The Steam Engine

An invention that revolutionized the entire world and one of the pioneers of the modern life is the steam engine. Apart of the steam engine itself this invention led to several other new inventions that we still use in today’s life. During the industrial revolution the invention of the steam engine also improved the systems of transportation and better factory equipment which led to greater production.

James watt's steam engine design used in factories for production machine

A problem while mining for coal was that the coal mines were flooding by water and with this situation a new solution was much needed as the new mining proceeded in greater depths. The pumps that were being used were driven by horses and the power was insufficient to keep up the demand.

Invertors were trying to create something new to solve this problem and they were very enthusiast as they were motivated by the amount of profit they make if the invent something that will solve this problem.

In 1698, military engineer Thomas Sovery invented the first crude steam engine based on Dennis Popin’s pressure cooker design from 1678. BY this invention, Thomas started to solve the problem of pumping water out of coal mines.

Thomas Sovery's first steam engine design.

This invention led to more development from other inventors such as Thomas Newcomen who put together the first prototype of modern steam engine which he invented in 1712 that was known as the atmospheric steam engine.

After the work done by previous inventors, in 1765 James Watt  developed and improved previous designs of steam engine.by development made by Watt  in the design of the steam engine, he contributed and helped the industrial revolution to boost its manufacturing by the steam engine because a lot of mechanical machines were being created to improve productivity.

James Watt's steam engine in use during mining during the industrial revolution

Matthew Baulton introduced the steam engine to the industry by making the first workshop manufacturing products by using steam engine powered machines which ended the long era of manufacturing products by small families in their peaceful rural areas.

He bought the Soho House and transformed it into a metal factory, the one which started using steam powered equipment for production. These events kick-started the mass production.

Matthew Baulton the founder of Soho House

Later in America, in the beginning of the 20^th century, Henry Ford continued to equip the industry by introducing the first ever production line assembly which is still the most important design even in today’s mass production factories.