Metal Cutting Machine Tool Nomenclature and Classification Table（part II)
Category, Group and Series Division Table
II. Metal cutting Machine Tool Types
1. Turret Lathes
Turret lathes are some of the oldest and most important metal cutting machine tools. They are used for turning operations like boring and tapping, drilling, threading and reaming. Turret lathes are usually operated manually or by computer numerical control (CNC). They can be identified mainly by the number of axes and spindles, the type of tooling used, and the size of the workpiece.
A. Horizontal Turret Lathes
Horizontal turret lathes are the most common type of turret lathes. They feature straight and angled spindles and tooling mounted on a rotating turret. This makes it easy to move between multiple operations while the workpiece remains still. Horizontal turret lathes can be identified by their size and number of spindles.
B. Vertical Turret Lathes
Vertical turret lathes are preferred when a large part must be machined between two centers. The workpiece is held in place between the two centers while the machine tool is fixed in place. The cutting tools can be selected and changes quickly, although accuracy may be diminished. They can also be identified by the size of the bed.
C. Floor-Mounted Turret Lathes
Floor-mounted turret lathes are similar to horizontal turret lathes in design, but feature a heavier and more rigid frame. This makes them ideal for machining larger and more complex workpieces than with other types of lathes. They can also be used for deep drilling and reaming operations.
2. CNC Turning Centers
CNC turning centers are some of the most versatile and productive metal cutting machine tools available. They can be used to machine parts with exceptional speed, accuracy, and repeatability. This type of machine uses a rotating tool or spindle mounted on a stationary tool block called a turret. Computer numerical control allows multiple cuts to be made on each workpiece without having to modify the setup.
A. Swiss-Style Lathes
Swiss-style lathes are small CNC turning centers used mainly for machining long, slender parts. They feature rotating guide bushing spindles housed in a rigid frame, making them suitable for high-precision operations. They are equipped with a wide range of processes, such as drilling and reaming, threading, and cutting.
B. Multi-Tasking Machines
Multi-tasking machines are some of the most versatile CNC turning centers available. They can handle a variety of operations, such as turning, milling, drilling, and tapping, all in a single setup. The tools are mounted on a rotary tool turret, allowing for quick and easy setup changes.
C. Draw and Rod Turners
Draw and rod turners are specialized CNC turning centers used for machining parts with an irregular shape and size. They are extremely versatile and can handle complex machining operations such as drilling, threading, and tapping.
3. CNC Machining Centers
CNC machining centers are advanced and powerful machine tools used for machining metal components accurately and quickly. They feature rigid frames, high-speed spindles, and a wide range of processes. They can be used for a variety of operations, including drilling, tapping, reaming, and milling.
A. Vertical Machining Centers
Vertical machining centers are some of the most common types of CNC machining centers. They are used mainly for machining operations that require vertical motion, such as drilling, reaming, and tapping. They are extremely accurate, and can handle complex, multi-axis machining operations.
B. Horizontal Machining Centers
Horizontal machining centers are best suited for machining operations that require horizontal motion, such as milling and boring. Their rigid, robust frames make them ideal for heavy-duty cuts, while the tool turret can accommodate multiple tools at once.
C. Five-Axis Machining Centers
Five-axis machining centers are a relatively new type of CNC machining center. They can be used for both three- and five-axis machining operations, and are capable of machining complex parts with far greater accuracy, speed, and repeatability than traditional three-axis machines.
4. Drill Presses
Drill presses are some of the simplest, yet most useful, metal cutting machine tools. They feature a rotating spindle and a drill chuck, allowing for the drilling of holes and countersinking of surfaces in a variety of materials. Various attachments can be mounted on the spindle to provide additional functions, such as tapping threads and countersinking.
A. Manual Drill Presses
Manual drill presses are relatively simple machines designed for drilling holes and countersinking in workpieces. Most feature a single spindle and are powered by an electric motor. They are generally used for light-duty operations, but can be quite effective in certain applications.
B. Radial Drill Press
Radial drill presses are used mainly for drilling operations that require high precision or large hole diameters. They feature a long arm and heavy spindle assembly mounted on a base, allowing for drilling at up to 90 degrees.
C. Spindle Holders
Spindle holders are a type of powered machine tool used to drill holes or countersink surfaces. They are similar to drill presses, but are more precise and have higher spindle speeds. This allows for faster machining and more accurate drilling.
5. Milling Machines
Milling machines are some of the most versatile metal cutting machine tools available. They can be used for a variety of machining operations, such as milling, drilling, reaming, and tapping. Milling machines can be identified by the number of axes and spindles, the type of tooling used, and the size of the workpiece.
A. Vertical Milling Machines
Vertical milling machines are the most common type of milling machines. They feature a rotating spindle mounted on a vertical frame. This allows for a wide range of operations, including milling, drilling, reaming, and tapping.
B. Horizontal Milling Machines
Horizontal milling machines are best suited for operations that require long, slender workpieces. The spindle is mounted on a horizontal frame, making them suitable for operations such as boring and drilling.
C. Universal Milling Machines
Universal milling machines are versatile and can be used for a variety of operations. They feature both vertical and horizontal spindles, and can be used for operations such as milling, drilling, reaming, and tapping.
6. Grinders
Grinders are some of the oldest and most useful metal cutting machine tools. They can be used for a variety of applications, such as grinding, polishing, and sharpening. They are also commonly used for surface preparation, honing, and lapping. Grinders can be identified by the type of grinding wheel used and the type of workpiece.
A. Surface Grinders
Surface grinders are used to grind flat surfaces. They are usually equipped with an electro-magnetic chuck and grinding wheel. They can be used for operations such as surface grinding, face grinding, and cylindrical grinding.
B. Tool and Cutter Grinders
Tool and cutter grinders are used to sharpen, grind, and fragment cutting edges on workpieces. They are equipped with a rotating grinding wheel and a chuck.
C. Bench Grinders
Bench grinders are small, portable grinding machines used mainly for sharpening and polishing. They are equipped with a grinding wheel or two small grinding wheels, and are suitable for grinding and honing all types of metals.
7. Band Saw Machines
Band saw machines are used for cutting a variety of materials, such as wood and metal. They feature a rotating toothed blade that is guided along a fixed workpiece. They can also be used for operations such as marking, beveling, and shaping.
A. Horizontal Band Saw Machine
Horizontal band saw machines are used for cutting long, slender workpieces. They feature a horizontal table, which allows for the accurate cutting of larger parts at a faster rate.
B. Vertical Band Saw Machine
Vertical band saw machines are used for cutting short, complex workpieces. They are designed with a vertical saw blade and stationary workpiece, allowing for intricate cuts and shapes.
C. Double-Mitre Band Saw Machine
Double-mitre band saw machines are used for cutting large, bulky pieces. They feature two blades that move together along a curved angle, allowing for the precision cutting of irregular shapes and sizes.
8. Drillers
Drillers are used for drilling holes in parts made from various materials, such as wood and metal. They usually feature a rotating spindle mounted on a frame, and can be used for a variety of operations, such as drilling, reaming, and tapping. They can also be used for countersinking and counterboring operations.
A. Upright Drillers
Upright drillers are used mainly for drilling and reaming operations. They feature a single, upright spindle and tooling, and can be used for drilling and reaming operations in parts made from both metal and wood.
B. Sensitive Drillers
Sensitive drillers are specialized drillers used mainly for operations that require precision. They are equipped with a sensitive spindle, which allows for precise adjustments.
C. Pillar Drillers
Pillar drillers are a
