Development of the machinery industry

The journey of humans becoming "modern people" began with the creation of tools. In the Stone Age, early humans crafted simple stone axes, hammers, and rudimentary wooden or leather tools. These were the first steps toward the complex machines that would come later. Over time, the process of making tools evolved into building multi-part, intricate machines, a transformation that took centuries.

Thousands of years ago, people had already developed tools like hoes for grinding grains, water-lifting devices, wheeled vehicles, boats, rafts, and rudders for river navigation. The power sources changed from human strength to animal, water, and wind energy. Materials also advanced—from natural resources like stone, wood, and leather to man-made substances. The earliest such materials were ceramics, and ceramic-based machines—like pottery wheels—were among the first to include power, transmission, and working components.

From the Stone Age to the Bronze and Iron Ages, the development of blowers played a crucial role in metalworking. A strong air blower allowed higher furnace temperatures, essential for refining metals from ores. In China, around 1000–900 BCE, early blowers were used for smelting and casting, gradually evolving from manual to animal and water-powered systems.

Before the 15th and 16th centuries, mechanical engineering developed slowly. However, over the centuries, vast practical experience and technical knowledge were accumulated, laying the foundation for future advancements. By the 17th century, capitalism emerged in Britain, France, and other Western European countries, shifting society’s focus toward commodity production.

In the late 18th century, steam engines expanded beyond mining to textiles, flour milling, and metallurgy. Machinery started using stronger but harder-to-process metals instead of wood. This marked the birth of the machinery manufacturing industry, which soon became a vital sector.

As practice grew, mechanical engineering transitioned from a craft-based skill to a systematic, theory-driven discipline. It was a key force behind the Industrial Revolution and the rise of large-scale capitalist production.

Motivation and innovation have always driven progress. By the late 17th century, as demand for coal and minerals increased, it became clear that human and animal power alone couldn’t meet growing needs.

In Britain, textile and milling industries set up workshops near rivers, using water wheels to power machines. But in mines, where water was scarce, animals were needed to pump out groundwater. This need led to the invention of Newcomen's atmospheric steam engine in the early 18th century, used primarily in coal mines.

In 1765, James Watt improved the steam engine with a separate condenser, significantly reducing fuel use. In 1781, he developed a rotary steam engine, broadening its applications. Steam power revolutionized industry, railways, and shipping. Though bulky and inefficient, the steam engine dominated the 19th century as the main power source.

Ceramic Basin

Ceramic Hand Wash Basin,Ceramic Integrated Basin,Bathroom sink

Xuzhou Xinghe New Building Materials Co., Ltd. , https://www.successleo.com