multiple-station machine
Quick Summary
A multiple-station machine is a type of production machine tool designed to speed up manufacturing processes by performing a sequence of operations rapidly. These machines are modifications of basic machine tools but incorporate design changes for efficiency.12
A common example is the multiple-station vertical lathe, which can have up to 12 spindles. Each spindle is equipped with a chuck, and tooling is mounted above most spindles. Parts are placed in the chucks and indexed through various stations, allowing for up to 11 machining operations to be performed on a single part before it is removed. This setup enables less skilled operators to produce parts accurately and quickly after initial setup by a skilled worker. Merriam-Webster defines a station-type machine tool as one with designated stations where various operations are performed on the work.123
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