CNC Control Systems - Program and Buffer Memory

Program Memory

It is to store the part programs and macros in the MCU for use. Earlier controls had very little such memory, but the current day controllers have much larger memory. With larger memory it is possible to store more programs as well as longer programs.

Buffer Memory

When the part programs become very large it will not be possible to store them completely in the MCU memory. In such cases the part program will reside in the DNC computer and it will be fed into the controller in small drips. The MCU communications would therefore be in a position to support such an activity.