Considered the workhorses of the metal industry, steel milling machines are capable of carving diverse shapes, drilling precise holes and etching intricate grooves in various types of metal. For producing consistent results, part after part, you can’t go wrong by investing in these versatile machines. At LSG Machine Tools, we embark on a brief journey on how the first rudimentary concept evolved and has revolutionised steel fabrication since then.
Steel Miling Machines: From Rifle Parts to a Useful Machining Tool
The inventor of the original milling machine is unknown. However, the advancement of steel milling machines over the centuries has been documented. The need for producing identical items at speed came about when Eli Whitney updated and improved the first model to be used for replicating rifle parts in 1818. From his basic template, workers could cut the metal on the milling machine. In fact, his advancements were crucial in the mass production of guns in the United States. What Eli brought to steel fabrication changed the industry.
Not everything was smooth sailing as cutting tools still needed to be used to finish the product off which slowed down manufacturing. This led Eli to the point of “reinventing the wheel” as he created an iron wheel with curved teeth for better accuracy. It also ensured a steady cutting speed, with each curved tooth moving at a precise stroke.
Building on the Old to Perfect the New
Many years later, Joseph R. Brown showcased his modified steel milling machines in Paris. These equipment pieces incorporated a certain type of twist drill and a formed cutter. His improvements were so astounding that they started to overtake the use of lathes.
In the 1940s, it was the goal to automate steel milling machines to speed up production.
Today’s steel milling machines boast a multi-axis, rotating cylindrical cutting tool making it a game-changer for metal fabrication. This technological marvel allows for the creation of intricate details in mechanical parts, a level of precision that would have been unimaginable with the use of earlier machines.
At LSG Machine Tools, we offer a wide range of refurbished, top-quality steel milling machines available for your specific metal fabrication requirements. Whether vertical or horizontal, our machines will make it possible for you to machine flat or irregularly shaped surfaces with ease and accuracy. All you need to do is contact us.