Machine tool

machine for shaping or machining metal, has means for constraining the workpiece and provides a guided tool movement

A machine tool is a machine that cuts, shapes, or forms material.[1]

A man uses a milling machine, which is a type of machine tool.

A machine tool has three basic elements:

  • A work-holding device for holding the material, or workpiece.
  • A tool-holding device for holding the tool.
  • A method for guiding the movement of the tool relevant to the workpiece or material.
A CNC lathe designed for cutting wood

A lathe is one of the oldest types of machine tools. It is most commonly used to make circular cuts in wood or metal. A lathe holds the material to be cut on a rotating spindle, and the spindle is driven by a motor or crank.[2]

Machine tools are commonly used to cut and form parts out of metal, but can be designed to work with most materials.

Machine tools that are controlled by a computer are called CNC machines.

References

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  1. "Machine tool | Description, History, Types, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  2. "Lathe | Metalworking, Turning, Shaping | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-07-02. Retrieved 2024-08-21.