Tools have existed in many forms since the beginning of recorded history. Obviously due to numerous advances in technology as well as well as constant innovations in architecture, many tools have constantly evolved over time. Though many basic tools are still essentially just more effective versions of their original incarnations made from updated materials, many other tools have developed over the years through new technology.
Since computers were invented, they have been gradually integrated into the tool making world in order to develop more efficient, advanced tools for specific needs. Machine tools are one form of tool that has employed the use of computers over the years, going back to the invention of the Computer Numerical Control machine, also known as the CNC machine. Computer Numerical Controlled machines are a variation of a machine tool that automatically perform a series of machining operations based on programs that are installed in them. Though Computer Numerical Control machines are a somewhat more recent version of the machine tool, machine tools themselves have been in existence for many hundreds of years. The screw cutting lathe is one of the earliest known machine tools, dating all the way back to 1483. The screw cutting lathe ensured accuracy for its operator by using direct mechanical control of the path of the cutting tool.
Of the many components that make up a Computer Numerical Control machine, the most important are often considered to be the tool holders. Despite their name, which can initially be misleading, tool holders are not actually used to store tools, but they are instead used to secure tools in CNC machining devices in order to maintain accurate standards of tooling. Though already being a component of a machining tool, tool holders are known to be intricate themselves. One important part of tool holders is the shank, which is a rectangular section that is clamped into the turret. Some tool holders are also designed to introduce additional properties while cutting such as variable overhand and rigidity, angular approach, and spring loading. Another important component of CNC machines is the tool presetter. Tool presetters ensure the efficiency of the job performed by a machining tool by positioning the tool as accurately as possible using exact measurements before the machine is actually performing the task. References: www.parlec.com