CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) is the computer-aided numerical control and regulation of machine tools. The term NC or Numerical Control is often used synonymously with CNC. However, CNC is actually the further development of Numerical Control (NC). CNC machines have their own computer, which allows the control program to be edited directly on the machine. Direct Numerical Control (DNC) is the direct numerical control and a further development of CNC, which in turn is based on Numerical Control (NC). Via DNC, several NC systems can be controlled centrally by means of one computer.
NC software is used to create the tool path planning and the machine code (G-code) for the NC machine from 3D models (CAD). CNC software controls CNC machines for machining workpieces (e.g. drilling, turning, milling, deburring, engraving, grinding). Through the software CNC machines are controlled by commands for tool selection and spatial movement. In this context, it is often referred to as engraving software or milling software. This section describes solutions and tools for CNC machine control.