Machine Tools
Description
Machine tools are mechanical devices that are used to cut, drill, shape, and form metal components by machining process that can be power-driven or manually operated. They are also known as metal cutting machines. They perform various processes like turning, drilling, boring, milling, grinding, shaping, etc. Machine tools are operated either manually or by automatic control. Based on the principle of operation, they are classified as Numerical Control (NC) machines and Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines. NC and CNC machine tools fabricate complex metal parts in a precise manner.
Types
The various types of industrial machine tools are as follows:
- Lathes
- Drilling machines
- Boring machines
- Milling machines
- Grinding machines
- Shapers
- Planers
- Machining centers
- Turning centers
- Gear cutting machines
- Broaching machines
- Hobbing machines
Lathes
Lathes are machine tools, which are used to cut and shape any metal or wooden piece. They comprise of a work-holding device and a spindle. They perform various operations like turning, grooving, threading, etc to remove unwanted material from the work piece.
Drilling machines
Drilling machines are metal cutting tools, which are used to create a hole in a work piece. It also helps in enlarging an existing hole. They are also called as drillers. The drilling operation varies from time to time, depending on the material, the number of holes, and the size.
Advantages
Machine cutting tools offer the following advantages:
- Low maintenance
- Durability
- High speed
- Fast acceleration and deceleration
- Trouble-free performance
Applications
Machine tools are generally applied in metal and wood fabrication industries for cutting and shaping. They are also engaged in various manufacturing industries like sheet metal components. Their application includes turning, drilling, boring, milling, grinding, screw threading, etc.