Werkzeugmaschinentechnik

Werkzeugmaschinen, or machine tools, are power-driven devices used to shape metal and other materials by removing material. A typical machine tool holds a workpiece and guides a cutting tool along controlled paths to produce parts with precise dimensions and surface finishes. They are distinguished from other processing equipment by their ability to generate geometric accuracy through a rigid frame, precise guidance, and controlled motion.

Common categories include turning machines such as lathes, milling machines, drills, and grinders, as well as boring machines, planers, and sawing and shaping equipment. Modern practice increasingly relies on computer numerical control (CNC) and automation, where programs specify tool paths, speeds, feeds, and sequences. Many machines integrate multiple operations into a single setup, often referred to as machining centers or multi-axis CNC systems.

Historically, machine tools emerged during the Industrial Revolution with improvements in lathes, grinders, and other devices that allowed interchangeable parts and standardized production. Pioneers such as Henry Maudslay contributed to accuracy, rigidity, and repeatability that underpinned modern manufacturing.

Today, machine tools are foundational to mass production, customization, and precision engineering across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and energy. They enable high tolerances, repeatability, and scalable manufacturing, while ongoing advances in CNC control, automation, and digital monitoring continue to shape efficiency and quality in metalworking and beyond.