Start here
A Guide to Machine Tool Types
A plain-language survey of machine tools: the cutting, grinding, erosion and forming machines used to shape metal and plastic parts, and what each one is best at.
Plant Equipment
Machine Tools and Forming Equipment
Lathes, mills, presses and molding machines that shape parts.
Cutting Tools, Coolants and Tool Wear
Learn what cutting tools are made of, what coolant actually does, and the common signs of cutting tool wear that tell you when to change an edge.
Electrical Discharge Machining Overview
How electrical discharge machining erodes hard conductive metals with controlled sparks, no cutting force, and where wire and sinker EDM are used.
Industrial Grinding Machines
A plain guide to industrial grinding machines: how surface and cylindrical grinders reach fine finishes and tight tolerances, and how wheels are chosen and cared for.
Injection Molding Machines Explained
A plain overview of injection molding machines: the injection and clamping units, the molding cycle, common defects, and how plastic parts are made in volume.
Lathes and Turning Operations
What a lathe does, the common turning operations from facing to threading, the main lathe types, and what kinds of round parts they produce.
Milling Machines and Machining Centers Compared
Compare manual milling machines with CNC machining centers: how each works, what they cost to run and staff, and when a shop picks one over the other.
Plastic Extrusion Lines
How plastic extrusion lines turn pellets into continuous pipe, film, sheet and profiles, from the screw and die to cooling, haul-off and cutting.
Press Brakes and Sheet Metal Bending
How press brakes bend sheet metal with a punch and die, the main machine drive types, and the basics of springback, bend allowance and tooling.
Stamping Presses and Die Basics
How mechanical and hydraulic stamping presses work, what dies do, and the main die types used to blank, pierce and form sheet metal parts in volume.
Related topics
More in plant equipment
Factory Equipment Core machines and heavy equipment for factories and building sites. Industrial Tools Hand, power and electrical tools for industrial work. Pumps Water and vacuum pumps and how to choose them. Compressed Air Compressors and pneumatic systems explained. Heavy Machinery Earthmoving, road, farm, forestry and mining machines. Material Handling Cranes, forklifts and trucks that move loads. Warehouse and Logistics Racking, movers and tools that keep storage and dispatch running. Gearbox Basics Types, design factors and installation of gearboxes and speed reducers. Gearbox Service Upkeep, failure causes, repair and replacement of gearboxes. Pneumatics and Hydraulics How air and oil powered circuits work and are kept in good shape. Vacuum Systems How industrial vacuum pumps and systems are chosen, used and kept running. Valves Choosing and maintaining the valves that control flow in a plant. Water Pumps Water pumps from design and installation to repair and replacement. Industrial 3D Printing How additive manufacturing is used for parts, prototypes and future production. Hydraulic Systems Why plants use hydraulic power and where cylinders fit in. Precision Machining Systems CNC machines, lasers, scanners and printers used for precise parts. Bearings and Power Transmission How bearings, seals, couplings, belts and chains carry power through rotating machinery. Piping and Fluid Handling The pipes, fittings, hoses and meters that move liquids and gases around a plant. Storage and Bulk Handling Tanks, silos, hoppers and feeders for liquids and bulk solids. Mixing, Milling and Separation Equipment that grinds, screens, filters and separates process materials.