Unified Nomenclature and Classification, Grouping and Series for Metal Cutting Machine Tools
Metal cutting machines are used to process various materials using tools and cutting fluids to produce parts from raw material or from pre-formed products. Depending on the application, they may be classified by either the type of material they can machine or by the type of control system used to operate them. Historically, machines were classified into two main categories; machine tools and special purpose machines. In the modern era, however, due to advances in technology, the number of machine types, materials and application has increased significantly.
The Unified Nomenclature and Classification, Grouping and Series for Metal Cutting Machine Tools (UNAGMTS) is a standard classification system developed and adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is intended to provide a uniform, logical and concise way of classifying and grouping different types of metal cutting machines. This will allow for easier understanding of the various machines, their associated processes and the different types of operations they can perform.
The UNAGMTS is organized into three different levels of classification. The first level, the “machines” level, divides machines into six categories according to the type of material being cut and the type of machine used for the task. These categories include machine tools, cutting-off machines, drilling machines, grinding machines, internal machining centers and special purpose machines.
The second level, the “groups” level, divides the machines further into specific groups within each of the above categories, based on the cutting process they are designed to perform. Examples of groups in the machine tools category include turning machines, milling machines, shaping machines, drilling machines and grinding machines.
The third level, the “series” level, divides the different groups into series and options. The series level is the most detailed of the UNAGMTS classification system. Examples of series in the turning group include vertical turning machines, horizontal turning machines, turning centers, threading machines and CNC hobby styles. Within each series, there are also options that further describe the tool provided by the equipment.
Using the UNAGMTS, metal cutting machine tools can be easily identified and described. The system allows users to clearly distinguish between different materials and the processes required to cut them. It also allows for greater consistency between processes and allows for easier identification of particular machines for specific applications. This allows for greater efficiency and accuracy during setup, operation and maintenance of the machines.
In addition to the UNAGMTS classification system, there are also other common terms used to describe machines and their associated processes. Examples of these terms include drilling machines, lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, boring machines, forming mills, broaching machines, and haas machines. There are also specific terms used to describe processes such as forming, shaping, milling, turning and drilling.
The UNAGMTS system enables users to clearly and logically classify metal cutting machine tools and is used worldwide. It is particularly useful in the manufacture and setting up of machine tools and the operation of them. This ensures that machines are used in the most efficient way, promote safety and performance, and can make production and maintenance processes easier to understand and interpret.
