CNC machine have evolved considerably since their initial introduction into the manufacturing industry. The earliest CNC machines received code instructions through hard-wired controllers, which meant that the programming format could not be altered. At present, most CNC machines are tied into a network of computers and receive operating and tooling instructions via a software file containing the ".NC" extension.
Today, CNC machines have graduated to encompass entire "cells" of tooling machines that can operate independently of each other. They are driven by the direct upload of CAM software files, eliminating the need for design plans to be physically drawn up. Modern CNC machines are also capable of running overnight or for several days without human supervision. In fact, CNC machines are now so sophisticated that they can dial the chief operator’s cell phone to notify him or her when a tool part breaks, and still complete other parts of the program.
