Data Carriers and Input Devices

Data Carriers for NC Part Programs

In order to store NC programs, various forms of data carriers have been utilized since the years NC has evolved. Punched card, magnetic tape, punched tape, motion picture film; floppy diskette, punched plastic tape, and hard disk are several forms of data carriers. Given figure shows a typical representation. In communication technology, advancement results in broad use of floppy diskette, network server, hard disk, and internet. Part program might be remotely distributed via modern communication media such like internet, intranet, electronic mails, and so on.

Punched Tape

Punched tape is utilized for practical storage of part programs. This is reliable because the data shall not change, although the tape might be physically damaged. In earlier NC days, punched tapes were utilized extensively. Prevalence of computer disks has drastically decreased its use. However, still utilized as backup storage media, when the computer is down.

Magnetic Tape

Although , this is least costly option for NC part program storage yet not frequently used due to its low speed. This is also difficult to situate the right program in the tape, and vulnerable to contamination & electromechanical fields in shop floor surroundings.

Computer Disks

In today's milieu, computer disks are broadly used to store NC part program. These disks are of two forms; floppy diskette & hard disk. This is inexpensive, might store large volume of data and easy to access.

Input Devices for Part Programs

The input device that is utilized must match with the data carrier. The common inputs devices utilize in industries are punched tape recorder for punched tape like data carrier, cassette recorder for magnetic type like data carrier, and computer for disks as data carrier.