Computer controlled equipment is becoming common in jewelry manufacturing. While computers usually expand the capabilities of manufacturing equipment they require purchasers and operators to understand new concepts and to develop new skills.

This paper will briefly cover the mechanical and electrical components common to machines using computer controlled motion. Consideration is limited to smaller components likely to be used by the jewelry industry. Several types of motion controllers are examined to understand how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, cost, and difficulty of programming and operation.

Author: Roger A. Harvey