(Newswire.net — August 26, 2014) Sarnia, Ontario — It’s common to take this Computer Numerical Control tech for granted, but there’s an intriguing story behind the evolution of the CNC machine. It allows for an increase in productivity as the machining tools can be automated and run without the need of constant monitoring from their operator.
Fabrication and metalworking was achieved with NC machines (numerical control) before the invention of CNC machining. John T. Parsons developed NC machines in the 1940s, and he worked closely with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). This product Parsons developed was then commissioned by the US Air Force to find a cost effective way to mass-produce intricate aircraft parts. During this time NC became the standard across the industry.
Computer Aided Machining started in 1972 which then lead to significant developments; the technology had proved to save costs, but it was unique from existing systems that it took some time for manufacturers to catch on. 1976 marked the first year 3D Computer Aided Design systems and by 1989 these intricate CNC machines had become the standard.
“When recalling my first experiences operating a CNC lathe, the Miyano BNC 34S to be exact, I recall it being mindblowing and scary.” says Eric Mordecai, a Senior Millwright at a top CNC machine shop Ontario, Canada has to offer. “They were loud and needed constant attention, but nowadays we have it easy. The systems are just so intuitive and precise.”
Microprocessors made adoption even more inexpensive and there is a trend of personal, smaller scale CNC units being used. This hobby and personal CNC market is growing. On a larger scale, CNC machining is an integral component in manufacturing and will continue to grow with production demands.
“The advantage of CNC is safety and efficiency. Some fabrication companies can leave the machinery unmanned over extended time periods. It doesn’t make my job more simplistic, but we certainly take it for granted sometimes.”
For the past 40 years CMM have steadily grown into a 60,000 square foot service and manufacturing facility capable of handling projects up to 60 ton.