CNC Partner: A novel training system for NC machining

CNC Partner, a novel training system on NC machining, is presented in this paper. It creates a semi‐immersive desktop virtual training environment with a sense of high reality at a low cost. With the CNC Partner, a trainee can learn the knowledge of NC programming and acquire the practical operation skills on a CNC machine tool prior to operate a real one. The framework of CNC Partner is established and described in detail. And its functions on training are summarized. The functions of CNC Partner‐assisted teaching are also introduced. Up to now, over 200 sets of CNC Partner systems have been installed in several vocational education schools in China. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 466–474, 2011