Answer :
Final answer:
A computer-controlled lathe designed for machining cylindrical parts is known as a CNC lathe. This machine evolved from earlier inventions like the Blanchard lathe, which revolutionized manufacturing by enabling mass production of identical parts.
Explanation:
Designed to machine cylindrical parts, a device that is essentially a computer-controlled lathe is known as a CNC lathe. This tool represents a significant advancement in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the production of interchangeable parts. For instance, machines like the Blanchard lathe were pivotal in the history of manufacturing, as they allowed for the mass production of identical rifle parts, thereby facilitating the assembly process and ensuring that components such as locks and barrels could be easily fitted together to complete the rifle.
While the Blanchard lathe itself was a manually operated machine that could shape wood and metal, the evolution of technology has led to the development of computer-controlled lathes, or CNC lathes, which afford even greater precision and efficiency. These machines have an essential role in modern manufacturing, especially when it comes to producing uniform, high-quality cylindrical parts.
