Machine Tool Components

Abstract

The power, precision, accuracy, and speed of a machine tool largely affect the quality and cost of the produced parts and products. Designers have to consider latitude of factors including dimensions, material, configuration, and power source of the machines in order to deliver the functionality as demanded by the users. Advances in machine tool design and fabrication philosophy are quickly eliminating the differences among machine types. Fifty years ago, most machine tools had a single function such as drilling or turning, and operated alone. With the addition of automatic turrets, tool changers, and CNC systems, lathes become turning centers and milling machines become machining centers. Turning centers can also become machining centers with the addition of live or powered tool spindles in addition to the traditional single-point tools. These multiprocess centers can perform all the standard machining functions: turning, milling, boring, drilling, and even grinding.