Common Machine Tools and Their Uses
Common machine tools are used in nearly every manufacturing industry. These machine tools are essential for producing high-quality products and parts. Examples of common machine tools include lathes, mills, grinders, CNC cutting machines and even 3D printers. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common machine tools, as well as their uses in modern manufacturing facilities.
Lathes
Lathes are used to shape objects into rotary shapes. They are most commonly used for making cylindrical parts, such as spindles, shafts, and screw thread components. This machine works by rotating a workpiece on its axis, while a cutting tool is used to produce the desired shape. Most lathes are powered by either an electric motor or pneumatically driven spindle.
Mills
Mills are used to cut and shape a variety of different materials, from metals to wood and plastics. The milling process involves removing material from the workpiece by means of cutting tools such as drills, end mills, and router bits. In most cases, the material is moved along the cutting tool using a spindle, while a number of different cutting speeds and depths can be adjusted to achieve the desired shape.
Grinders
Grinders are used to grind and shape a variety of different materials, such as metals, plastics, ceramics and composites. Grinding involves the physical removal of material from the workpiece, and can achieve an extremely high level of accuracy. Most grinders use abrasive tools with a spinning motion to achieve the desired finish. Common grinders include surface grinders, CNC grinders, and internal or external grinders.
CNC Machines
Computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines are computer-controlled machines that use cutting tools to produce precision parts. These machines are programmed using a computer software, and can be used to produce highly accurate parts in a fraction of the time compared to traditional manufacturing methods. CNC machines are used in a variety of different industries, from automotive to aerospace.
3D Printers
3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing technology, which involves creating a three-dimensional object by building it up in layers. The process is often used to produce a variety of different objects, including prototypes, fixtures, and end-use parts. 3D printing uses a variety of different materials, including plastic, metal, and ceramic.
These are the most common machine tools used in modern manufacturing facilities. Each type of machine has its own unique uses and advantages, which makes them essential for producing high-quality products and parts. Advances in technology have helped to make these machine tools more affordable and accessible for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to easily create complex and accurate parts in-house.
