How much do you know about CNC machining? While computer numerical control (CNC) machining operations might seem very modern, they’ve actually been in wide use for nearly 70 years! The following article discusses the background of CNC machining, and how it has grown and evolved into the highly precise and flexible fabrication method we use today.
Very often, the CNC machining process is the final stage of metal parts fabrication, and it is sometimes the only manufacturing process. When you compare CNC machining to other techniques in metalworking, its ability to achieve extremely tight tolerances and produce extraordinarily precise outcomes consistently is what makes it a superior process.
To fully appreciate the CNC machining process, you should examine the three main components of the phrase and concept.
- Machining. This is the stage where materials are removed from the medium, which can be metal, wood, plastics, or foam. Machining is a form of subtractive manufacturing, where a part or component is created by mechanically carving out a fully formed shape from a larger block of materials without adding anything. This technique has been used in product manufacturing for centuries, and the different machining methods include drilling, turning, shaping, milling, grinding, and broaching.
- Numerical Control. Traditionally, machining involves a person at the controls of the mechanical machining tools. The concept of numerical control was developed in the mid-20th century; it revolutionized machining because it automated the motion of the cutting tools, allowing for very precise outcomes.
- Computer. The computerized process allows the machine operator to enter the component’s exact specifications into the machining console, so that the machine tool can execute the instructions automatically without human guidance. Computerized Assisted Design (CAD) software is often used to generate the machine commands for 2D and 3D models.
CNC Machining History
The first CNC machine system was conceived and developed by John Parsons in the late 1940s. The system-controlled machining equipment used the most advanced technology of the time – coded punch cards that contained positioning instructions. Punch cards and tape were used in early telecommunications, and ultimately replaced by analog computing systems before the digital era. Parsons worked in cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the United States Air Force to develop what later became numerical control in order to produce aircraft components and parts.
The very first numerical control systems were revolutionary manufacturing devices, but they weren’t without their flaws. Most notably, the coding language, once entered, couldn’t be adjusted. Moreover, the coding language had to be developed and programmed manually which was a time-intensive process highly susceptible to error. The processes weren’t universal, either – different organizations designed unique and incompatible programming languages, which further hindered technological development and industrial efficiency.
As numerical control technology evolved, the codes – known as G-codes – were combined with logical commands that resulted in a new programming language that could be controlled through digitized computer systems. The new technology was much more malleable, and allowed for the development of systems we continue to use today.
Moseys has been at the forefront of CNC machining technology for more than four decades, continually evolving and innovating our CNC machining processes to provide the highest level of precision in our machined parts and components. Delivering exceptionally tight tolerances and fast turnarounds regardless of volume, we’re committed to providing you with unparalleled quality and exceptional service.