How did John Wilkinson improve steam-engine cylinders?

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A diagram displays six types of simple machines with labeled illustrations: inclined plane, wedge, screw, lever, wheel and axle, and pulley, each shown with real-world examples like ramps, axes, screws, seesaws, door handles, and pulleys lifting objects. — machine Six simple machines for transforming energy into work.

John Wilkinson significantly improved steam-engine cylinders by inventing a specialized boring machine in 1775.1

Prior to this innovation, achieving the necessary precision for engine components was a major challenge. Wilkinson’s machine allowed for the boring of cylinders and cannon barrels with unprecedented accuracy. This level of precision was essential for the success of James Watt’s steam engine, as it ensured the cylinder walls were smooth and uniform enough to maintain the tight seal required for efficient operation.1

Beyond his contribution to steam technology, Wilkinson was a pioneering ironmaster who applied his expertise in casting technology to various industrial projects, including the production of iron-hulled barges and large-scale ironwork for water systems.1