Classification of Machine Tools

Several machine tools gradually increased until the 20th century and decreased based on Group Technology.

 
However, machine tools are broadly classified as follows:

 

1. According to the direction of the central axis :

• Horizontal center lathe, horizontal boring machine, etc.
• Vertical – vertical lathe, vertical axis milling machine, etc.
• Inclined – special ( e.g., for transfer machines).

2. According to the purpose of use: General

• General purpose – e.g., center lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, etc.
• Single purpose – e.g., facing lathe, roll turning lathe, etc.
• Special purpose – for mass production.

3. According to the degree of automation

• non-automatic – e.g., center lathes, drilling machines, etc.
• Semi-automatic – e.g., capstan lathe, turret lathe, hobbing machine, etc.Automatic – e.g., single spindle automatic lathe, swiss type automatic lathe, CNC milling machine, etc.

4. According to size :

• Heavy duty – e.g., heavy-duty lathes (e.g.,≥ 55 kW), boring mills, planning machines, horizontal boring machines, etc.
• Medium duty – e.g., lathes – 3.7 ~ 11 kW, column drilling machines, milling machines, etc.
• Small duty – e.g., tabletop lathes, drilling machines, milling machines.
• Micro duty – e.g., micro-drilling machine, etc.

5. According to precision :

• Ordinary – e.g., automatic lathes
• High precision – e.g., Swiss-type automatic lathes

6. According to several spindles :

• Single spindle–center lathes, capstan lathes, milling machines, etc.
• Multi-spindle – multispindle (2 to 8) lathes, gang drilling machines, etc.

7. According to blank type :

• Bar type (lathes)
• Chucking type (lathes)
• Housing type

8. According to the type of automation :

• Fixed automation – e.g., single spindle and multispindle lathes
• Flexible automation – e.g., CNC milling machine

9. According to the configuration :

• Stand-alone type – most of the conventional machine tools.
• Machining system (more versatile) – e.g., a transfer machine, machining center, Flexible manufacturing system, etc.