Machining History, Evolution, & the Machine Age

Machining is the process by which intricate metal parts are crafted. These parts are used in various industries, making machining vital to developed economies. 

Machining seems like a highly modern and efficient process. While it is true that most innovations in machining occurred in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, the craft actually has its roots in ancient history. 

We will trace the history of machining from its earliest origins to the present day. Emphasis is placed on machining’s evolution through the Machine Age of the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Early Origins of Machining 

The first lathe is thought to have been developed and used in Egypt around 1300 BC. The first lathes were simple to use and required two people to operate. 

The ancient Greeks used two-person lathes which required one person to turn the wooden workpiece while the other shaped the worked object with a sharp tool. 

Bowl turning and pole lathes were utilized by the Vikings and medieval Europeans. By the Middle Ages, lathes operated with the use of a pedal, making them hands-free. 

Lathes and other tools remained mostly unchanged until the Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century. 

Machining of the 19th Century

The early 1800s saw major changes in the way machining took place. Samuel Rehe and Eli Terry are thought to be the first to invent milling machines. 

Eli Whitney made major improvements to the milling machine, and since his model worked so well, he is typically credited with the machine’s invention.

Milling machines proved to be vital to industrialization thanks to their ability to produce identical finished objects. More complex pieces could be crafted through cutting, drilling, and making grooves. 

Through the 1800s, milling machines became even more efficient. James Nasmyth’s machine had the ability to mill six sides of a hex nut. 

Cities across America and other countries became industrial centers. Philadelphia is a great example of how industries like machining shaped the demographics of a city. Philadelphia became known as the “workshop of the world” in the 19th century, which almost half of the city’s population working in industries like machining. 

Starting in 1880, machining rapidly evolved and advanced during the Machine Age, which lasted until the end of World War II in 1945. 

This era is defined by the widespread use of lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and other machines to craft trains, ships, automobiles, and war equipment. 

Machining during the World Wars 

With the continuation of the Machine Age’s innovations in the 20th century, machine shops spread across America and produced equipment for the first World War. 

The Great Depression negatively affected most industries, including machining. Because the machining industry provided products for so many failing businesses, machining itself suffered as well. 

In the lull between World Wars, the iconic Bridgeport lathe was invented by Rudolph Bannow. This machine would help bring life to the struggling industry. 

The start of World War II quickly revitalized the machine tool industry, as heavy machinery and equipment were required for winning the war. 

Machining was so important to the war effort that more lathes, mills, and grinders were produced in 1942 alone than any other year prior. 

More machining took place between 1940 and 1943 than in the previous 40 years combined. 

All of this hard work produced over 300,000 planes, 100,000 tanks, and 2,000,000 machine guns. 

While the 1940s produced many finished products, it was also the decade in which numerical control machining was first developed.

This early form of CNC (computer numerical control) machining allowed for the creation of helicopter blades and other essential products. 

20th Century Machining & Innovations

Numerical control machining continued to evolve following World War II. The first CNC machine was developed at MIT and allowed for the creation of more complex objects. 

By the 1970s, microcomputers and microprocessors made CNC machines smaller, more affordable, and highly efficient. 

The 3-axis portable CNC machine was introduced in 2011, paving the way for 4, 5, and even 12-axis models. CNC machining continues to be important today, and is used by a wide range of industries. 

CNC machining has a positive industry outlook in the years ahead.