Common Machine Tools and Their Uses
Machine tools are tools used in the manufacturing industry for metalworking and woodworking. They are typically used to shape and form materials into precise shapes and dimensions. Machine tools are typically powered, but manually operated tools are also common. The most prominent machine tools used in modern manufacturing are those that use metal cutting tools, such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, and grinding machines.
Lathes: Lathes are used to shape and trim metal into intricate shapes. They are used to cut, form and drill metal in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also used in the production of screws, bolts, and nuts. A lathe consists of a headstock, which holds the cutting tool, and a tailstock, which holds the workpiece. The cutting tool is driven by an electric motor and rotates against the workpiece to shape it into the desired shape.
Drill Presses: A drill press is a machine that uses a rotating cutting tool to create cylindrical holes. The cutting tool spins at a high speed and drills the workpiece in a straight line, cutting a cylindrical shape. The drill press is often used to create small holes, but can also be used to create larger holes.
Milling Machines: A milling machine is a tool that uses cutting tools to shape a variety of materials into precise shapes and sizes. The cutting tool is driven by an electric motor and rotates against the workpiece to shape it into the desired shape. The material being worked on can be a block of metal, a cylinder or a flat piece of material.
Grinding Machines: A grinding machine is a tool that grinds, cuts and sands metal and other materials. The grinding wheel is driven by an electric motor and the cutting tool is attached to the grinding wheel. The grinding wheel spins at high speed, cutting and shaping the material being worked on.
Boring Tools: Boring tools are used to drill or bore holes in materials. Boring tools consist of a rotating cutting tool that has a small diameter, which is used to drill small holes. The tool spins at a high speed and can be used to create a hole in a variety of materials, including wood, metal and plastic.
Inspection Tools: Inspection tools are used to measure the dimensions and tolerances of the product being manufactured. These tools can range from a caliper or micrometer to a laser scanner or coordinate measuring machine (CMM).
To sum up, the common machine tools used in manufacturing are lathes, drill presses, milling machines, grinding machines, boring tools, and inspection tools. Each of these tools has a specific function and can be used to create precise shapes and sizes in a variety of materials. Machine tools are essential in the manufacturing industry and are used to produce a wide range of products and components.
