The scientific classification and typical applications of machine tools

The types of machine tools are extremely rich. According to the unified national standard for machine tool model compilation, they are divided into a total of 11 major categories, and each category has dozens of subdivided models. The applicable scenarios of different machine tools have clear boundaries and almost no overlap.

1.The 11 core categories classified by processing technology

Lathes: With the rotation of the workpiece as the main motion, they are good at processing rotary parts such as shafts and disc sleeves. Ordinary horizontal lathes are suitable for single-piece and small-batch production, while CNC lathes can complete the automated processing of complex curved surface rotary parts and are widely used in the mass production scenarios of automotive shaft parts and hardware accessories.

Drilling machine: It performs drilling processing on fixed workpieces through a rotating drill bit. The radial drilling machine can flexibly adjust the position of the spindle and is suitable for multi-hole processing of large frame parts, while the bench drilling machine is used for precise small-hole processing of small parts.

Boring machine: It uses a rotating boring tool to precisely process the pre-made holes. The positioning accuracy of the coordinate boring machine can reach the sub-micron level, and it is an essential equipment for high-precision hole processing of precision molds and box parts.

Grinding machine: It uses grinding wheels as cutting tools and achieves ultra-precision processing through the micro-removal of abrasive grains. The surface roughness of shaft parts processed by cylindrical grinding machines can reach Ra0.02μm, with precision far exceeding other processing methods. It is a core equipment for the manufacturing of aero engine blades and precision bearings.

Gear processing machine tools: Specifically used for processing gears, gear hobbing machines can efficiently roll out involute tooth profiles, gear shaping machines are suitable for processing internal gears and double gears, and high-precision gear grinding machines can increase the precision grade of gears to above grade 2 of the GB/T 10095 standard, meeting the strict requirements of high-speed rail and wind power gears.

Thread processing machine tools: Focusing on the processing of various precision threads, thread grinding machines can produce lead screws with precision reaching the micrometer level and are core component manufacturing equipment for the feed system of CNC machine tools.

Milling machine: It relies on rotating milling cutters to complete cutting. Ordinary vertical milling machines are suitable for basic processing of planes and grooves. CNC five-axis milling machines allow the tool to move simultaneously in five degrees of freedom, and can process extremely complex integral structural parts such as aero engine impellers with a single clamping.

Planing and slotting machine: Cutting is accomplished through the linear reciprocating motion of the cutting tool. The gantry planing machine is suitable for the planar processing of large and heavy parts, while the slotting machine is used for the processing of internal keyways and irregular inner holes.

Broaching machine: It uses a broach with multiple rows of cutting teeth to complete the forming process in one pass, and can pull out a high-precision spline hole in just a few seconds. It is an efficient equipment for the mass production of automotive transmission parts.

Sawing machine: It cuts materials through the reciprocating or rotational motion of the saw blade. The metal band sawing machine is a standard equipment in the blanking process in factories, capable of efficiently cutting entire bar stock to the required length.

Other machine tools: including honing machines, superfinishing machines and other niche specialized equipment, covering special precision processing scenarios.

2. Classification systems in other dimensions

In addition to being classified by processing technology, machine tools have several practical classification dimensions:

By the degree of universality: General-purpose machine tools can process a variety of different parts, such as horizontal lathes; Specialized machine tools are only targeted at a specific type of process, such as lead screw milling machines; Specialized machine tools are tailor-made for a specific part. For instance, the specialized drilling and boring combined machine tool for automotive engine blocks can process over a hundred parts per hour and is fully suitable for large-scale assembly line production. By precision grade: Ordinary-precision machine tools meet the processing requirements of conventional parts, the positioning accuracy of precision machine tools reaches the micrometer level, and the repeat positioning accuracy of high-precision machine tools can enter the sub-micrometer range, which are used for the processing of ultra-precision optical parts.

By degree of automation: Manual machine tools rely entirely on human operation, semi-automatic machine tools can automatically complete some processes, and automatic machine tools can continuously complete the entire processing flow without human intervention.