A machine tool is configured to receive input data defining a profile to be machined onto a workpiece, with the profile defined in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the workpiece and non-circular in that plane, and calculate using an evolutionary algorithm a workpiece velocity profile corresponding to the velocities at which the workpiece is to be rotated by the workpiece mount over at least part of a rotation of the workpiece during machining. The machine tool then rotates the workpiece according to the workpiece velocity profile during machining of the workpiece.

A machine tool is configured to receive input data defining a profile to be machined onto a workpiece, with the profile defined in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the workpiece and non-circular in that plane, and calculate using an evolutionary algorithm a workpiece velocity profile corresponding to the velocities at which the workpiece is to be rotated by the workpiece mount over at least part of a rotation of the workpiece during machining. The machine tool then rotates the workpiece according to the workpiece velocity profile during machining of the workpiece.