Eli5: How do CNC machines convert digital images into real objects through mechanical movement?

Question

So an electric motor converts electricity into mechanical movement.. But how is Code and digital data converted into mechanical movement ?

In: 2

Answer 1

You have an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.

Every time you walk up to a CNC, you have to manually move it to a spot and then tell it *this spot, this one right here – consider this ZERO for all 3 axes.*

You can then tell a CNC, at the terminal, to plunge to a depth of .5” on the z-Axis. The motor has a sensor on it so it knows it has moved 1/2” downward from where you told it zero was.

And then from a point at 0,0 on the x,y you can move to 12,0. Which means you’ve just cut a 12” long straight horizontal line .5” deep from left to right.

If you tell it then to go to 12,12, you’ve cut another 12” straight line up. Go to 12,0, then, back to 0,0 and you have a 12” square cut out of 1/2” material.

Note that each axis has its own motor and each motor has its own sensor.

I can answer CNC questions all day, so if this didn’t explain it properly, or you have more questions, Lemme know!