History of CNC Machining
In the 1940s, the first numerical control (or NC) was created as a means to automate the process of manufacturing of customized parts fashioned out of stock material. However, NC machines were not the first to do this as turning machines which increased the precision of shop tools were invented in 1751.
NC machines were a refined and modern version of turning machines introduced in 1949. It was originally developed as an aid in Air Force research at MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
The NC machine was then upgraded to the CNC machine and with the introduction of the CNC machine in the 1940s and 1950s, telecommunications and data storage became more efficient and effective with the use of the CNC machines.
Today, CNC machining has evolved to the extent that 3D files are entered into a computer and this allows the computer’s program to control the tools. Everything from the axis and rotation of the tools to the dimensions of the final product are controlled by the computer and CNC machine.