Numerics
Encyclopedia
Numerics is typically the term used to describe the numerical field of employment, or its instructional program at a college or university (or technical school). Numerics occupations can include sub-divisions such as tooling specialist, materials specialist, and others.
. These terms refer to the programming and use of automated machinery, such as CNC mills/lathes, gantry robots, and other industrial automation
equipment. Modern numerically controlled machinery driven by PLC computers (programmable logic controller
) or PC-s (personal computer
).
The PCs that are used in industrial automation are usually an industrialized version of the x86 family of computers. The main difference between consumer electronics and industrial electronics is that the industrial electronics can tolerate sub-zero temperatures and is designed to withstand dusty and electromagnetically noisy environment. For example, metallic dust can short-circuit electric circuits, which in turn can literally destroy the electrical circuits. Industrial electronics is designed to keep the dust out of the chassis. The electrical noise, which is mostly generated by electrical motors, is dealt with by using optical cables in stead of electrical ones or the electrical data communication (see:bus (computing)) cabling is well shielded (electromagnetic shielding
, Faraday Cage
).
Numerical programming
Also known as numerical programming, or numerical controlNumerical control
Numerical control refers to the automation of machine tools that are operated by abstractly programmed commands encoded on a storage medium, as opposed to controlled manually via handwheels or levers, or mechanically automated via cams alone...
. These terms refer to the programming and use of automated machinery, such as CNC mills/lathes, gantry robots, and other industrial automation
Automation
Automation is the use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services. In the scope of industrialization, automation is a step beyond mechanization...
equipment. Modern numerically controlled machinery driven by PLC computers (programmable logic controller
Programmable logic controller
A programmable logic controller or programmable controller is a digital computer used for automation of electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines, amusement rides, or light fixtures. PLCs are used in many industries and machines...
) or PC-s (personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
).
The PCs that are used in industrial automation are usually an industrialized version of the x86 family of computers. The main difference between consumer electronics and industrial electronics is that the industrial electronics can tolerate sub-zero temperatures and is designed to withstand dusty and electromagnetically noisy environment. For example, metallic dust can short-circuit electric circuits, which in turn can literally destroy the electrical circuits. Industrial electronics is designed to keep the dust out of the chassis. The electrical noise, which is mostly generated by electrical motors, is dealt with by using optical cables in stead of electrical ones or the electrical data communication (see:bus (computing)) cabling is well shielded (electromagnetic shielding
Electromagnetic shielding
Electromagnetic shielding is the process of reducing the electromagnetic field in a space by blocking the field with barriers made of conductive and/or magnetic materials. Shielding is typically applied to enclosures to isolate electrical devices from the 'outside world' and to cables to isolate...
, Faraday Cage
Faraday cage
A Faraday cage or Faraday shield is an enclosure formed by conducting material or by a mesh of such material. Such an enclosure blocks out external static and non-static electric fields...
).