A machine tool is a fixed mechanical device that is highly useful in the shaping or cutting of materials, usually metal. When it comes to their operation, they can be operated either by humans or by computers
Machine tools are used to create manufactured parts, such as components for the automotive, aerospace, energy, and medical technology industries. They can also be used to create replacement parts for imported machines and equipment.
Manufacturing defined is the production of goods through the use of labor, machinery, tools and biological or even chemical processing. Manufacturing can either mean transforming raw materials into finished goods on a large scale, or the creation of more complex items by selling basic goods to manufacturers for the production of items such as automobiles and household appliances.
Manufacturing before machine tools.
Manufacturing has been in existence for centuries and was originally carried out by skilled artisans, sometimes working with assistants, with the skills being passed down through apprenticeships.
Alternatively, manufacturing could take place on a less organized scale, often in rural areas, where craftspeople would supplement agricultural subsistence through home-based manufacturing.
However, this early manufacturing system changed with the introduction of the factory system in Britain at the beginning of the industrial revolution in the late 18th century. This system took advantage of technological advances and used machinery powered by water, steam and, later, electricity allowing for large-scale production. This was therefore birth of Machine tools and their integration into the manufacturing system.
The Evolution of machine Tools.
Just like everything that has come into existence, even Machine tools have a rich history even with their integration into the manufacturing industry. In the beginning, there was the woodcar lathe. This was the earliest prototype of the machine tool and it was born more than 2,000 years ago. In the 13th Century however, another machine tool was born. This was the pedal lathe. Back then, people used a pedal to rotate the crankshaft and drive the flywheel, which was then driven to the spindle to rotate this it.
By the end of the 19th century however, a complete revolution had taken place in the working and shaping of metals that created the basis for mass production and an industrialized society. This was the great Industrial Revolution. It is safe to argue therefore that the industrial revolution saw the wide range of machine tool evolution. The 20th century has therefore witnessed the introduction of numerous refinements of these machine tools.
Machine tools by the industrial revolution were a great driving force because they enabled mass production of high quality yet cheap goods.
Common Types of Machine Tools.
Criteria for choosing the right Machine Tools
Safety always comes first. When choosing Machine tools, most especially CNC Machine tools, very many people tend to overlook the criteria of safety, which happens to be a big mistake. There is no harm in checking if the machine tools your opting for meet relevant safety standards or certifications. These standards indicate that the tool has undergone testing and complies with industry regulations, ensuring its safety and reliability.
Does the cutting speed of a specific machine tools meet the needs you are looking for? Then you got yourself the right tool. Remember that the cutting speed is influenced by a variety if factors, for instance the type of material to be cut or shaped and the desired surface finishing.
It is very essential for a tool machine for instance a lathe to be highly precise and accurate. Remember that the precision and accuracy also need to be consistent.
The materials to be machined.
Before you purchase a Machine tool, you need to keep in consideration the kind of material you are going to be machining. Every machine tool has a specific application purpose so you wouldn’t want to choose the wrong machine tool (one that doesn’t meet your needs)
Quality is one of the most essential criteria to look out for while choosing a machine tool. The higher the quality of a machine tool, the better the results after machining is done. After all, the input is directly proportional to the output.
When it comes to choosing the right machine tool, you need to also consider the price. Well, a lower price seems more interesting and more affordable but it may not give you the quality of a machine tool you want or need. As much as you could worry about high operational costs, it would be wonderful if you do not settle for a highly economical tool as it may fall way below all your expectations.
Benefits of Machine Tools in manufacturing.
It is no secret that manufacturing deeply relies on machine tools to produce goods to a high standard at a sufficient volume to be profitable. Machine tools and manufacturing technology are always evolving side by side to become more precise and efficient.
It is not just about production speed.. The integration of machine tools into the manufacturing process brings with it a variety of advantages that go beyond many expectations.
They include the following;
Economic advantages.
Leaving alone production quality, machine tools also offer financial benefits. Among these is cost savings. With the use of machine tools,, there happens to be reduced wastage of materials which in turn leads to significant savings. By producing parts that adhere to precise specifications, there’s a drastic cut-down in raw material waste.
Increased production rates.
With machines like the drill press and lathes milling machines, the rate of production is boosted, ensuring quicker time-to-market. This kind of efficiency is exactly what the manufacturing industry thrives on.
High levels of efficiency.
The essence of manufacturing lies in creating parts that fit perfectly within the intended machinery or device. Machine tools, through their advanced mechanisms, guarantee Improved precision. With the likes of CNC machining and computer aided design, the cutting process becomes accurate, ensuring parts fit seamlessly.
Enhanced precision.
For mass production, machine tools ensure that every single part, be it the first or the thousandth, is identical in shape, size, and quality. This is done through enhanced repeatability. This ensures a high level of precision.
Handling Complex work.
Additionally, machine tools can be used to create complex parts. These are components that would otherwise be impossible to make by hand. A clear example of machine tools that work on such complex tasks is CNC machining. This is one of the most popular machining processes used today for the production of complex parts.
Quality Improvement.
Hard tasks that could not be done by hand are handled by the use of machine tools. It helps to improve the quality and design of the complex parts, something that can not be achieved by hand.
It is therefore no secret that various businesses today rely on the use of machine tools to increase productivity and efficiency. Remember that these machine tools can be computer-controlled systems and in most cases they are able to automate the production process. In turn, this allows for faster and more accurate results. Businesses have therefore found themselves able to reduce labor costs, and improve quality control as well.
