The history of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) mills, dates back several decades. Here's an overview of their development:

• 19th Century; Early Milling Machines: The concept of milling machines can be traced back to the 19th century when early versions of manually operated milling machines were used for cutting and shaping metal. These machines relied on human operators to guide the movement of the cutting tool.

• 20th Century; Introduction of Numerical Control: In the mid-20th century, the idea of numerical control emerged. Instead of relying solely on manual operation, machines were controlled by punched cards with instructions for machining operations. This marked a significant advancement in automating the machining process.

• 1940's; The Birth of CNC: The next leap forward came in the late 1940s when MIT's Servomechanisms Laboratory developed the concept of computer numerical control (CNC). John T. Parsons, along with Frank L. Stulen, developed the first CNC machine tool, which was a milling machine retrofitted with an IBM computer. This system utilized punched tape to control the machine's movements.

• 1960's & 1970's; Digital Advancements: During the 1960s and 1970s, the development of CNC milling machines progressed rapidly. Digital computer systems replaced punched tape, enabling more precise control and faster data processing. Machine tool manufacturers began to incorporate CNC technology into their products.

• 1980's; CAD/CAM Integration: In the 1980s, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems started to integrate with CNC machines. This integration allowed for the direct transfer of design specifications to the CNC milling machines, reducing human error and increasing efficiency.

• 1990's & 2000's; Evolving Technologies: Over time, CNC milling machines evolved with advancements in technology. High-speed machining, improved tooling, and enhanced control systems led to increased precision, productivity, and versatility. CNC mills became capable of complex operations and multi-axis machining.

• 2010's to Present; Modern CNC Mills: Today, CNC milling machines are widely used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and more. They have become highly sophisticated machines with advanced features such as automatic tool changers, probing systems, and integrated software solutions for designing, simulating, and optimizing machining processes.

Throughout their history, CNC mills have revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enabling higher precision, repeatability, and automation in the machining process. They have significantly reduced production time and costs while increasing the complexity and quality of machined parts.

With instructor supervision, go over & demonstrate the following competencies on a CNC Mill in the lab:

• CNC Mill Safety Standards, PPE, & Rules

• Machine Safe shut-down & Power-Off

• Machine Safe Start-Up

• Homing all axes

• Safe unloading & loading of a tool in the spindle/toolchanger

• Selecting a program to run (warm-up routine)

• Running a program (warm-up routine)