In the 1940s and 50s, the quest to make manufacturing processes more efficient through modern technology led to the development of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine. This is a way to create specific parts and tools out of a wide range of materials, all through automated systems that do not require manual control.
History of CNC machines
The idea of machine tools that could be automated has existed since the 19th Century, but the modern CNC machine traces its history to the work of John T. Parsons and Frank L. Stulen in 1940s Michigan. They were particularly interested in quicker, easier ways to manufacture rotor blades for helicopters. They would later be awarded the National Medal of Technology for their innovations.
At that time, “computer” meant a type of calculation device operated by a punch card. Parsons and Stulen used one of these punch card computers to produce a template for a helicopter rotor blade that included 200 separate points. Cutting at those points would create the correct shape.
How do they work?
CNC involves taking what is known as the blank or workpiece of solid material and cutting and reshaping it into the desired part.
Most CNC punching machines have a motion or drive system to allow movement, a command function and a system for feedback. Computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is commonly used to deliver instructions to the machine.
CNC Machines Today
Today you can find CNC punching machines in many industries, from aerospace to telecommunications to robotics.
They are suitable for use on a variety of materials including metal, plastic, wood, glass, ceramic, foam and composite. Tools involved range from the more traditional, such as drills, mills, grinders and lathes to modern plasma cutters and 3D printers.
The movement is faster and more accurate than with a manual process, making it ideal for rapidly producing identical pieces, even for particularly complex parts.
There are a lot of different types of CNC machines available for different industries, capable of producing parts with varying degrees of complexity. This is only a brief overview.