CNC Machining (Computer Numerical Control) is one of the most significant technological advances in the metallurgical industry; this advance has made CNC machining service one of the most requested at an industrial level because they can obtain customized parts through its processes to meet any project’s needs and technical requirements. Next, we will learn more about the history of this specialized service.
Machining
Machining is one of the most critical processes in metal fabrication. This activity manufactures parts through the controlled elimination of material. This process has evolved thanks to the advancement of technology and the introduction of different techniques and mechanical tools to optimize it (CNC Machining).
History of CNC Machining
The base for CNC Machining is the manual machining process; however, the main difference is that manual machining uses manual tools while CNC Machining uses mechanical tools or machines controlled by a computer (which gives it the name CNC or Computer Numerical Control).
Manual Machining
Machining has been used since before the Industrial Revolution (18th century) to obtain metal parts for ships, trains, and personal/residential products; they could get these parts by shaping and cutting the material using hand tools. It is important to note that this was how they obtained parts to build the revolutionary steam engines that started the Industrial Revolution.
Machining with energized tools
With the arrival of the Industrial Revolution and the steam engine, machining had its first evolution. Instead of manual tools, mechanical tools or energized machines (powered by energy) began to be used; this allowed machining to obtain parts that were more precise in shape, besides having the capacity to manufacture them in large quantities.
Between 1880 and 1945, machining underwent a significant evolution because of the development of different machines that helped perform many mass processes. Among the inventions that favored machining during this period were “rotary” tools for machining, such as drills, lathes, and milling machines, which (in wartime) were helpful in manufacturing trains, ships, cars, and even weapons of war.
First Numerical Control (NC) machine
Computer pioneer Jhon Thoren Parsons developed the first numerical control machine. In 1949, Parsons used an IBM 602A multiplier with which he could calculate the airfoil coordinates of a helicopter during the development of an Air Force research Project to improve airplane cowlings and helicopter blades.
First Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine
Due to continued research and advances in the development of the first Computer Numerical Control (NC) machine, in 1952, the first Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine was developed, mainly thanks to the work of a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A milling machine was the basis for this machine, and John Parsons participated in this research; they developed this device to produce high-precision helicopter blades or propellers. However, it was not until 1958 that such CNC machines were patented.
CNC Machining Service
Today, most companies specializing in CNC machining services use Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines or tools. Such machines or tools consist of drills, lathes, milling machines, and other cutting machines that are “controlled” by a computer. Thanks to the variety of existing cutting machines and the use of technology, the capabilities of the CNC Machining process have been expanded.
The CNC Machining service is personalized and precise, minimizing human intervention. A CNC machinist who carries out this process must ensure the machine’s proper functioning and provide his knowledge and skills to program and use the computer to control the CNC machine and manufacture the desired parts. It is essential to highlight software, hardware, and robotic system improvements within the technological advances incorporated into this process.
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