Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is one in which the functions and motions of a machine tool are

controlled by means of a prepared program containing coded alphanumeric data. CNC can control the
motions of the workpiece or tool, the input parameters such as feed, depth of cut, speed, and the functions
such as turning spindle on/off, turning coolant on/off.
The applications of CNC include both for machine tool as well as non-machine tool areas. In the machine
tool category, CNC is widely used for lathe, drill press, milling machine, grinding unit, laser, sheet-metal
press working machine, tube bending machine etc. Highly automated machine tools such as turning center
and machining center which change the cutting tools automatically under CNC control have been
developed. In the non-machine tool category, CNC applications include welding machines (arc and
resistance), coordinate measuring machine, electronic assembly, tape laying and filament winding
machines for composites etc.

Advantages and Limitations

The benefits of CNC are
(1) High accuracy in manufacturing,
(2) Short production time,
(3) Greater manufacturing flexibility,
(4) Simpler fixturing,
(5) Contour machining (2 to 5 –axis machining),
(6) Reduced human error.
The drawbacks include high cost, maintenance, and the requirement of skilled part programmer.

Description of Methodology
1. Preparing of the research through literature study.
2. Sketch all the laser system parts (plasma tube-plasma tube holders-
mount mirror-laser cutting head-optical bunch- electrical circuit for
high voltage power supply) and x-y CNC machine.
3. Manufacturing an optical bunch.
4. Manufacturing a CO2 laser active medium (Glass blower workshop),
gas mixing chamber (mechanical workshop), mount mirrors
(mechanical workshop).
5. Manufacturing a high voltage power supply (electrical workshop).
6. Laser system fitting and connect with the gas mixing system and
vacuum system.
7. Laser system vacuum and cooling testing.
8. Test the high voltage power supply with the laser head.
9. Discharge characteristic measurements.
10. Laser alignment using He-Ne laser.
11. Laser output characteristic system.
12. Optimizing the CO2 laser parameters (voltage –current-gas mixture - gas
pressure- flow speed-optical mode control-wavelength control and
output coupling).
13. Optical cutting head fabrication.
14. Fitting, alignment and testing laser head with the cutting head.
15. Manufacturing x-y table using stepper motors.
16. Design and fabricate the hardware interface using personal computer
and a parallel interface through which a control on cutting shape speed,
focusing plane, gas valve and turning the laser machine on and off can
be controlled.
17. applications
18. Analysis
19. Evaluation of research result.