A machine tool is a machine, typically powered other than by human muscle (e.g., electrically, hydraulically, or via line shaft), used to make manufactured parts (components) in various ways that include cutting or certain other kinds of deformation. All machine tools involve some kind of fundamental constraining and guiding of movement provided by the parts of the machine, such that the relative movement between workpiece and cutting tool (which is called the toolpath) is controlled or constrained by the machine to at least some extent, rather than being entirely “offhand” or “freehand”.
12 January 2016
