NOVEMBER 2024AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM8The aerospace and defence industries are part of a transformative era in which modern approaches, such as Industry 4.0, are redefining computerised numerical control (CNC) machining. This article examines the evolution of CNC machining, its present trends, and future prospects, as well as how firms may incorporate Industry 4.0 to enhance competitiveness.MODERNISING AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE INDUSTRIES WITH CNCBy Tim Komkowski, Head of Operations & Production Management, Thyssenkrupp Marine SystemsTHE DEVELOPMENT OF CNC MACHINING SYMBOLISES THE EVOLUTION OF MODERN MANUFACTURING AND REPRESENTS A REMARKABLE DEVELOPMENT DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONSEvolution of CNC Machining: From Inception to Intelligent Automation1. Beginning: The history of CNC machining dates back to the early 1950s when the first numerical control (NC) machine was introduced. These early machines required manual programming and differed significantly from the modern intelligent systems that seamlessly combine design, machining, and control.2. Development and Dissemination: In 1958, APT formalised the first standardised universal NC language. This was followed by the patenting of CNC machines, another major milestone for their widespread use. Finally, the introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided machining (CAM) in the 1960s led to a significant increase in productivity in the design and manufacture of parts.3. Integrated CNC Systems: In the 1970s, the first fully integrated CNC system was introduced, further streamlining processes and efficiency.4. Multi-Axis CNC Machines, Adaptive Control, and Computer-integrated Manufacturing (CIM): In the 1980s, the introduction of multi-axis CNC machines allowed for even more advanced geometries, while industrial adaptive control systems introduced real-time adjustments, improving accuracy and error reduction together with standardised interfaces allowing for CIM integrations.5. Virtual Prototyping: Around 2000, software simulators for virtual prototyping were introduced, enabling preventive and virtual validations of designs to save production times.In My OpinionIn My OpinionIn My Opinion
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