Coil winding machines serve numerous purposes within the electrical sector. As the coil represents the essential “heart” of any transformer, this technology has been essential for progress. Are you curious to learn about the history of coil winding machines? If so, the details below should be quite informative.
When Did the History of Coil Winding Machines Begin?
It can be argued that the first winding machines were conceived when practical transformer technology became a reality. While the principle of induction was known since the 1830s, it was not viable at the time. Practical transformers came to light in 1886, thanks to a Westinghouse inventor named William Stanley.
Note that this is a general observation. It is likely that in-house winding methods were employed by many different manufacturers. The main takeaway point is that reliable production methods were required when the demand for commercial transformers began to increase.
How is the History of Coil Winding Machines Related to Other Sectors?
In theory, coil winding technology is rather straightforward. The main intention is to create a coil of a specific size and shape. Factors such as the number of windings, tension, and accuracy will likewise be taken into account. For this reason, the history of coil winding machines is not dissimilar from related inventions.
For instance, the first patented cotton winding machine (for textiles) was patented in 1802. The principles associated with this design are somewhat similar to coil winding. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that future inventors simply modified the original configuration. Once again, much of this is left up to speculation.
Advancements in the 20th Century
So, how do we bridge the gap between then and now? Is it possible to connect past devices and modern marvels, such as the wire winding machines offered by Tuboly-Astronic? The majority of advancements occurred during the second half of the 20th century.
Automation began to play a key role in the manufacturing sector during the Second World War. The demand for electrical components such as transformers skyrocketed, and efficiency was essential. While many innovations occurred between 1939 and 1945, few were recognised until the post-war period.
Several patents were thereafter filed in the late 1940s and the early 1950s. For instance, Westinghouse began to develop electrical coil winding apparatus as early as 1945. This is interesting when we consider that patents have existed since around 1922. The main point here is that demand forced manufacturers to adopt more efficient methods.
The Digital Revolution
The history of coil winding machines was likewise impacted by the invention of the transistor in 1947. Transistors eventually replaced vacuum tubes, providing a more reliable means of power generation and decreasing the size of winding machines.
The next major breakthrough occurred with the beginning of the digital revolution (during the early 1980s). This was when computing power began to make its presence known. Computer-controlled coil winding machines offer a host of benefits, including:
- Superior levels of automation.
- Precision that would be nearly impossible to achieve manually.
- Massive increases in throughput.
- Operator safety.
- The automatic detection of faults during the winding process.
Note that computers are not intended to eliminate humans entirely from the equation. Instead, they are implemented to ensure accuracy during every step of the production process.
Present-Day Innovations
Of course, the need for accuracy is now more important than ever before. One example includes medical-grade equipment that can be produced through the use of MRI winding machines. Other factors can include:
- The automated inclusion of strip insulation.
- Constant tension during production.
- The configuration of the coils themselves.
- The production of both high- and low-voltage transformer coils.
Many of these tasks would be nearly impossible without digital technology. Thanks to emerging concepts, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), more intuitive solutions will soon be leveraged.
The history of coil winding machines offers much more than initially meets the eye. Still, the main intention is to produce quality products designed for demanding requirements.
The team at Tuboly-Astronic boasts more than 30 years of experience in this field. We likewise aim to remain one step ahead of the competition. This is why customers continue to choose our services. Do you wish to learn more about our selection of coil winding machines? Please take a moment to contact us directly. A customer service representative will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
