A screw machine uses cutting methods similar to that of a lathe but is highly automated. Feed stock for a screw machine is a long cylindrical rod of material. A screw machine is illustrated below. Cross Slide Simultaneous Operation Below is illustrated an on-axis view of how cross slides in a screw machine sequentially cut the work piece.
Simultaneous action increases throughput.
The view is down the axis of the spindle and shows how tools on cross slides can cut the work piece, some simultaneously with others.