Automatic lathes, also called sliding headstock lathes or grinding lathes, are machine tools used to turn and machine long, thin parts, such as screws, bolts and shafts. They are usually equipped with a long workpiece fixture that allows long parts to be picked up and machined without having to be interrupted. Automatic lathes can also be equipped with multiple tool positions to perform different types of machining operations, such as turning, grinding and milling. They are mainly used in the production of precision parts and tools.