Data processing for numerical control of machine tools

Numerical control is another form of automation which is most applicable to small batch productions. The paper describes the data processing for a typical control system and the design requirements on which it is based. General-purpose computers are essential for the process but are not in themselves sufficient, and special purpose curve generators are used to generate the continuous information for the control of the machine tool. The incremental computing technique employed is briefly described. The data processing costs are by far the largest item when the batch number is small and an indication is given how future development will reduce these costs.