A lathe machine is a type of machine used to shape and machine many types of workpiece. Depending on the size and material of the workpiece, there are many different types of lathe machines to choose from. While lathe machines were typically only used for metal machining, modern technological advancements have broadened their functionality to work with a range of various materials. The main purpose of a lathe machine is to remove extra or unwanted material from a workpiece to create a product. Lathes are capable of producing many different shapes and forms in very little time and with high accuracy. This blog will cover the six most common types of lathe machines: the speed/wood lathe, engine lathe, tool-room lathe, capstan and turret lathe, special purpose lathe, and CNC lathe.
The
speed/wood lathe is commonly used to make things like baseball bats, wooden bowls, or similar products. As its name suggests, this lathe features a high speed spindle which can operate at speeds as high as 2,100 rpm. These lathes have a simple design and feature basic components like a headstock, tailstock, tool rest, and bed. This makes them easy to use in any condition. Because the cutting tool in these lathes is operated by hand, they are less precise than other types. Speed/wood lathes are frequently used for wood turning, metal spinning, polishing, and centering.
Engine lathes, which derive their name from the use of a motor, are widely used in many industries due to their versatility of power levels and broad range of sizes. These are more advanced than speed/wood lathes and feature major mounting parts like a headstock, carriage, compound rest, cross slide, and so on, all mounted on the machine. Lathes of this type also provide many speed ratios. Tool room lathes are used in applications that require precise, accurate work.
Tool-room lathes are considered the standard manufacturing lathe and are used for various operations including boring, drilling, turning, reaming, producing screw threads, knurling, taper turning, and, when equipped with the proper fixture, can be adapted for special milling operations.
For mass production and duplicate products, the capstan and
turret lathe machine is most ideal. These are essential tools for production of workpieces in large quantities where a repeated series of operations is required. Lathe machines of this type feature a torrent mounted on the saddle, upon which tools are fitted. Capstan and turret lathe machines do not require a skilled laborer to operate, but setting of the tools should be done by an expert. The next type of lathe, special purpose lathes, are designed for special applications that cannot be done by standard lathes. Examples of special lathes include automatic lathes, crankshaft lathes, vertical lathes, wheel lathes, multi-spindle lathes, production lathes, bench type jeweler lathes, and more.
Finally, CNC, or computer numeric control lathes, are the most advanced type of lathe available. CNC lathes are relatively new but are quickly replacing traditional lathes as they continue to become more advanced. They can provide top-level accuracy and precision, all while being easily set up and not requiring any skill to operate. The tool path is set by computer aided drafting, and the machine does the rest. There is no easier lathe to use than a CNC lathe.
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