The history of machine tools
Some historians believe that the first machine tools were invented in Ancient Egypt, while others believe they originated in China. However, the first machine tool that is known for certain was a lathe invented by the Greek engineer Heron of Alexandria in the first century AD. This machine was used to create cylindrical objects out of metal.
In the medieval period, European blacksmiths developed various types of hand-powered tools to assist them in their work. These included trip hammers, which were used to pound hot iron and shape it into desired shapes; and draw plates, which were used to lengthen and thin metal rods.
Definition of machine tools
Machine tools are machines that are used to create or modify other machine parts. They can be used to create new parts from scratch, or to modify existing parts. Machine tools are an essential part of manufacturing and engineering and are used to create or finish other machines or tools. They include lathes, drills, grinders, saws, and Broaching machines. The demand for machine tools is driven by the growth in end-use industries such as automotive, aerospace & defense, construction, and others.
Suggested Reading: “What’s Driving the Rapid Growth of the Machine Tools Industry?”
Machine tools are classified into three main categories: metalworking, woodworking, and machine tool accessories. Metalworking machine tools include lathes, milling machines, drills, and saws. Woodworking machine tools include routers, sanders, and planers. Machine tool accessories include drill bits, saw blades, grinding wheels, and clamps.
Metalworking machine tools are used to shape metal parts by cutting, drilling, or grinding them. Lathes are used to create cylindrical parts by spinning them while cutting them with a tool. Milling machines cut flat surfaces into metal parts using a rotating cutting tool.
The main reasons for the industry’s growth are technological advances in machine tools such as multi-axis arms and robotics, as well as the growth of the manufacturing sector. In 2020, the global economic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic has been felt in all sectors. The crisis is also affecting machine tool manufacturers. This has caused a slowdown in sales and production. The pandemic will support growth by changing the supply chain and increasing demand for digital service.
The U.S.’s industry is experiencing steady growth. These products make use of numerical control which helps in producing uniform products. These tools can be used for abrading and other hard material such as drilling, cutting, grinding, shaping, sculpting, grinding, sculpting, sanding, drilling, and nipping metal. These tools reduce human labor while increasing overall production. Because of their significant need for fabricated products, the U.S. defense, aerospace, automobile and other industries are the main drivers of demand. The expansion of the above industries is expected to drive product demands over the projected period.
Asia-Pacific is the largest industry for machine tools due to the presence of a large number of manufacturers in the region. China is the leading country in the region due to the growing demand from the automotive and construction industries.
2/5th is held by East Asia, followed closely by Europe. A surge in machine tool consumption is expected to result from increased industrialization and high demand for automobiles after the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging Asian countries like China, India, and Indonesia have seen optimistic industrial growth.
This will open up significant opportunities for machine tool manufacturers in Asia Pacific. China produces machine tools at a lower cost than the U.S. and Germany, as well as Japan. A significant number of potential customers will be looking to import machine tools made in China. Together, East and South Asia will account for 3/5th the total absolute dollar opportunity through 2032.
Company News:
DMG MORI CO. LTD created a blue laser to fit LASERTEC machines in September 2022. The AM assistant was also enhanced by this development. The company is currently focusing its efforts on showcasing innovative solutions for additive production.
Doosan Machine Tools presented MP6500 series products that include a vertical high precision machining center for mold machining. This machine is more stable and rigid than the previous model, which increases user convenience while improving quality.
