What is the main function of a CNC controller?

The main function of a CNC controller is to receive G-code, which is a language used to specify instructions for computer numerical control (CNC) machines, and translate that code into precise movements of the machine's axes and operations. The CNC controller processes the G-code instructions and converts them into electrical signals that guide the machine's motors to perform tasks like cutting, milling, or drilling with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability.

This is crucial because G-code essentially describes the paths a machine should take, the speed at which it should move, and the operations it should perform. Therefore, the CNC controller acts as the brain of the machining process, ensuring that every movement is executed according to the specified program.

In contrast, other options refer to different aspects of machining operations. A manual control system pertains to traditional methods where machinists manually guide the machine, while a measuring tool is used for quality assurance rather than controlling machine movement. A system for automatically adjusting feed rates indicates a supplemental function that may enhance machining efficiency but does not encompass the primary role of translating G-code into movements, which is fundamentally what a CNC controller does.