These types of machines are designed and utilized to drill and/or tap various hole features in many different types of workpieces and materials. These machines can be very basic and plunge into the workpiece, complete the operation quickly and eject the part and be in a ready position for another workpiece. These machines can also be very sophisticated and arranged to drill and tap a multitude of different holes in a part, either by having a series of heads affixed to a machine and plunging them together or in a sequence, or by transferring the workpiece from station to station and having completely different operations at each station.

Drilling and tapping machines are usually utilized in high production applications and therefore, are often configured with auto loading and auto unloading, broken tool detection, protective light screens and warning lights to indicate when the machine has stopped producing.