CNC machine tools: manufacturing pioneers in the technological wave

On the grand stage of modern manufacturing, CNC machine tools are like a shining star. With its excellent performance and precise control, they have become the core force driving industrial progress. Today, let us walk into the world of CNC machine tools and explore the wonderful stories behind them.

Back in the mid-20th century, it was an era of surging technological changes. In 1947, John Parsons, head of the Parsons plant in Traverse City, Michigan, was racking his brains for the production problems of helicopter rotors. At that time, the traditional manual processing method was not only inefficient, but also difficult to ensure accuracy. The complex shape of the rotor blades discouraged the workers. By chance, Parsons came into contact with the punch card computer used by accountants. This seemingly ordinary tool ignited the spark of innovation in his heart.

Parsons boldly imagined whether this computer could be used to calculate the design parameters of the rotor blades to achieve more precise processing? He immediately took action and asked his employee Frank Sturland to use the computer to calculate 200 points along the edge of the contour. Subsequently, the machinist drilled holes according to these coordinate points, and when the holes gradually overlapped, the outline of the blade profile was clearly presented. This innovative move not only greatly improved the processing accuracy, but also opened up a new path for automated processing. Parsons was not satisfied with this. He further envisioned that the machine could be driven by motors by punched cards to give instructions digitally, thus realizing a fully automated processing process. This forward-looking idea eventually gave birth to the prototype of CNC machine tools. In March 1952, Parsons Co. and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States successfully developed the world's first vertical CNC milling machine, announcing the arrival of the CNC machine tool era. John Parsons was also honored as the "Father of CNC" for his outstanding contributions, and was awarded the "National Technology Award" in 1985.

Since the birth of the first CNC machine tool, this technology has been continuously developing and improving at an astonishing speed. In 1958, the American company Knai Dulek added an automatic tool change system to CNC machine tools, and machining centers came into being, further improving production efficiency and machining accuracy. Since then, with the rapid development of electronic technology and computer technology, CNC machine tools have also undergone many upgrades. From the initial tube CNC system, to the transistor CNC system, integrated circuit CNC system, and now the microcomputer CNC system and computer CNC system, the performance of CNC machine tools has been continuously improved and the functions have become increasingly powerful. Today's CNC machine tools have a high degree of automation, intelligence and flexibility, and can easily cope with the processing needs of various complex parts.

In modern manufacturing, CNC machine tools play a vital role and are widely used in many fields such as aerospace, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding industry, and electronic equipment. In the field of aerospace, key components such as blades and landing gear of aircraft engines have extremely high requirements for machining accuracy and quality. CNC machine tools, with their excellent performance, can ensure that the machining accuracy of these components reaches the micron level, providing a solid guarantee for the safe flight of aircraft. In the field of automobile manufacturing, CNC machine tools can realize large-scale and efficient production of automobile parts. From engine cylinders, crankshafts to body structural parts, CNC machine tools can accurately process, greatly improving the production efficiency and quality stability of automobiles. In the field of electronic equipment manufacturing, CNC machine tools can process high-precision chip packaging molds, precision electronic parts, etc., promoting the continuous advancement of electronic technology.

In order to better understand the working principle of CNC machine tools, let's take the processing of a complex mechanical part as an example. First, engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to draw an accurate three-dimensional model based on the design drawings of the parts. Then, through computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, the three-dimensional model is converted into a processing program that can be recognized by CNC machine tools. This program contains detailed information such as the tool's motion trajectory, cutting speed, and feed rate. Next, the processing program is input into the CNC device of the CNC machine tool. The CNC device is like the "brain" of the machine tool. It decodes and calculates the program and sends instructions to the various execution components of the machine tool. After the servo system receives the instruction, the drive motor drives the workbench, tool and other components to move according to the predetermined trajectory and parameters to cut the workpiece. During the processing, the measurement feedback device will monitor the operating status of the machine tool and the processing accuracy of the workpiece in real time, and feed back the data to the CNC device. The CNC device adjusts the processing process according to the feedback information to ensure that the processing accuracy always meets the requirements. After a series of precise processing procedures, an originally ordinary metal billet is finally processed into a high-precision, high-quality mechanical part.

With the continuous advancement of science and technology, CNC machine tools are also continuing to innovate and develop. Intelligence, networking, and greening have become important trends in the future development of CNC machine tools. Intelligent CNC machine tools can sense various parameters in the processing process, such as temperature, vibration, tool wear, etc., through sensors in real time, and automatically adjust the processing strategy based on this information to achieve the best processing effect. Networked CNC machine tools can realize remote monitoring, diagnosis and management, and operators can operate and maintain machine tools thousands of miles away, greatly improving production efficiency and management level. Green CNC machine tools pay more attention to energy conservation and emission reduction, and adopt new energy-saving technologies and environmentally friendly materials to reduce the impact on the environment.

In my country, the CNC machine tool industry has also made remarkable achievements. In recent years, the country has attached great importance to the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry and has introduced a series of policies to support the development of the CNC machine tool industry. Many domestic enterprises and scientific research institutions have increased their investment in the research and development of CNC machine tool technology and have achieved a number of core technological achievements with independent intellectual property rights. Today, my country's CNC machine tools have reached the international advanced level in performance and quality, not only meeting the needs of the domestic manufacturing industry, but also exported to many countries and regions overseas. At the 47th World Skills Competition, Long Weijie from Guangdong won the championship with his superb CNC milling technology, achieving my country's first five consecutive championships in the competition, which also fully demonstrated the superb skills of my country's CNC technical talents and the strong strength of my country's CNC machine tool industry.

CNC machine tools, the core equipment of modern manufacturing, are promoting the progress of industrial civilization with their powerful power. It has witnessed the innovative wisdom and courage of mankind to explore, and will continue to shine in the future wave of science and technology to create a better life for us. Let us look forward to CNC machine tools blooming with more splendid brilliance in the new era and leading the manufacturing industry to a more glorious tomorrow!