CNC processing technology continues to empower the construction of a modern industrial system

On March 11, 2025, the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress voted to pass the resolution on the implementation of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan, and approved the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan.

The second article of the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan outline clearly proposes to develop new quality productivity in accordance with local conditions and accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system. The specific contents include promoting the large-scale application of the industrial Internet, implementing the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, continuously cultivating and strengthening emerging industries, and deepening the pilot of the integrated development of advanced manufacturing and modern service industries.

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CNC technology (Computer Numerical Control, CNC) uses digital information to control the movement and processing of machine tools, and is one of the core technologies of the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry and advanced manufacturing. Machine tools processed using CNC technology (machine tools equipped with CNC systems) are called Cnc Machine tools. Among them, the CNC system includes the main parts such as CNC devices, programmable controllers, spindle drivers and feed devices. The parameters of the relative motion between the tool and the workpiece and the process information (feed speed, spindle speed, spindle forward and reverse rotation, tool change, coolant switch, etc.) are written as a program storage in a specified format, and then read by the machine tool CNC system (or input by communication), and decoded to make the machine tool operate according to the predetermined program to process parts.

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CNC technology and equipment are the enabling technology and the most basic equipment for the development of emerging high-tech industries and cutting-edge industries. Modern CNC machine tools are typical products of mechatronics, and are the foundation and important component of the new generation of production technology, computer integrated manufacturing systems, etc. The CNC machining center is a CNC machine tool with a tool magazine and can automatically change tools, and can perform multiple processing operations on workpieces within a certain range. Its main features: After the processed parts are clamped once, the CNC system controls the machine tool to automatically select and change tools according to different processes. The machine tool spindle speed, feed rate, tool relative to the workpiece motion trajectory and other auxiliary functions can be automatically adjusted, and multiple processes such as drilling, countersinking, reaming, boring, tapping, milling, etc. are continuously performed on the various processing surfaces of the workpiece. Machining centers can automatically complete multiple processes in a centralized manner, avoid human operation errors, reduce workpiece clamping, measurement and machine tool adjustment time, and workpiece turnover, handling and storage time, greatly improve processing efficiency and accuracy, and therefore have good economic benefits. Machining centers can be divided into two categories according to the spatial position of the spindle: vertical machining centers and horizontal machining centers.

The current transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry and the growing demand for high-precision, high-efficiency and intelligent processing have prompted CNC technology to continuously break through traditional boundaries, which is not only an improvement in technical strength, but also a reflection of accurate response to diversified customer needs. In addition to machining accuracy, technological innovation lies in the construction of intelligent production processes. By introducing advanced CNC systems, sensor technology and artificial intelligence algorithms, CNC machining realizes intelligent control of the entire chain from design to production, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality. At the same time, with the increasing diversification of downstream customer needs, customized production has become a new trend in the industry. Processing companies must have the ability to respond quickly, and through modular design, flexible production lines and other means, realize personalized customization of products to meet specific needs in different fields/industries. At the same time, the CNC processing industry has also made great contributions to the sustainable development of green manufacturing technology. Faced with environmental pressure and resource constraints, green technologies such as dry cutting, low temperature cutting, and less/no cutting fluid processing are widely used to effectively reduce environmental pollution and resource consumption in processing.

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CNC technology has developed with the development of information technology, microelectronics technology, automation technology and detection technology. The development trend is high speed, high precision, multi-functional composite and intelligent. Its level is related to the level of national comprehensive strength, especially the field of "high-precision" CNC key technology and equipment. At present, countries around the world have widely adopted CNC technology in information, biology, automobile, electronics and other industries to improve manufacturing capabilities and levels, and improve market adaptability and competitiveness. Its application mainly covers many industries such as automobile manufacturing, aerospace equipment manufacturing, shipbuilding, mold manufacturing, power generation equipment manufacturing, metallurgical equipment manufacturing and communication equipment manufacturing. Therefore, vigorously developing advanced manufacturing technology with CNC technology as the core has become an important way for countries around the world to accelerate economic development, improve comprehensive national strength and national status.

The Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan of my country points out that to promote the optimization and upgrading of the manufacturing industry, it is necessary to cultivate advanced manufacturing clusters, cultivate leading and pillar industries, and promote the integrated, clustered and ecological development of strategic emerging industries. The added value of strategic emerging industries accounts for more than 17% of GDP. Automobiles, integrated circuits, robots and other related advanced industrial equipment all use CNC machine tools for refined supporting production. As the types of advanced manufacturing industries in my country continue to enrich, the demand for CNC machine tool industry is constantly increasing.

It is estimated that by 2029, the scale of China's CNC machining market will exceed 600 billion yuan.