Background and development

Various machine tools have been crafted through the centuries to address man’s specific needs, but it was the invention of the clock in 1364 that created a need for higher precision machining methods. The concepts of precision and product quality pushed machine tool technology ahead.

During the second half of the eighteenth century, the barriers between pure science and workshop technology were dissolving. Scientists began interacting more closely with mechanical engineers, spawning new ideas for improved machining techniques. The steam engine was born from this interaction, an invention that increased the potential of machine tools. This period was greatly influenced by Henry Maudslay, who is known as the man responsible for the introduction of many of the early engineering machine tools.

Maudslay introduced the concept of precision to heavy machinery. In the early 1800s he made the first screw-cutting lathe, a device that remains the standard even today. His second great contribution was the creation of a method of finishing a plane surface with a surface plate, marking compound, and hand scraper. Maudslay also constructed a micrometer in 1805 that enabled machinists to measure work to one tenthosandths of an inch. Maudslay’s successors furthered his craft and assisted in the evolution of machine tools, thus encouraging the industrial revolution.

Today, metal cutting tools remain very similar to those used in the nineteenth century. The implementation of computers has increased the precision and time efficiency of the metal cutting tools, but the basic processes have not changed significantly. However, new metal cutting advances are gaining acceptance and applicability in industry. These advances have already brought significant changes to the methods employed to cut metal to achieve a desired shape. Due to the limitations and adverse side effects of traditional machining, chipless machining processes have been developed. These processes are primarily concerned with chemical, electrochemical, electrodischarge, water jet, and laser machining techniques.

Speaking:

I Divide the text into some meaningful parts, giving them the proper title.

II Render the text, using the following phrases:

1. the text gives information about…

2. the text concerns with the problems of…

3. it is necessary to note…

4. as for the old machine-tools their design and functions…

5. the urgent necessity was…

6. the situation with machine-tools nowadays is…

Text II Read the text telling about the structure and functioning metalworking tools:

mounting		установка, рама
diamond		ромбовидный
swarf	[swɔ:f]	мелкая металлическая стружка
ratio gear train		передаточное число зубчатой передачи
gear train		зубчатая передача
swapping gear		шестерня переключения
change box		коробка передач
ratio	[reɪʃɪou]	передаточное число, коэффициент
tip		конец, кончик
ground slide		направляющая каретка, салазки
planing		строгание
diesinking		нарезание пазов штампов
rebating		фальцевание
routing		фасонное фрезерование
to sluice	[slu:s]	смывать, сбрасывать