4. Machine selection

The choice depends on the characteristics of the parts to be machined, and on quantitative and economic data. These data are usually drawn up by the design office, and are based on current or planned production for the machine. As far as possible, we try to include information on new products being developed by the design office, and on foreseeable external developments (materials, tools, widespread use of CAD facilitating automatic NC programming). On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that certain machine features (e.g. NC, contouring, machining in any orientation, digitizing) can open up new possibilities for designing parts.