Metalworking machines comprise manufacturing machinery and machine tools which are used to cut or shape metals and other hard materials to produce industrial tools. Metalworking machines use a combination of techniques including forming, cutting and physio-chemical processing to design and manufacture specific components or goods.
Such machines are heavy, non-portable, power-driven equipment enabling manufacturers to mass produce numerous metal components or finished products. Such components produced using metalworking machines can be assembled into heavy machinery, automobiles and other machinery equipment. Metalworking machines are categorized into two categories namely, metalforming and metalcutting. Metalforming machines are used to squeeze metals into specific shapes by applying processes including cold-heading, bending, coil slitting, shearing, pressing and stamping. Such metalforming machines enable manufacturers to design metal components as per specific requirements which can used for specific tasks or incorporate into larger machinery. Metalcutting machines are used to cut away swarf or chips of metals to shape metal work piece into desired product. Metalcutting machines comprise drilling machines, broaching machines, gearcutting machines, electrical-discharge machines and machining centers. Other metalcutting machines include grinders, transfer machines, milling machines and turning machines.