Subtitled: 'Is It Valid To Pick Out Just One'
In this thread I made the comment about advances in endmill technology over the last 30 years and philbur responded that it was not really a major technology jump.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...371#post626371
This got me involved in a dangerous activity; thinking. What could be defined as a major technology jump and have there been several, one or none during the last 50 years.
I didn't make it a poll because I think it is more interesting to read opinions rather than a list of choices. Also I am thinking only about milling machines and lathes; I don't think lasers or water jet cutters existed 50 years ago.
I think the Big Three in technology improvements have been: Machines with servos and control systems that allow complex cutting motions at speeds that would have been unbelievable a few decades ago; CAD/CAM software that allows complex motions to be programmed and Cutting Tool Technology in the form of tool material, tool geometry and coatings which allow the other two to be used to their full (?) extent.
Even though I placed it last I still think the advances in tool technology are the most significant because even in the absence of the other two these enormously increase tool life and metal removal rate.