CNC lathes and turning centers are high-precision and high-efficiency automated machine tools. Equipped with multi station turrets or power turrets, the machine tool has a wide range of processing performance. It can process complex workpieces such as linear cylinders, oblique cylinders, arcs, and various threads, grooves, and worms. It has various compensation functions such as linear interpolation and circular interpolation, and has played a good economic effect in batch production of complex parts.

"CNC" is an abbreviation for Computerized Numerical Control in English. CNC machine tools automatically process the machined parts according to a pre programmed machining program. We compile the machining process route, process parameters, tool motion trajectory, displacement, cutting parameters (spindle rotation, feed rate, back cutting amount, etc.) and auxiliary functions (tool change, spindle forward and reverse rotation, cutting fluid on and off, etc.) of the parts into a machining program sheet according to the instruction code and program format specified by the CNC machine tool, Record the contents of this program on the control medium (such as perforated paper tape, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, magnetic bubble memory), and then input them into the CNC device of the CNC machine tool to command the machine tool to process parts.

The entire process from analyzing part drawings to creating control media is called the programming of CNC programs. The difference between CNC machine tools and ordinary machine tools in processing parts is that CNC machine tools automatically process parts according to programs, while ordinary machine tools need to be operated by humans. We only need to change the program that controls the action of the machine tool to achieve the purpose of processing different parts. Therefore, CNC machine tools are particularly suitable for processing small batches of parts with complex shapes and high precision requirements

Due to the fact that CNC machine tools need to process parts according to the program, programmers prepare the program and input it into the CNC device to command the machine tool's work. The input of the program is through the control medium.