CNC Glossary

CNC-controlled machine tool that performs multiple operations (milling, drilling, tapping) in a single setup. Available as 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis variants.

Related: CNC milling machine · 5-axis machining · Horizontal MC

Simultaneous movement along and around five axes (X, Y, Z, A/B and C) to produce complex workpiece geometries in one setup. Typical manufacturers: DMG Mori (DMU), Hermle (C-series), Mazak (Variaxis).

Related: Machining center · DMG Mori DMU · Hermle C-series

Machine tool for turning rotation-symmetric workpieces, controlled by a CNC system (Fanuc, Siemens, Mazatrol). Common manufacturers: DMG Mori (NLX, CTX), Mazak (Quick Turn, Nexus), INDEX.

Related: Turn-mill center · Y-axis · Sub-spindle

Combination machine that enables turning and milling operations in a single setup. Equipped with Y-axis, driven tools and often a sub-spindle. Typical: DMG Mori NLX 2500SY, Mazak Integrex.

Related: CNC lathe · Y-axis · Sub-spindle

Operating hours of the main spindle of a CNC machine. Meaningful indicator of bearing wear. Read out from the controller (Fanuc: PMC parameter; Siemens: service menu). Typical bearing life: 10,000–30,000 hours depending on manufacturer and speed.

Related: Machine inspection · Controller audit · Spindle bearings

List of all alarms and error messages stored in the CNC system. Allows conclusions about frequent faults, axis regulator issues or controller instabilities. Read out as standard in every MBR inspection.

Related: Controller audit · Machine inspection · Fanuc · Siemens 840D

European Union movement certificate that qualifies goods for preferential tariffs in international trade. Relevant for machine exports from the EU to countries with EU free-trade agreements (Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Mexico etc.). Issued by customs authorities.

Related: Export documentation · Certificate of origin · Machine export

Official document attesting the origin of goods. Required alongside EUR.1 for many export markets (particularly third countries) as an import document. Issued by chambers of commerce (IHK in Germany).

Related: EUR.1 · Export documentation · Chamber of commerce

Full or partial realisation of a machine pool in the context of a business closure, restructuring or insolvency. Includes inventory, valuation, dismantling, logistics and marketing. MBR Machinery offers end-to-end handling from a single source.

Related: Machine pool · Insolvency administrator · Machine valuation

High-end CNC controller series from Japanese manufacturer Fanuc — widely used in DMG Mori, Mazak and other machining centers. Known as robust and largely low-maintenance. Fanuc 31i: milling; Fanuc 32i: turning and turn-milling.

Related: Siemens 840D sl · Heidenhain TNC · Mazatrol · Controller audit

Premium CNC controller system from Siemens, used in demanding milling and turn-mill centers (e.g. Hermle, Grob, Chiron). "sl" stands for solution line. Considered highly flexible but more service-intensive than Fanuc.

Related: Fanuc 31i · Heidenhain TNC · Controller audit

CNC controller system from Heidenhain (iTNC 530, TNC 640, TNC 7), known for intuitive shop-floor programming and use in 5-axis machining centers (Hermle, DMG Mori with Heidenhain option). Popular with mould-makers.

Related: Fanuc 31i · Siemens 840D sl · Machining center

Dialogue-based CNC system from Mazak — known for shop-friendly programming without G-code. Used in Mazak lathes (Quick Turn, Nexus) and milling centers (Variaxis). Current: Mazatrol SmoothX.

Related: Mazak · CNC lathe · Turn-mill center

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor — corrosion-protection film for metal parts that builds a protective layer on metal surfaces by outgassing inhibitors. Standard in machine packaging for sea freight and long-distance transport.

Related: Machine logistics · Sea freight · Packaging

Precision measurement instrument for geometric inspection of CNC machines (positioning accuracy, backlash, straightness). Results in micrometres (µm). MBR uses laser interferometry on precision machines (Hermle, Roeders, Alzmetall).

Related: Machine inspection · Geometry check · Spindle diagnostics

Machining center with horizontally oriented main spindle and rotating pallet system. Optimised for high-volume production (automotive). Typical manufacturers: DMG Mori (NHX), Mazak (Nexus HH), Grob.

Related: Machining center · DMG Mori NHX · Pallet changer