Parallel lathe machine

Types of Parallel Lathe Machines

Parallel working lathes are available in different types, which are mostly based on the positioning and working of the parts. The following are some of the most common and latest types of parallel lathe machines.

• Traditional Lathe Machine

  The conventional lathe parallels have a fixed bed. The workpiece is mounted parallel to the bed. The cutting tool is then moved against the workpiece to cut and shape it. The older model does not have any advanced technology or automation features. It solely relies on operator skills for making adjustments and achieving desired results.

• Toolroom Lathe Machine

  Toolroom lathes work the same way as a parallel lathe machine. Generally, they are smaller in size and have more features for precision cutting and shaping. Like the older models, the toolroom parallel lathe does not have CNC capabilities. However, it may have some digital features for automation and precision.

• CNC Parallel Lathe Machine

  A CNC parallel lathe machine has a computer-controlled design. This means the tool holder and workpiece will move in multiple directions. These directions will be based on pre-set designs for cutting or carving out a material with utmost precision and repeatability. Some common features of a CNC parallel lathe include automated tool changers, multiple spindle speeds, and advanced cutting tools for parallel turning operations.

• Bench Parallel Lathe Machine

  These lathes are generally mounted on a bench or used with some small stands. The lathe has a compact design that allows for better use in workshops and garages with limited space. The machine allows users to easily make precision cuts, grooves, and threads in small parts. The design is ideal for DIY enthusiasts and small-scale professionals in a workshop.

• Mini Parallel Lathe Machine

  Similar to the bench machine, the mini parallel lathe machines have more compact designs. They may be portable and have wheeled bases for easy mobility from one place to another. In addition to small workshop areas, the machines are also ideal for remote working sites that do not have many facilities available.

• Gear Head Parallel Lathe Machine

  The gear head lathe machine uses gears to control the spindle's speed and feed rates. Just like the name suggests, the gears are mounted on the headstock of the lathe machine. It offers direct drive, allowing a wide range of spindle speeds. Some common benefits of having a gear head lathe machine include high torque at low speeds and more durability and reliability as compared to belted lathes.

Specifications and maintenance of the parallel lathe machine

Specifications

• Turning Length: Refers to the maximum length of the workpiece that the machine can turn. For example, a turning length of 1000mm means that the machine can process workpieces with lengths up to 1000mm.
• Turning Diameter: Represents the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be turned. For instance, a turning diameter of 300mm indicates that the machine can handle workpieces with diameters up to 300mm.
• Spindle Speed: This is the speed range at which the spindle can operate. The spindle speed determines the rotational speed of the workpiece, which affects the machining efficiency and surface finish. For example, a lathe machine with a spindle speed of 50-2000rpm can adjust its speed between 50 and 2000 revolutions per minute.
• Spindle Bore Diameter: This refers to the diameter of the hole in the spindle. It determines the maximum size of the workpiece that can be accommodated. For example, a spindle bore diameter of 50mm means that workpieces with a diameter of up to 50mm can pass through the spindle.
• Tool Holder: It is the device used to hold the cutting tool, and it may include types such as a fixed tool holder or an adjustable tool holder. Additionally, the tool holder may have different specifications and models to match various turning tools.
• Machine Weight: It is the weight of the lathe machine itself. For example, a weight of 2000kg means that the machine is 2000 kilograms heavy. The weight of the machine is closely related to its stability and load capacity.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the surfaces of the lathe machine with a soft cloth to remove dust, chips, and oil stains. Regularly clean the coolant and chip removal system to ensure good chip removal and cooling effects. Pay attention to cleaning the vents and radiators of the machine to prevent overheating and clogging of the engines.
• Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the guide rails, gears, bearings, and other parts of the lathe machine to ensure its smooth operation. Choose the right lubricant according to the machine's requirements and ensure even and adequate lubrication.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect the lathe machine for signs of damage or looseness. Check electrical circuits, connectors, and switches for abnormalities and promptly repair or replace them as needed. Pay attention to inspecting the cutting tools used with the lathe for sharpness and wear. If any damaged or worn is found, they should be sharpened or replaced to ensure the machining quality and efficiency.

Usage scenarios for parallel lathe machines

A parallel lathe machine is useful for various industries and applications for shaping, cutting, and creating different types of materials. Here are some of the common usage scenarios for parallel lathe machines:

• Shaping and Cutting of Materials

  Parallel lathe machines remain highly sought-after pieces of equipment for shaping and cutting materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and ceramic. The machines can create complex geometric shapes and profiles, threads, tapered shapes, and hollow objects by spinning the workpiece against a stationary cutting tool.

