What is a lathe? What can a lathe be used for? Where will lathes be used in the industry? In this blog, I will take you to a comprehensive understanding of what is a lathe.
A lathe is a machine tool used to machine rotating workpieces using cutting tools.
The main function of a lathe is to rotate the workpiece and use the tool to cut, drill, thread, knurl and so on.
Bed: The basic structure that supports the various parts of the lathe.
Headstock: Houses the spindle and the transmission mechanism responsible for rotating the workpiece.
Chuck: The part that holds the workpiece and is installed on the spindle.
Tool holder: Holds the cutting tools and can be moved as required.
Tailstock: Used to support longer workpieces or to install drills.
Control panel: for controlling the turning operation and setting the machining parameters of the interface.
A chuck is a device used to hold the workpiece, generally mounted on the lathe spindle, and allows the workpiece to be rotated for machining.
The headstock contains a spindle system which is responsible for driving the rotation of the workpiece and is often used in combination with a variable speed mechanism.
The panel is the interface for the operator to interact with the lathe, including start, stop, speed adjustment and other control devices.
A rocker is a device used to support an overlong workpiece to prevent bending or vibration.
Voltage regulation refers to the technical measures taken to keep the voltage in the electrical system of the lathe or in the machining process stable.
The cutting depth depends on the material of the workpiece, the type of tool and the machining capacity of the lathe, and is usually controlled by adjusting the position of the tool.
Chamfering is the machining of the edge of a workpiece to form a bevel or smooth transition.
The face refers to the cross section of the workpiece, and the face can be smooth and flat during the turning process.
Grooving is the process of machining notches on the surface or edge of the workpiece, often used to install threads, keyways, etc.
Knurling is a special knurling tool used to press patterns into the surface of the workpiece, usually to improve grip.
Turning is the main machining technology of the lathe, which uses the tool to remove material from the rotating workpiece.
There are various types of lathes, classified by use, function, processing method, etc., mainly including the following common types:
Features: Widely used, simple structure, suitable for general turning, drilling, tapping and other basic processing.
Application: Used for processing small and medium batch workpieces, widely used in turning cylinder, taper and end face.
Features: Using computer numerical control system, with high precision, stability and high degree of automation characteristics.
Application: Suitable for mass production and complex workpiece processing, can achieve automatic turning, drilling, milling and other multi-functional operations.
Features: High precision, suitable for small precision machining, usually smaller, suitable for small parts processing.
Application: Suitable for processing small workpieces such as watches, instruments and electronic equipment.
Features: The main shaft is perpendicular to the floor, the workpiece is placed horizontally, suitable for large and heavy workpieces.
Application: Suitable for processing large diameter, heavy weight of round workpiece, such as large diameter flange, gear, etc.
Features: Can complete the processing of complex parts without human intervention, with a high degree of automation.
Application: Suitable for mass production of small precision parts, such as electronics, communication, automotive parts.
Features: Designed for specific machining needs, such as shaft lathes, crankshaft lathes, wheel lathes, etc., dedicated to the machining of specific shapes or materials.
Purpose: Dedicated to the machining of a specific part or shape with high efficiency and precision.
Features: High machining precision, suitable for micron-level precision machining.
Application: Used for precision instrument parts, medical equipment and other high precision workpiece processing.
Features: Suitable for processing medium and large metal workpieces, various functions, stable structure.
Application: Used for routine metal turning, suitable for manufacturing small and medium series of various workpieces.
Features: Mainly used for wood processing, simple structure, flexible operation.
Application: Used in woodworking industry to produce furniture, art and other wood products with cylindrical or symmetrical shape.
Features: Integrated turning and milling functions, often with multiple tool holders and automatic tool changing systems.
Applications: Suitable for complex multi-process machining, can perform turning, milling and drilling simultaneously, suitable for diversification and mass production.
Features: The use of CAM control tool trajectory, to achieve automatic machining.
Applications: Widely used in the mass production of watches, instruments and small parts.
Features: Equipped with multiple tools, you can process multiple parts in one process, high efficiency.
Application: Suitable for mass production, need multi-station processing occasions.
Lathe prices vary from several thousand yuan to hundreds of thousands of yuan due to different types, specifications and brands.
Lathe manufacturing involves a variety of materials and technologies, including precision casting, machining, electrical control and assembly.
1. The lathe is machined by rotating the workpiece, while the milling machine is cut by rotating the tool;
2. Lathes are mainly used for machining cylindrical workpieces, while milling machines are widely used for machining planes, slots and other complex geometric shapes.
Tags: Metal Lathe Machine
