Machining History

When thinking of modern day machining it may be surprising to learn that it is not actually a modern day technology. Of course there are modern updates and pieces of technology added but, machining actually began hundreds of years ago. To understand better how modern machinery works it is beneficial to learn how it originated.

Cutting metals was a technology that began to develop during the industrial revolution. John Wilkinson began by developing what is known in modern terms as a lathe. In 1775 Wilkinson termed this a cannon boring machine. His intention was to develop cylinders for steam engines. His method allowed for the smooth tight cylinder needed for the pressure imposed by the steam engine.

Soon after this in 1818 Eli Whitney fine tuned the technology and transitioned it to a milling machine that did not require the previous tedious filing of earlier machines. By 1952, John Parsons had further adapted these lathe type machines to the first computer controlled lathes. The primitive technology used punch cards that were read by the computer which in turn directed the cutting edges of the lathe. This technology allowed more complicated and intricate cutting shapes.

Each of these inventions has lead us to the modern day Computer Numeric Controlled lathe systems. Data loaded into the computer is translated to an output which makes the precision cuts required. This technology allows exact equipment to be produced for equipment. Because of the speed and precision of modern day lathe systems cooling systems have had to be added to prevent the machinery from overheating.

Machining has come a long way in technical ability since its inception. The modern machine can be programed for the smallest most intricate cuts to the shaping of very large bulky equipment.