In a numerical controller for controlling acceleration and deceleration on the basis of a stopping distance, a stopping distance calculation module calculates an acceleration for stopping a drive axis with a probe on the basis of a distance that the drive axis with the probe moves from a current velocity to a stopped state when stopping at a maximum acceleration at which a machine tool does not receive shock, and on the basis of a stopping distance at which the probe is not be damaged. An acceleration and deceleration control module calculates a velocity of the drive axis for each of interpolation periods on the basis of the acceleration calculated by the stopping distance calculation module. An interpolating module outputs data that controls the drive axis, on the basis of the interpolation data and the velocity of the drive axis calculated by the acceleration and deceleration control module.

A method for operating a numerically controlled production machine includes defining a permissible value range determined by the design and construction of the production machine in which, in a normal operation during production of a workpiece, values representing a mechanical or electrical load described by acceleration and/or jolting of at least one component of the numerically controlled production machine are variable, and activating, for producing the workpiece, with a control signal a conservation operation for reducing the mechanical or electrical loads, wherein in the conservation operation the values of acceleration and/or jolting of the at least one component are variable within a part value range that is limited in comparison to the permissible value range.