Ironbridge: AD 1779
In 1779 the world's first iron bridge, which reached over 100 feet, is erected for Abraham Darby. But in this new technology little time need be spent in assembling the parts. The lightness of the structure strikes all observers. It still stands to this day.
Machine tools, gun barrels and cylinders: AD 1774-1800
John Wilkinson has been building up a lucrative arms trade. In 1774 he invents a machine, powered by a water wheel, which can drill with unprecedented accuracy through the length of a cast-iron cylinder to create the barrel of a cannon. It is a turning point in the development of machine tools. James Watt realizes that Wilkinson's new machine is capable of the precision required for an efficient steam-engine cylinder. In 1775 Wilkinson delivers the first of the cylinders to other countries. Instead of the usual pumping of water, it is to undertake a more sophisticated role - working the bellows which pump air into one of Wilkinson's blast furnaces of molten iron. The owners of the mills and mines of the Industrial Revolution have many tasks to which a source of mechanical power could be usefully applied. The reports are good. By the time Watt's patent expires, in 1800, more than 500 engines have been installed around the country and further. The increased efficiency of the new engines, enables Boulton and Watt to charge by a novel and very profitable method. The machines are provided and installed free, and customers pay a royalty of one-third of the amount saved on fuel. From 1783 the saving is even greater, because in that year Watt puts on the market another major innovation - his double-acting engine.
In 1779 the world's first iron bridge, which reached over 100 feet, is erected for Abraham Darby. But in this new technology little time need be spent in assembling the parts. The lightness of the structure strikes all observers. It still stands to this day.
Machine tools, gun barrels and cylinders: AD 1774-1800
John Wilkinson has been building up a lucrative arms trade. In 1774 he invents a machine, powered by a water wheel, which can drill with unprecedented accuracy through the length of a cast-iron cylinder to create the barrel of a cannon. It is a turning point in the development of machine tools. James Watt realizes that Wilkinson's new machine is capable of the precision required for an efficient steam-engine cylinder. In 1775 Wilkinson delivers the first of the cylinders to other countries. Instead of the usual pumping of water, it is to undertake a more sophisticated role - working the bellows which pump air into one of Wilkinson's blast furnaces of molten iron. The owners of the mills and mines of the Industrial Revolution have many tasks to which a source of mechanical power could be usefully applied. The reports are good. By the time Watt's patent expires, in 1800, more than 500 engines have been installed around the country and further. The increased efficiency of the new engines, enables Boulton and Watt to charge by a novel and very profitable method. The machines are provided and installed free, and customers pay a royalty of one-third of the amount saved on fuel. From 1783 the saving is even greater, because in that year Watt puts on the market another major innovation - his double-acting engine.
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