Machinery
Machinery is essential to the functioning of virtually all industries and societies today. It is machines, such as tractors and engines, which power the construction and agricultural industries and which make production far more efficient than it once was. And it is machines, such as computers and robotic devices, that are vital to controlling many of the activities and processes that keep our economies running.
Machinery, and related products, can be divided into four major categories: construction, agricultural, industrial and consumer. This includes a wide range of engines, power tools and other products used in numerous industries and settings such as automotive and shipbuilding.
Construction machinery is used to construct or modify the architecture or structure of a building or structure. Most construction machines are large, bulky, and expensive and typically require specialized operators and ongoing maintenance. Commonly used construction machines are earth moving vehicles such as bulldozers and backhoes, cranes, and concrete mixers.
Agricultural machinery is used to help with the cultivation, planting, harvesting, and processing of crops and food, as well as in animal husbandry. The invention and further developments of the corn header is an agricultural machine that revolutionized modern farming practices. Common examples include tractors, combine harvesters, and harrows.
Industrial machinery is used in the production of a variety of goods, from consumer products to large-scale industrial parts, such as those found in the automotive and construction industries. The category includes lathes, drill presses, milling machines, presses, and welding machines. The invention of the assembly line and related automation solutions represented a significant shift in industrial production.
Consumer machinery serves a broad range of purposes, from personal tasks to industrial-scale applications. Common consumer machines include sewing machines, blenders, and vacuum cleaners. Food processing and preparation machines, such as bread makers and slow cookers, have become popular in recent years.
Machinery is a vital part of the functioning of modern life, and the development and advancement of machinery in the past centuries has transformed the way many industries function. From the steam engine and sewing machine to the modern robot, the improvements in machinery over time have allowed us to achieve greater productivity and efficiency.
