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

The code. G Code, is a set of instructions on how much a servo motor will move an axis. The GCode will have specific codes for the type of movement, and can interpolate multiple axis at the same time, X,Y,Z,A,B,C would be 5 Axis and is used on complex surfaces.
GCode is generated by describing movement on a digital surface, running that movement through a post processor suitable for the machine you are using.