Department of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Topic: Evolution of CNC Technology - CNC machine -Concept, classification, features and
applications
CONTENTS TO BE COVERED
HISTORY
• In 1775, John Wilkinson- cannon boring machine (lathe).
• In 1881, Eli Whitney- milling machine.
• In 1947, Mr. John Parsons began experimenting forusing 3-axis curvature data to control the machine
toolmotion for the production for aircraft components.
• In 1949, parsons- first NC machine.
• In 1951, MIT was involved in the project.
• In 1955, after refinements NC became available inindustry
• Today, modern machinery are CNC milling machinesand lathes.US Air Force commissioned MIT to
develop the first "numerically controlled" machine in 1949. It was demonstrated in 1952.
• At 1970-1972 first Computer Numeric Control machines were developed.
• Today, computer numerical control (CNC) machines are found almost everywhere, from small job shops in
rural communities to companies in large urban areas.
Advantages:
• High Repeatability and Precision, e.g. Aircraft parts.
• Volume of production is very high.
• Complex contours/surfaces need to be machined, e.g. Turbines.
• Flexibility in job change, automatic tool settings, less scrap.
• Safer, higher productivity, better quality.
• Less paper work, faster prototype production, reduction in lead times.
• Easier to program.
• Easy storage of existing programs.
• Avoids human errors.
• Usually generates closer tolerances than manual machines.
• Program editing at the machine tool.
• Tool path verification.
Disadvantages:
• Costly setup, skilled operators
• Computers, programming knowledge required
• Maintenance is difficult
CNC APPLICATIONS
Lathe Machine
Milling Machine
Drilling Machine
The bench drill
The pillar drill
Boring Machine
Grinding Machine
CNC Mills
These machining centers use computer controls to cut different materials.
They are able to translate programs consisting of specific number and letters to move the spindle to various
locations and depths.
Used to make 3D prototypes, moulds, cutting dies, printing plates and sights.
They cut metal that is often turning at fast speeds.
CNC lathes
CNC lathes are able to make fast, precision cuts using indexabletools and drills with complicated
programs.Normally, they cannot be cut on manual lathes.
They often include 12 tool holders and coolant pumps to cut down on tool wear.
CNC Grinders
Grinding metal process uses a coated wheel that slowly removes metal to create a part.
Through the years, grinding was done on a manual machine, but with the adventof CNC technology, the
grinding process has advanced.
CNC DRILLING
Drilling is commonly used for mass production. The drilling machine (drilling press) is used to create or
enlarge holes.Drilling machine for different jobs;
The bench drill: For drilling holes through raw materials such as wood, plastic and metal
The pillar drill: A larger version that stands upright on the floor.
As the bench drill, it can be used to drill larger pieces of materials and produce bigger holes.
CNC Boring
Process of enlarging an existing hole or internal cylindrical surface.
This can be accomplished on a lathe or a machine tool specifically designed for the process, such as a
horizontal boring machine.
CONCEPT MAP
• Lathe Machine
• Milling Machine
• Drilling Machine
• The bench drill
• The pillar drill
• Boring Machine History
• Grinding Machine CNC machine
CNC applications
introduction