History of Computer Numerical Control
The history of CNC, or Computer Numerical
Control machines was brought about in the 1960s by professionals within the
aircraft industry. At this time, industries throughout the country were
immersed in trying to make production lines for efficient, and this resulted in
some very large machinery to deal with some of the more simple production tasks
that were required at the time. There are a few factors that paved the way for
this machinery in the 60s and they included; the Standard G-Code Language for
Part Programs, which was developed by MIT, CAD (or computer aided design which
rapidly rose in popularity by the 70s), the rise of the minicomputer and the
rise of employment costs throughout the western world.
The
Industrial Revolution
While the modern CNC
systems as people know them were born in the 1960s, the concept can be traced
back to 1775, when John Wilkinson introduced the first cannon-boring machine to
the world. The machinery was aimed at producing cylinders which were going to
be used by Boulton & Watt’s steam engines, and while it was relatively
simple, it paved the way for machinery like it. It was in 1818 that Eli Whitney
invented the world’s very first milling machine, which was put to use
manufacturing rifles for the government.
The
First Numeric Control Machines
It was 1952 before John
Parsons invested the first Numeric Control milling machine. It was his idea to
allow the computer to read its positioning instructions with the use of punch
cards and it also allowed for the first machine to undertake complex tasks,
rather than simple or menial ones.
Challenges
Associated With Early NC Machines
While NC machines were
pacing the way for CNC counterparts, the first users had to struggle in order
to make them work. This equipment often came with thick and heavy manuals, and
when consultants were called out to assist in resolving issues with the
machinery, they were often unable to make much of a difference. The costs of
this equipment rendered most quality items out of reach for the ordinary
manufacturers, although it would only be a matter of time before they became
more affordable.
Promoting
the Adoption of CNC Machines
Due to the difficulties
that manufacturers often experienced with regards to the earlier versions of
CNC computers, many were slow to catch on to the craze. In order to resolve
this problem so that the potential of these machines could be realized, the US
Army actually purchased around 120 machines and loaned them out to
manufacturers throughout the country. Basically, this allowed them the
opportunity to familiarize themselves with the idea without having to make any
risky investments.
The
Development of the G-Code
The G-code is a
standardized language that allows CNC machines to communicate with each other,
and although it is a somewhat complex language, the standardization throughout
the world has made it very valuable indeed. The standards were developed by the
engineers who were committed to manufacturing the earlier versions of CNC machines,
and as the code progressed, so did the capabilities of the equipment. Keep in
mind that before this code, manufacturers were in the process of developing
their own languages; something that would prove problematic in the long run.
The G-code helped to solve many of these issues and make the idea of CNC
machines much more popular.
Over time, improvements
have been made on CNC machines; this has not only turned them into more
effective, precise devices, but also helped to lower the costs of this equipment,
thus making it more freely available to companies throughout the world.
References:
Author Bio:
Abco Precision Machining aims to deliver
premium quality CNC machined solutions throughout the country, to industries
ranging from mining to rail. The Abco team of specialists is knowledgeable and
experienced, providing customers with quality service since the company was
established in 1996.
