MILLPWRG2 CNC Control Bridges Past and Future at American Precision Museum
Nearly two centuries ago, the Robbins & Lawrence Armory in central Vermont sparked the development of precision manufacturing and machine tools in America. Today, it’s the home of the American Precision Museum (APM). Since 1966, APM has showcased American ingenuity by telling the manufacturing stories of yesterday, today, and the future. The ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 CNC control is vital to these efforts. Powered by the continuous innovation of HEIDENHAIN, the ACU-RITE control helps APM bridge the gap between traditional and modern machining methods. Together, we are engaging new audiences in the evolution of manufacturing—and inspiring the next generation of makers to continue the advancement. The Birthplace of Modern Manufacturing APM stands as a testament to the dawn of precision manufacturing. It is a historic site located in Windsor, Vermont, that played a pivotal role in manufacturing interchangeable parts in the 1840s, a revolutionary concept at the time. To create the interchangeable parts, the site repurposed existing machinery and built new equipment powered by water in the nearby stream. These innovations enhanced the efficiency and quality of manufacturing, giving way to new standards that became the American system of Manufacturing. The American system led to consumerism, making everyday objects such as bicycles and typewriters more affordable and accessible to the masses. APM preserves this rich manufacturing heritage by showcasing traditional machinery and artifacts as well as modern machine tools. Its signature 4,000-square-foot exhibit, Shaping America, illustrates how mechanized production drove industrialization and developed modern consumer culture. Interactive Learning with the MILLPWRG2 The ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 CNC control is more than just an exhibit piece at APM. It’s an educational tool demonstrating manufacturing machinery’s evolution to nearly 6,000 annual visitors. HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION donated the MILLPWRG2 to APM in 2023, and it was installed on a 1960s Bridgeport mill in the museum’s Innovation Station. The MILLPWRG2 shows visitors in real time how CNC retrofit technology transforms manual machining methods. “We learn so much from history, but some people won’t be drawn to the historical side,” Rex said. “That’s why we need modern technology to work with historical machinery. We need to show people [...]