Metal-cutting machine tools: types and purpose

On metal-cutting machine tools produce parts of precise size by processing blanks. In this case, the metal is cut, remove chips, grind, smooth the surface, roll, drill or perform other manipulations. On the equipment for metalworking provides the possibility of processing non-metallic materials.

Types of machines for metal processing

There are 9 groups of metal-cutting machine tools, in each group - 10 subgroups. The division occurs according to the processing technology, the type of tools and the method of movement of workpieces and mechanisms.

Lathes

Metal lathes are used for manufacturing parts that have a rotational shape. The workpiece rotates, and the cutter makes translational movements.

There are such types of lathes: carousel, frontal, drilling-cutting, turret, multi-spindle and single-spindle, etc. Turning automatic machines, semi-automatic machines and automatic lines are widespread. On them, manual labor is reduced as much as possible.

Milling machines

Processing of flat and shaped products is carried out with the help of a mill - a tool with many teeth located on the face or surface of the body of rotation. There are cylindrical, disk, end, face and shaped milling cutters. Metal milling machines are divided into two groups:

• cantilevered - these are wide-universal, horizontal and vertical machines;
• cantileverless - these are engraving, copying, longitudinal and vertical.

Band saws

The cutting tool is a band saw made of a closed metal strip with teeth. They are compact and safe for operators. Saw blades made of the following materials are used:

• Carbon steel.
• Carbide materials.
• Bimetallic alloys.
• Steels with diamond spraying.

According to the degree of automation band sawing machines on metal are divided into manual, semi-automatic, automatic.

Advantages of band sawing machines:

• High productivity and precision of cutting.
• Cut of higher quality.
• Adjustable cutting angle.
• Versatility and work with packages of workpieces.

Drilling machines

Drills, countersinks and markers are used to drill holes in sheet material or shaped parts, bore them, bore and lapping them, and cut threads. They also make cutting disks.

Types of drilling machines:

• Single-spindle bench-top drilling machines.
• Vertical drilling machines.
• Multi-spindle drilling machines.
• Radial drilling machines.
• Horizontal drilling machines.

Boring machines

Types of boring machines:

• Horizontal boring machines for heavy, oversized parts.
• Diamond boring machines for fine machining.
• Coordinate boring machines for obtaining accurate center-to-center distances.

Machines drill, bore, ream and ream holes. They are used to thread parts, trim ends, and mill slots.

Grinding, polishing and sharpening machines

Parts are machined using grinding wheels, belts and stones as well as abrasive elements. Both external and internal surfaces of various shapes, including threads and teeth, are machined. Sharpening machines are used for sharpening cutting tools and finishing parts.

Machines for machining gear and threaded parts

These special machines are used to cut the teeth of gear wheels and gears. Gear finishing, hobbing, gear milling, thread cutting and other devices are used.

Other types of machine tool classification

Metal-cutting machine tools can also be classified according to such characteristics:

• Accuracy class.
• Degree of automation.
• Degree of specialization.
• Weight and dimensions.

Classification by degree of automation

Depending on this parameter, machine tools are of these types:

• Automatic machine tools.
• Semi-automatic machines.
• Equipment with CNC.
• Manual models.

Precision of machining on the machine

According to the class of accuracy, machine tools are divided into devices with normal, increased, high and especially high accuracy. The model is selected in accordance with the accuracy of machining required to produce the desired parts.