Machine tools are power-driven devices used to shape or finish metal and other materials by cutting, boring, grinding, shearing, or other forms of material removal. What distinguishes a machine tool from a handheld power tool is its ability to hold both the workpiece and the cutting tool in precise alignment, often under computer or mechanical control, and to perform repeatable operations with high accuracy.
Examples of machine tools include lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders, and broaching machines. These tools form the backbone of subtractive manufacturing, where material is selectively removed to produce parts with precise dimensions and surface finishes. Many modern machine tools are computer-controlled (CNC), enabling complex geometries and high levels of automation in production environments.