The History Of The Milling Machine
Have you ever wondered what a milling machine really does? It is a unique machine that is used to mold solid materials like metal. These machines are either horizontal or vertical dictating the type of cutting tool that’s going to be used. It is very different from a drill press in that it is not stationary but instead rotates the machine’s workpiece against the cutter. It is extremely precise and uses only the most advanced technology to do its job. These machines can be manually operated or they can be automated either digitally or mechanically. There is no end to the functions that these machines can do. Some complex things that are possible with them are drilling, routing, cutting and planning. They are used extensively in today’s industrial environment.
Machines used for milling have an interesting history. They were initially introduced in a primitive state in the early 1800’s. They were instrumental in automating the process of hand-filing by using rotary technology. Eli Whitney is given credit for actually inventing the first machine mill in1818. However, other men like Simeon North and Thomas Blanchard also deserve credit for playing a part in milling technology. By 1830, an even more sophisticated machine was introduced by Gay & Silver. It used vertical positioning in a better way than the earlier machines and was used in many toolrooms of the day.
As the century move forward, these innovative machines became even more in demand. The Lincoln Miller machine was produced by many different companies and was by far the most popular model. Vertical positioning of the axes was yet to be perfected. By the early 1900’s, the knee and column horizontal spindle mill was developed. A man named A.L. DeLeeuw started a new trend. He developed a more modern mill that contained widely spaced teeth for better efficiency. The end of WWI the first inklings of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology immerged. CNC would automate the entire milling process in future decades.
A modern milling machine is by far more advanced that its earlier cousins. CAD/CAM computer programs do most of the work today and these programs eliminate almost all human intervention. Advancements in technology continue and new CNC machine tools surface daily.
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