Lathe

Types of lathes

A lathe is a versatile machine tool used for shaping or machining cylindrical workpieces such as wood or metal by applying various machining processes like turning, facing, boring, drilling, threading, knurling, and polishing, to name a few. An engineered piece of equipment commonly found in the machinery industry, lathes come in various types to suit different needs.

• Wood Lathe : As the name suggests, a wood lathe is designed specifically for woodworking. While most wood lathes are made for solid wood, some can work with wood composites like MDF or plastic as well. This machine spins wood at high speeds, allowing users to create cylindrical and symmetrical wooden objects.
• Metal Lathe : A metal lathe machine does for metal what a wood lathe does for wood. Also known as a turning center, the machine works by securing the metal workpiece in a chuck. The chuck The rotates the workpiece against a cutting tool that removes the excess material until the desired shape is achieved. Metal lathes can model various solid metal objects, including aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, etc. There are different kinds of metal lathes. CNC Lathe Machine: This machine uses computer numerical control (CNC) technology to automate the machining process, increasing efficiency, precision, and ease of use. Horizontal Lathe Machine: This machine has a horizontal bed and is suitable for machining short and heavy workpieces. Vertical Lathe Machine: Also known as a turntable, a vertical lathe has a pie-shaped plate on which the workpiece is mounted. CNC Vertical Lathes are more commonly used.
• Mini Lathe Machine : Mini lathes are compact machines ideal for hobbyists, DIYers, and small workshops with limited space but still need a versatile machining tool. The machines are lightweight and easy to move and operate. Nonetheless, they offer great precision and usability features similar to full-sized models.
• Automated Lathe Machine : An automated machine tool performs various machining tasks like drilling, tapping, threading, boring, milling, and knurling. These machines do all the work of turning and other operations on the workpiece without stopping. Likewise, they allow easy feeding in different ways, whether manually, hydraulically, or by a vibrating belt.

Specification and maintenance of lathe

• The Size of the Machine

  Typically, the diameter that a workpiece can have when obtained from a 2-meter lathe is 600 mm. Also, it can handle materials of up to 3-meter lengths. The lathes available in the market are of various sizes so that they can fulfill various goals.

• The Speed of the Spindle

  The spindle speed denotes how quickly the lathe's spindle rotates. The spindle's speed is expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM). The operating range of spindle speed for lathes for woodwork is between 600 and 1400 RPM. However, there are lathes whose speed can go as high as 3500 RPM. Turret and CNC lathes usually have spindle speeds ranging between 3500 to 5000 RPM.

• The Weight of the Machine

  Heavy-duty lathes usually weigh over 1000 kg. In fact, the heavier ones can even weigh up to 26000 kg since they are designed to churn out big parts. Such parts include those used in military vehicles. Regular lighter lathes for metal can weigh between 500 and 1000 kg.

• Power Requirements

  The power requirement of an equipment signifies the power requirement of the part that carries out the machining. Higher horsepower is required for heavy-duty lathes for metals. Some require up to 7.5 kilowatts (10 horsepower) or even more. When handling tough components with higher levels of accuracy, they must apply more power to the workpiece.

• Degree of Automation

  Lathes with computer numerical control (CNC) are completely automated. Other machines that are not so automated may require manual work and the use of a work-holding device to load the workpieces manually.

• Accuracy

  Various lathe machine tools produce parts with different tolerances. CNC lathes are known to produce parts with a tolerance of ±0.01 mm. Turret lathes produce parts within a tolerance of ±0.05 mm. Normal lathes that are not automated produce parts with a tolerance of ±0.1 mm.

How an instrument is maintained depends on its material composition and the actions it performs. It is crucial to know which parts require oiling, lubrication, or drying and those that require energy in which form. The books manufactured with the help of machinery usually describe the machine and also outline what the book advises be done in order to maintain it.

Nevertheless, in general, when using machining equipment, the first and foremost thing one should do is clean it. Chip accumulation can hamper the functioning of various components, leading to accelerated wear. Therefore, the very first step is to clean the machine and remove any chips.

