CNC machines have transformed the manufacturing industry, making it possible to exert increasingly higher levels of control, precision, and productivity in the workplace. We may take them for granted now, but CNC technology has been around since the 1940s and 50s. Since then, manufacturing has been able to thrive in unforeseen ways.

C & C Machine, a local La Crosse business and Wisconsin’s top metal fabrication experts, wouldn’t be as successful as they are now if it weren’t for this robust technology. Below is more information about the interesting history.

Early “NC Machines”

In 1950, early CNC machines were called NC (numerical control) machines and were evolutions of earlier “automated” tools, such as cams, lathes, and mills. Only NC machines used punched tape to store data and were controlled using programming languages. While in certain respects, such devices weren’t completely new, the concept of using automated tools in manufacturing was foreign enough that NC machines took a while to catch on. The U.S. Army was the main trend-setter, encouraging other manufacturers to leverage the incredibly cost-effective technology. 

CNC Programming & Standardization

The benefits of using CNC machines quickly became apparent to those who made the switch, but a lot of work remained to be done. In the beginning, every CNC manufacturer developed its own language for programming its device, which became problematic for many reasons. But in the 1960s, a standardized language called “g-code” was developed at MIT and further refined by the Electronic Industry Alliance. In the years to follow, CNC machines became increasingly powerful, especially after the advent of the microprocessor. 

Now, CNC machines has become the industry standard technology for tooling and computer-aided design. If you require top quality metal fabrication or milling machine services, you can reach C & C Machine in La Crosse, WI, at (608) 784-4427. For more information, check out the website.