CNC Glossary
Plain-English CNC machine terms for overseas buyers.
Use these definitions to understand TZ Tiezheng machine proposals, RFQ questions, fixture discussions, cycle-time review, and export acceptance documents.
- Cycle time
- The time required to complete one part or one machine cycle. For automation projects, cycle time should include loading, machining, transfer, inspection, and unloading assumptions.
- Takt time
- The production rhythm required to meet demand. If takt time is shorter than the current process output, automation or process redesign may be needed.
- Rotary transfer machine
- A multi-station production machine where parts index around stations so several operations can run in parallel. It is usually used for stable high-volume parts.
- Special purpose machine
- A machine designed around a specific part family, operation sequence, fixture concept, and output target rather than a general catalog-only configuration.
- Fixture
- The clamping and locating system that holds the part during machining. Fixture quality affects accuracy, repeatability, safety, and cycle time.
- Datum
- The reference surface, hole, or feature used to control other dimensions. A poor datum strategy can create accumulated errors.
- FAT
- Factory Acceptance Test. A written test before shipment that checks machine output, accuracy, sample parts, safety, documentation, and buyer-agreed acceptance points.
- CNC control system
- The controller platform used to run the machine, such as FANUC, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Syntec, or LNC depending on machine type, budget, functions, and service needs.
- Gantry machining center
- A rigid large-frame machining platform for large workpieces, molds, bases, long parts, and heavy cutting where work area and structure matter.
- Robot loading
- Automatic loading and unloading by robot. It should be evaluated with part weight, orientation, cycle time, safety, fixture access, and operator plan.
Turn definitions into a machine decision.
After a term is clear, the next step is to match the part to a machine path, estimate ROI, and prepare RFQ data that engineering can use.
Machine Selector
Choose a starting machine path from part shape, volume, tolerance, and bottleneck.
Best first step for new buyers Open tool → 02ROI Calculator
Screen saved hours, labor value, reject reduction, and rough payback before a formal quotation.
Cycle time and payback screen Open tool → 03RFQ Checklist
Prepare drawings, process data, inspection notes, utilities, and export requirements.
Faster engineering review Open tool → 04CNC Glossary
Understand common CNC, fixture, rotary transfer, and export machine terms.
AEO-friendly answer hub Open tool →What CNC terms should overseas buyers understand first?
- Direct answer
- A CNC glossary should define machine, process, fixture, cycle-time, FAT, and export terms in short direct answers that are easy to quote.
The glossary supports AEO by using definition-style content and supports GEO by making core entities clear for AI summaries.
- Use dt/dd definition markup for answer extraction.
- Keep each definition short, direct, and independent.
- Link complex terms to product, solution, and RFQ pages.
Why use definition markup for a glossary?
Definition markup helps search and answer engines identify the term, direct explanation, and page context without parsing long paragraphs.
Should every glossary term link to a product?
Not every term needs a product link, but important terms should connect to relevant product families, solutions, or RFQ steps.