Nel/mtira Technological Forecast for the Computer Control of Machine Tools

Summary

The object of the joint technological forecast conducted by NEL and MTIRA was to obtain an estimate of the likely technological changes in the field of the computer control of machine tools and related processes for the period 1975–1980. The technique used was the Delphi method developed by Rand which involves a structured interaction among a group of experts. The group involved in this forecast comprised some 50 experts drawn from Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, USA, Canada, Japan and Belgium.

The computer control of machine tools was divided into Computer Numerical Control (CNC), two classes of Direct Numerical Control (DNC) and hierarchical systems which might comprise systems of linked computers. Related processes have also been included and an attempt made to relate these to the above classes of application. Some primary considerations in production control and planning with reference to costing and concepts such as marketing requirements receive special consideration.