6 Classifications of Machine Tool (With Examples)

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Different types of machine tool have different functions and they are used for manufacturing a variety of products.

Based on the specialty of each machine tool, they are classified into 6 categories as shown below.

Classification of Machine Tool

Machine tool can be classified on the following basis.

  • Purpose of application
    • General purpose machine tool
      • Example: Lathe machine, Shaper machine, Milling machine
    • Special purpose machine tool
      • Example: Gear cutting machines (hobbing machine)
  • Types of surface produced
    • Machine tool producing cylindrical surface
      • Example: Drilling machine, Lathe machine
    • Machine tool producing flat surface
      • Example: Shaper machine, Milling machine
  • Types of motion
    • Reciprocating type machine tool
      • Example: Shaper machine, Planner machine, Slotter machine
    • Rotary type machine tool
      • Example: Lathe machine, Drilling machine, Grinding machine
  • Types of energy source
    • Conventional machine tool
      • Example: Lathe machine, Shaper machine, Drilling machine, Milling machine
    • Non-conventional machine tool
      • Example: Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, Ultrasonic Machining, Abrasive Jet Machining, etc
  • Degree of automation
    • Manual control machine tools
      • Example: Lathe machine, Milling machine, Shaper machine, Planer machine
    • Semi-automatic machine tool
      • Example: Capstan and Turret lathe
    • Automatic machine tool
      • Example: Parallel and Progressive axis machine tool, Automats, Transfer line machine
  • Based on cutting tool used
    • Single point cutting tool
      • Example: Lathe machine, Shaper machine, Slotter machine, Planner machine
    • Multipoint cutting tool
      • Grinding machine, Milling machine, Drilling machine

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