What are the Origins of CNC Machining?

CNC machining enables the creation of a physical product from the instructions of a file on your computer. In this file, the design of the part is explained. It is a subtractive process since CNC machining takes material away from the stock in order to create the desired design. The stock usually is made of steel, titanium, or aluminum, although there are more possible materials. Nowadays a CNC service can do this for you, but this obviously has not always been the case. Explore the origins of CNC machining below.

Punched tape

It all started in 1751 with the beginning of industrialization. One of the first machines that tried to execute more precise projects than the techniques that were previously handcrafted was developed in this year. A machining technique was invented that involved turning the machine with the metal frame. After 1751 it took quite some time before machining developed. In the 1940s this finally happened with the arrival of the first NC machines, also known as numerical control machines. These early variations heavily relied on concepts of programmable logic. The code was manually entered into a data card and placed into the system, which is a method called punched tape.

The Cincinnati Milacron Hydrotel

A few years later John Parsons started a study to improve aircraft with stiffened skins. At the same time, MIT professor J. F. Reintjes and his team began an experimental milling machine. Automation became important during these years due to the Cold War. In 1952, Richard Kegg and MIT were able to develop the very first CNC milling machine. They called it the Cincinnati Milacron Hydrotel. In 1958 Kegg filed for a patent for the Motor Controlled Apparatus for Positioning Machine tool. About 10 years later the concept of computer controlled machining started to gain traction.

Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Machining

Around this time Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Machining began. This prompted a few important developments in CNC machining. 1976 was actually the very first year of 3D Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Machining, which was another massive milestone in the origin story of the CNC machining technique. However, the modern CNC machines were not yet industry standard. It would take quite some time for this to change. In 1989 CAD and CAM software controlled machines finally became the standard of the manufacturing industry.