Milling

Machining is a collection of various machines being used to cut metal into different shapes. One of the machines that is used is called a milling machine. Milling machines use a basic form which has a rotating cutter that is almost like a drill to shape different types of metals into a desired shape. There are manual and computer driven milling machines.

The industrial revolution brought on the need for advanced technology called machining. John Wilkinson created a canon-boring machine in England in 1775. He modified boring the cylinders for Boulton & Watt's steam engines. It was the only process of its kind to produce the necessary cylinder to run a steam engine.

In 1818, a Westborough, Massachusetts native named Eli Whitney created a milling machine which gave ease to those who were less skilled in operating machinery. The milling machines prove to be of great use to the government. It was eventually used to produce rifles.

John Parsons was responsible for making a numeric control milling machine in 1952. His machine used a computer to put in positioning points for better precision. This machine was created to make more advanced shapes like those that were used to make parts to an airplane.

As the years progress, more advanced forms of metal cutting are developed such as Waterjet Cutting. It uses water pressure at about 90,000 PSI to cut metal. This has proven to be an efficient method of cutting metal that is referred to as cold cutting. It is still in development, but has potential to be better than any other form of cutting metal.