Here are the key differences between NC and CNC machines:
- NC machines use magnetic tapes or other media to feed the program to the machine, while CNC machines use a computer to generate and feed the program.
- NC machines were modified machine tools with motors for axis movement, while CNC machines are designed from the ground up to be numerically controlled.
- CNC machines have a higher level of automation since the program is controlled by a computer rather than tapes or other media. The computer allows for easier program editing and storage.
- CNC machines offer greater precision, flexibility and complexity in programming since the computer can control multi-axis movement and complex tool paths more easily than the older NC technology.