When handling foreign objects or when one's hands are not clean, the book advises one to dry it. Doing so will remove any excess water, which, if not removed, may expose the machinery to corrosion and rust. The book may also advise on areas that should be lubricated and those that should be washed dry.

Occasionally, it is necessary to grease the components, especially the bearings, to reduce the wear and tear they experience from mechanical action.

Scenarios of using a lathe

Without a doubt, the lathe machine has numerous applications in a plethora of industries. Among them, the woodworking industry remains the top beneficiary of lathe machines. In this sector, craftsmen great and small use the device to create all sorts of furniture pieces, decor items, doorframes, molding, banisters, and even musical instruments.

In addition to the woodworking industry, the metalworking industry also puts lathe devices to good use. Car repair shops and other metalworking shops use CNC lathes to make replacement parts professionally and accurately. This includes car parts like axle shafts, gear shafts, cylinders, fittings, and wheel hubs, to name a few. Other common metal parts that benefit from CNC lathes include bushings, pipes, valves, and mechanical components like threaded rods and sleeves.

The jewelry industry is another sector that extensively uses lathe machines, albeit smaller ones. Jewelry makers use mini-lathe machines to produce intricate designs for rings, bracelets, pendants, and other attachment pieces that require precision.

Other industries that rely on lathe machines include the plastic and rubber industry, the instrument manufacturing industry, the mold-making industry, and the medical industry. In fact, any industry that calls for threaded, cylindrical, or conical parts gets lathe machines of all kinds to help get the job done. This is one reason why many industries have no choice but to invest in quality LATHEs when the need arises.

How to choose a lathe machine

When picking a lathe machine for sale, buyers should consider the following:

• Workpiece size and weight capacity

  First, business buyers must define the maximum length and diameter of the workpieces they will be using. Consider any additional accessories needed to accommodate the workpieces.

• Control system and automation

  Business buyers should evaluate the complexity of the control system. They should consider an easy-to-understand and efficient control system with good documentation and support. Moreover, consider the level of automation required. Choose a machine with suitable automation features to match the operational needs and skill levels of the shop floor staff.

• Power and torque

  Ensure the machine has sufficient power and torque to handle the business' workpieces. Consider the power source to use (electric motor-driven lathes or water-powered or human-powered lathes).

• Precision and repeatability

  Consider a machine with the desired level of accuracy and repeatability for the business' operations.

• Level of customization

  Apart from CNC lathes, which type of machine allows for more customization to meet specific machining requirements and design needs?

• Durability and maintenance

  Choose a durable, easy-to-maintain machine with readily available replacement parts to ensure operational productivity and minimize downtime.

• Shop floor space and machine assembly

  Ensure the dimensions of the machine fit within the shop floor space. Consider any rigging and assembly costs associated with bringing the machine to the operational location.

• Cost and financing options

  Consider the upfront cost and long-term value of the machine. Explore financing and leasing options to work within the business' budget constraints.

Lathe Q&A

Q1: What type of metal cannot be machined by a lathe machine?

A1: The lathe machine can process various metallic and non-metallic materials. However, some materials may pose challenges to the lathe's cutting blades, such as harder metals like titanium, beryllium copper, and certain alloys. When working with these materials, that may wear down the blades quickly. Buyers should consider lathe machines with more powerful motors or those capable of accommodating more robust cutting blades.

Q2: What is the life of a lathe machine?

A2: The lathe machine can last up to 20 years or more with routine maintenance and repairs. This includes replacing or sharpening the cutting blades, adjusting the belts and bearings, and lubricating the critical parts of the machine.

Q3: Why are machines preferred over hand tools in turning operations?

A3: While hand tools are still essential for certain tasks, the lathe machine offers efficiency and productivity that hand tools cannot match. The lathe machine can turn at a fixed speed, allowing operators to focus their attention on other tasks. Hand tools require manual labor, which requires skill and training, and may still lack the precision that a lathe machine can provide.