It is a type of processing with origins in antiquity and that still today, notwithstanding the notable steps forward made by the producers of machine tools, maintains within it the concepts and characteristics of the artisan that do not transfer (or only partially) to automated equipment capable of completely substituting for human touch.
The process of metal-plate lathe processing consists of the progressive deformation of a metal disk by means of a utensil that, in the case of hand processing is similar to a rod furnished with an iron or metal point. In case, instead, of automatic or semi-automatic machine the tool is a roller of metal or a special plastic material. The processing is done in varying stages that end in the creation of the figure imposed by a die underneath.
The effect of the stretching of the material often involves fine reductions in the initial gauge of the metal.