• Manufacturing Industries

  Parallel lathes are essential pieces of equipment in various manufacturing industries. The machines shape metal and plastic into different parts used in the automotive, electronics, aerospace, and engineering industries, to mention a few. Parallel lathe machines are especially popular in industries that manufacture pipes, rods, drums, and containers.

• Tool and Die Making

  Die and tool-making professionals can achieve high precision when making molds, dies, and cutting tools thanks to the parallel lathe machine. These tools are necessary for press instruments used in the manufacturing and automotive industry sector.

• Woodworking

  Parallel lathes are not just for metalworking; they are also popular in woodworking. The machine helps carpenters and wood industry professionals create various wooden pieces such as table legs, spindles, and other decorative and functional components.

• Repair and Maintenance

  Machine parallel lathes can easily produce replacement parts for the repair and maintenance of existing equipment. The machine makes it easy to refinish worn-out parts and replicate damaged components, which can be a great cost-saving rather than purchasing an entirely new equipment piece.

• Hobbyist and Prototyping

  Parallel lathes are also popular in the DIY community and among prototyping professionals. The machine is used to create unique and custom parts and standalone pieces for art projects, prototypes, and experimental projects. In addition, the parallel lathe machine allows hobbyists to refine their skills and learn the art of machining.

How to choose parallel lathe machines

Stock parallel lathe machines for sale require more than just an attractive price tag. Buyers want a lathe machine that performs adequately and has features to enhance their experience when using the machine. Here's what retail business buyers need to research before ordering their stock.

• Functionalities and features

The same machine can thread, groove, counterbore, cut, and drill, among many other tasks, thanks to the many attachments available. Some parallel lathes have a slide mechanism that lets the cutting tool move back and forth while the workpiece is rotating. This helps increase accuracy and precision. Other features that enhance a lathe machine's functionality include variable speed control, digital readout, automatic control system, quick-change tool post, and indexing mechanisms.

• Precision and accuracy

Many machines have a digital readout feature that shows precise measurements, some down to one-thousandth of an inch. An auto-stop feature also helps avoid over-cutting, improving the machine's accuracy.

An important consideration when purchasing lathe machines in parallel is their cutting precision. Look for machines that can produce workpieces with an accuracy of up to +/- 0.01 mm, especially when making parts for hydraulic valve components.

• Ease of use

Business buyers should look for machines with user-friendly controls, including CNC controls, clear and straightforward instruction manuals, and well-laid-out push-button controls. Guards, shields, and safety interlocks are important also. These features prevent the machine from functioning when the operator's hands are near moving parts. Other safety features include automatic shut-off during overload and emergency stop buttons to quickly shut down the machine in an emergency. Because of their importance to the operator's safety, they should be on the checklist of features to look for.

With their many intricacies, parallel lathes can be complicated. Simpler models are easier to operate, so retail business buyers should go for these if their customers are likely not to have prior lathe machine experience.

• Quality and durability

Dent, crack, and chip-resistant materials are required to withstand years of use with very little, if any, maintenance. High-quality metal alloy machines stand up over time and give attractive returns on investment. Customers will likely spend more time searching for stock if their last stock sold out quickly due to high sales.

Research shows that many people prefer the tried-and-true parallel lathe machine because, in addition to its lengthy life, older machines have many known parts that are easy to replace. Many businesses are now looking to parallel lathes that are at least semi-automatic so they can cut down on manual labor and speed production. The more automatic a machine is, the quicker it can turn out product parts with little to no operator involvement.

FAQ

Q1: What is a parallel lathe machine used for?

A1: A parallel lathe machine is used for various machining operations such as facing, turning, drilling, boring, threading, and knurling different types of workpieces usually made of metal.

Q2: What are the different parts of a lathe machine?

A2: A lathe machine has many parts, such as the headstock, spindle, gear box, driving mechanism, bed, carriage, tool post, turret, cutting tools, pressure foot, slide, lead screw, cross slide, and slide way.

Q3: What are the different types of parallel lathe machines?

A3: Besides the standard parallel lathe machine, there are also other types such as the taper turning lathe, the automatic or CNC lathe machine, the turret lathe, the screw cutting lathe, the chucker lathe, and the combinational lathe machine.