Numerical Control Machine — Questions and answers

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Before numerical control, how did machinists make things with precision?

Choices

  1. They used special robots.
  2. They followed physical templates by hand. ✓
  3. They just guessed the shapes.
  4. They drew pictures in the air.

Answer: They followed physical templates by hand.

From page 2

What intensified the need for very accurate parts after World War II?

Choices

  1. More people wanted toys.
  2. The demand for military aircraft components. ✓
  3. People wanted cars that looked better.
  4. There were too many skilled workers.

Answer: The demand for military aircraft components.

From page 3

Who first thought of the main idea for Numerical Control (NC) and in what year?

Choices

  1. John T. Parsons in 1947. ✓
  2. Arthur Jenkins in 1952.
  3. Professor Pease in 1949.
  4. Charles Babbage in the 19th century.

Answer: John T. Parsons in 1947.

From page 4

Which university was given a contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop Parsons' idea?

Choices

  1. Harvard University.
  2. Stanford University.
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). ✓
  4. University of Michigan.

Answer: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

From page 5

What was the main new thing that the MIT team added to their prototype milling machine?

Choices

  1. A new type of paint.
  2. Electronic servomechanisms. ✓
  3. Brighter lights.
  4. A bigger handle.

Answer: Electronic servomechanisms.

From page 6

What did the NC machine use to constantly check its position and make sure it was correct?

Choices

  1. A tiny camera.
  2. Position sensors. ✓
  3. A loud bell.
  4. A map drawn on the floor.

Answer: Position sensors.

From page 7

How did NC technology help the U.S. Air Force with their aircraft and missiles?

Choices

  1. It made them shine brighter.
  2. It helped create intricate components with great speed and accuracy. ✓
  3. It made them easier to fly.
  4. It made them much heavier.

Answer: It helped create intricate components with great speed and accuracy.

From page 8

What new technology made NC machines much better and easier to use in the 1970s?

Choices

  1. Bigger buttons.
  2. Microprocessors. ✓
  3. Faster tape readers.
  4. More colorful lights.

Answer: Microprocessors.

From page 9

What are some modern technologies that still use the ideas from Numerical Control?

Choices

  1. Old typewriters and abacuses.
  2. Automated assembly lines and 3D printing. ✓
  3. Wooden clocks and hand tools.
  4. Kites and paper airplanes.

Answer: Automated assembly lines and 3D printing.

From page 10