading this article.

Here are the List of CNC Machines by the type of CNC Machines
(This machines list is not a comprehensive CNC Machines list)

CNC Milling Machine Center
• CNC Vertical Milling Machine or Vertical Machining Center (VMS)
• CNC Horizontal Miling Machine or CNC Horizontal Machining Center (HMC)

CNC Lathe Machine Center or CNC Turning Machine Center
• CNC Vertical Turning Machine Center
• CNC Horizontal Turning Machine Center

CNC Cylindrical Grinding Machine
CNC Router Machine
CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

CNC Water Jet Cutting Machine
• CNC Pure Waterjet Cutting Machines
• CNC Abrasive Waterjet Cutting Machines

CNC Electro Discharge Machine (EDM)
• CNC EDM Wire Cut Machines
• CNC Ram Type EDM

CNC Foam Cutter Machine
CNC Surface Grinding Machine
CNC Welding Machine
CNC Turret Punch Machines
CNC Press Brake Machines
CNC Tube Bender Machines
CNC Forming Machines
CNC Bending Machines
CNC V Cut Machines
CNC Hydraulic Guillotine Shear Machines
CNC Lifting Table Panel Sizing Machines
CNC Laser Cutting Machine
CNC Woodworking Machine
Mini CNC Machines or Small CNC Machines
Hobby CNC Machine
Gear CNC Machine
Wheel Rim CNC Machine

CNC Machine Codes, Terms and Definitions

List of CNC Machine Codes, Terms and Definitions. Some of the codes, terms and definitions might be difference between manufactures for difference type of machine and machine controller.

A-axis = Capability of machining tools moving in circular motion around x-axis

B-axis = Capability of machining tools moving in circular motion around y-axis

C-axis = Capability of machining tools moving in circular motion around z-axis

X-axis = Capability of machine tools moving in the x-axis direction
Y-axis = Capability of machine tools moving in the y-axis direction
Z-axis = Capability of machine tools moving in the z-axis direction

D code = Tool diameter offset number
E code = Selection of work coordinate system. Equivalent to G54 to G59
F code = Feedrate
G code = A CNC program code that determines the type of operation to perform

H code = Tool length offset number
I code = Absolute center of arc in x-axis
J code = Absolute center of arc in y-axis
K code = Absolute center of arc in z-axis
L code = The number of repetition of a cycle
M code = The program code that control overall machine function
N code = Block number
O code = The program number allows you to identify your program with a certain number

P code = Parameter
Q code = Depth of cut parameter in canned drilling cycles
R code = Represent the radius, a return point or a general parameter
S code = Spindle speed
T code = Tool number
U code = Relative axis parallel to x-axis
V code = Relative axis parallel to y-axis
W code = Relative axis parallel to z-axis
X code = Absolute machine tool position on x-axis
Y code = Absolute machine tool position on y-axis
Z code = Absolute machine tool position on z-axis

CNC MPG Pendant

The MPG is stands for Manual Pulse Generator and also known as Jog Wheel Control or Remote MPG Handwheel. MPG is the CNC Machine tool remote control to jog any axis on the CNC machine. The MPG is designed for use in industrial CNC environments to make the man-machine interface safer, easier and faster. The MPG will hopefully makes manual jogging easy, smooth, precise and eliminates the need of axis buttons on the CNC controller.


CNC MPG Pendent


The Axis Selector (top) and Micrometer Wheel (bottom)


The micrometer wheel which is located at the bottom of the MPG allows you to position any axis in a minimum increments of approximately 1 micron (0.001 mm or 0.0002"). The Axis Selector allows you to select any axis and manually jog the axis using the MPG. It is great to use it during tools height offset setting and setting up the part zero positions on the large CNC machine fast and easy.

The MPG itself was ergonomically designed that is easy to hold. Come with convenient hanger which can be mounted on the CNC controller or anywhere it is convenient and it also contains strong magnets in the base for mounting to steel surfaces.






Some of the MPGs might equipped with these

* Emergency Stop Switch
* LED Status Indicator
* Cycle Start push Button
* Cycle Hold Push Button
* Feed rate override control
* Axis Reference Push Button
* Spindle On/Off Push Button
* Enable Push Buttons

Lathe Machine G Codes

The CNC Lathe Machine G Codes

G00 Rapid position
G01 Linear interpolation
G02 Circular or helix interpolation CW
G03 Circular or helix interpolation CCW
G04 Dwell
G10 Parameter setting
G20 Select Inch units
G21 Select Metric units
G28 Return to reference point
G29 Return from reference point
G30 Return to secondary reference point
G32 Constant lead thread cutting
G40 Cutter compensation cancel
G41 Cutter diameter compensation left
G42 Cutter diameter compensation right
G50 Coordinate system setting, Max spindle speed setting
G52 Offset local coordinate system
G53 Rapid position in machine coordinates
G54 Select working coordinate system #1
G55 Select working coordinate system #2
G56 Select working coordinate system #3
G57 Select working coordinate system #4
G58 Select working coordinate system #5
G59 Select working coordinate system #6
G54 P1 Select working coordinate system #7
G54 P2 Select working coordinate system #8
G54 P3 Select working coordinate system #9
G54 P4 Select working coordinate system #10
G54 P5 Select working coordinate system #11
G54 P6 Select working coordinate system #12
G54 P7 Select working coordinate system #13
G54 P8 Select working coordinate system #14
G54 P9 Select working coordinate system #15
G54 P10 Select working coordinate system #16
G54 P11 Select working coordinate system #17
G54 P12 Select working coordinate system #18
G65 Call macro
G70 Finishing cycle
G72 Stock removal in facing
G74 End face peck cutting
G75 Outer/inner diameter peck cutting cycle
G76 Multi-pass threading cycle
G80 Canned cycle cancel
G83 Deep hole drilling
G84 Tapping
G85 Boring cycle
G90 Outer/inner diameter cutting cycle
G92 One-pass threading cycle
G94 End face cutting cycle
G96 Constant surface speed
G97 Constant surface speed cancel
G98 Per minute feed
G99 Per revolution feed

Lathe Machine M Codes

The CNC Lathe Machine M codes

M00 Stop for operator
M01 Optional stop for operator
M02 Restart program
M03 Spindle ON CW
M04 Spindle ON CCW
M05 Spindle OFF
M07 Mist coolant ON
M08 Flood coolant ON
M09 Coolant OFF
M10 Clamp ON
M11 Clamp OFF
M13 Cutoff
M16 Chuck ID selection
M18 Chuck OD selection
M22 Extend part chute
M23 Retract part chute
M29 Set trap for G84
M32 Tailstock quill forward (out)
M33 Tailstock quill retract (in)
M34 Part catch forward
M35 Part catch retract
M41 Select spindle #1
M42 Select spindle #2
M46 Door open
M47 Door close
M50 C axis disable
M51 C axis enable
M91 Move to minus home
M92 Move to plus home
M93 Release motor power
M94 Turn ON input X
M95 Turn OFF input X
M98 Call subprogram
M99 Return from subprogram
M100 Wait for input to open
M101 Wait for input to close
M102 Restart program
M103 Programmed action timer
M104 Cancel programmed action timer
M105 Move minus to switch
M106 Move plus to switch
M107 Output BCD tool number
M108 Enable override control
M109 Disable override control
M115 Protected probing move
M116 Protected probing move
M120 Open data file (overwrite existing file)
M121 Open data file (append to existing file)
M122 Record position(s) and/or comment in the data field
M123 Record value and/or comment in data field
M125 Protected probing move
M126 Protected probing move