Which machine is described as computer numerical control and is used for cutting, carving, machining and milling in woods, MDF, plastics, foams and aluminum?

• A. Lathe
• B. CNC machine
• C. Router
• D. Horizontal mill

Answer: (B)

Think of a machine tool that is guided by a computer to follow precise paths for removing material. That describes a CNC machine: it runs a programmed set of instructions that control movements along multiple axes, along with spindle speed and feed rates, to shape the part. Because of this computer control, it can perform cutting, carving, machining, and milling across a wide range of materials—from wood and MDF to plastics, foams, and even aluminum—with high precision and repeatability. The other devices are more specific in function or aren’t defined by computer control: a lathe mainly shapes cylindrical forms by rotation, a router is typically a woodworking tool (and not inherently metal milling unless it’s a CNC router), and a horizontal mill is a milling machine type but isn’t, by definition, computer-controlled. The key idea is the computer numerical control capability that enables versatile, automated operations on diverse materials.