nc is numerical control, cnc is computer numerical control, dnc is direct
numerical control. Control may be the important word here. In practice, if
a computer is involved it is likely that the part was "modeled" first by
drawing it with a CAD or CAD/CAM program. even a standalone CAD program can
model a part with vector graphics, and export it using a .dxf (hmm...), IGES
or other file format, and imported into a post processor to create a G-code
program. APT is standing at the m/cs control panel drawing by nimbers for
a quick part. It may be considered cnc. Rarely would a program be written
in G-code -it would be done in alphanumeric in a word processor and saved as
MS DOS txt only format. Most operations use APT or model the part at the
computer then upload to the machines CP using an RS-232-C interface. nc may
not use code, not sure. Machines with a digital readout of positioning to
correspond to manual input of slides may not be "control" at all. Not sure.
DNC is when there is a central computer, where all of the codes and/or
models which have been post-processed into codes, which is attached directly
with cable/wire to a or many machines, are uploaded directly into the CP of
the m/c. Threre may be some electronics in the control panel aspect that
may stay at the pooter and/or in the CP of the *nc m/c adding to the
definition.



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