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Equipment designed for drilling pieces of materials (e.g., metals, plastics) typically using detachable drill bits mounted on a rotating mechanism. These machines usually consist of a rotating assembly (also known as spindle) that includes the shaft, bearings, and associated detachable burs and/or drill bits; the machine also includes a support (e.g., a vise clamped to a table) for the piece that is being drilled. The piece under work is held stationary as the drill moves axially to penetrate the material; the spindle movements is precisely controlled (e.g., to less than 0.001 inch/0.025 mm). Drilling machines are usually mounted on a working bench; they may be manually operated, mechanically automated, or digitally controlled. Drilling machines may be used for a variety of applications; dedicated machines intended to manufacture dental prostheses are also available.
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