CNC machining is a popular way to make different things today, and it has a wide range of industrial uses. But what do you know about the history of the CNC? Have you ever thought about how CNC machines came to be? What do you think people from a few hundred years ago would have said to machines that made products or tools with little direction?
CNC machining has improved computerized features because it has grown and changed over time. But it's much more than that. In this article, we'll look into the history of Computer Numerical Control, including where it came from and how it has changed over time.
In plastic CNC machining, the machining function is set by a program that controls how the tools move on the block being machined. It shows the axis of rotation of the milling cutter and the axis of rotation of the part when turning. It is a milling machine with three or five axes controlled by a computer and fully automated.
The 3D file put into the computer shows where the milling cutter should go to cut out the part needed from the block. So, this method is one of the so-called "subtractive" methods, which are fast and cheap for making one to ten parts.
But because there are few economies of scale, this method isn't suitable for medium and large series. It can make up to ten identical parts that can be put through visual and functional tests. This is because the parts are made from the right material and are all the same.
When you check the history of CNC machines, you will see that CNC machining did not start when many people think it did. When we hear or see "CNC machining," we expect a process done by a computer. But CNC machining, in particular, has only been computerized in the last few years.
This part will tell you about the history of CNC machining, the first CNC machine, and how it has changed over time.
The first CNC machine was created in 1949 by James Parsons, a computer pioneer who worked on a particular air force project. The research was on how to produce better aircraft skin and helicopter blades. He was able to use an IBM 602A to calculate helicopter airfoil coordinates. Then, he put the information on a punched card and used it with a Swiss jig borer. Because of this information, many helicopter blades and airplane skins were made. The accepted history of CNC says that this was the first CNC machine. Parson later won the Joseph Marie Jacquard Memorial Award for his research.
Before the first CNC machine was made, some could be told to make other machines. Numerical Control was the name for this (NC). You should notice that Computerized (C) is absent. Parsons later went on to make the first CNC machine. With this change, there was an improvement. In the following timeline, you can see how CNC machining has changed over time.
● 1952 – 1958
As the Cold War worsened, there was a need to make many machines and weapons more efficient and productive. So in 1952, Richard Kegg and MIT made the first CNC milling machine, the Cincinnati Milacron Hydrotel. In 1958, Richard Kegg later applied for a patent for the Motor Controlled Apparatus for Positioning Machine tool.
● 1967 – 1972
All over the world, more people now know about CNC machining. This happened because CAD and CAM (Computer-Aided Machining) were invented in 1972. When CAD and CAM were added to CNC machining, it led to huge improvements. Neither of the two was thought to be a standard part of the production process.
● 1976 -1989
CNC machining added 3D Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Machining in 1976. In 1989, CAD and CAM software became the standard for controlling CNC machines in the business world.
● Today's CNC Industry
The evolution of CNC machines is unique. From a simple machine controlled by a punch card to a machine run by software is a mystery. CNC machining is faster, more precise, and more accurate than the first CNC machine and NC because it has changed over time.
CNC machining has several industrial uses. Industries like electronics, health, and aerospace rely on this technology. These are some of the advantages of CNC machining:
CNC machining has an important advantage over other things, like 3D printing. This is why it helps a lot of things. For 3D printing and other methods, you can only use certain materials for your parts.
When choosing a material for CNC machining, the only rule is that it be compatible with the process. So, you will need to think about things like:
● Design tolerance
● Heat tolerance
● Hardness
● Fastening
● Stress resistance
You can check whether you have a CNC machine to see what materials it can work with before you start the process. At Ares Prototyping, we can work with a wide range of materials, like
● Steel
● Aluminum
● Stainless steel
● Plastic
● Brass
Another benefit of CNC machining is that it is very accurate. With the help of its programming codes and operator control, it can make parts that look just like the ones in the CAD file. So, you don't need to worry if you have a lot of pieces to fit into a bigger part. They will go together without a hitch.
Tools for many industries need to be made with high precision. The Aviation industry is a top one that is well known for this need. Because they deal with people's lives, it is not smart for their machines to be made in a way that is low-quality and not very precise. So, they count on the fact that CNC Machining can be very precise.
Over time, CNC machining has grown into something that is known all over the world. Many companies have added it to their manufacturing process because it has many benefits. CNC machining is used in more than just the industrial world. Here are the top industries that use CNC machining and what they can make with it:
● Prototyping
CNC machining is an excellent way to make prototypes because it is automatic. Once you have a CAD file, you can send it to a CNC machine, which will make the part quickly. It is great for creating prototypes because of these properties.
● Tooling
CNC machining is one of the best parts of direct manufacturing, and it has helped a lot. But it can also be used in indirect manufacturing to help with injection molding.
● Production
CNC machining is great for making high-quality parts because it is precise and accurate. It's also better for making parts because it can support a lot of material. Companies also use it to make product final parts.
● Aerospace/Military
CNC machining is used a lot in both of these two industries. This is because of how precise it is. CNC machining is also great because it can make new and better versions of any part on demand.
● Consumers Electronics
Even though it might be surprising, CNC machining is also used in the consumer electronics industry. Apple and other companies use CNC machining to make product parts. For example, the frame of the Apple MacBook is made of CNC-machined aluminum.
● Automotive
CNC machining is used a lot in the auto industry. They depend on CNC machining to make prototypes and make the real thing.
CNC machining has a unique history. From the first CNC machine that needed a punch card to a software-based machine that didn't need much help, it has changed a lot. CNC machining is the best way to make things and is used in many industries.
CNC machining is an essential part of the manufacturing process. This is clear from the fact that many industries and service providers use it. When you choose Ares Prototyping, you can get many benefits, such as an online quote right away, a Design for Manufacturing analysis, strong engineering support, and so on. Contact us today, and let's get started.
A computer pioneer named Parsons and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology worked together to make the first CNC machine (MIT). The research was done to figure out how to make helicopter blades and airplane skins more efficiently.
CNC Application is used to make parts in both industry and manufacturing. This is because of its pros. With our services at Ares Prototyping, it's easy to make the parts you need.
