In this post, you will learn about the different types of lathe machines and their uses with pictures.
So let's start with what is a lathe machine?
What is a Lathe Machine?
These tools allow for complex shapes and designs that are impossible to produce manually to be produced with precision and accuracy. Lathe machines can be used for a wide range of operations, including cutting, sanding, drilling, and knurling.
A variety of lathes are available, each of which is made to meet particular machining needs. The type of lathe machine needed entirely depends on the requirements and material being shaped. This article aims to give an in-depth review of the various types of lathe machines that are available.
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The following are the different types of lathe machines:
- Speed lathe machine
- Turret lathe machine
- Engine lathe machine
- Bench lathe machine
- Toolroom lathe machine
- Automatic lathe machine
- CNC lathe machine
- Special-purpose lathe machine
#1 Speed Lathe Machine
A speed lathe operates quickly and is also known as a wood lathe. The speed lathe is typically used for woodturning, spinning, and metal polishing. They are made up of high-speed spindles that are employed in the production of bowls, baseball bats, and various furniture components.
In comparison to other lathe machine types, this one is simpler. It has a tool turret, tailstock, and headstock, but no feed mechanism; as a result, the feed must be manually operated. The speed range for speed lathe machines is 1200 to 3600 revolutions per minute.
#2 Turret Lathe Machine
Capstan lathe machines are another name for turret lathes. These machines are employed for mass production of duplicated parts. It is essentially an improved engine lathe with a rotating hexagonal turret in place of the tailstock.
The turret lathes can perform a number of tasks, including facing, turning, reaming, and boring. Multiple tools can be fixed in this hexagonal turret, enabling it to perform multiple operations on the workpiece. Although turret lathes also have three tool posts, they require a lot more floor space than other lathes.
#3 Engine Lathe Machine
In the 19th and 20th centuries, steam engines used engine lathe machines, but today they are powered by separate motor drives. These devices are ideal for use in the production of different metals. Engine lathes are capable of producing various operations such as facing, turning, knurling, threading, and grooving among other operations.
Engine lathe machines are made up of saddle, bed, tailstocks, and headstocks, among other things. Engine lathe machines have movable tailstocks that are used for knurling operations while the headstock is rigid.
#4 Bench Lathe Machine
A bench lathe is a hand-operated, compact power lathe that is typically used for small precision work. It resembles speed lathe machines in appearance. The typical operations performed on this lathe machine include turning, facing, grooving, parting, threading, drilling, boring, knurling, and tapping.
However, this machine is frequently used by jewelers and watchmakers for their machining requirements. Bench lathes are used for less precise work because of their small size.
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#5 Toolroom Lathe Machine
When extreme precision is required, tool room lathe machines are used. The tool room lathes can be used for turning, grinding, drilling, boring, and reaming. Tool room lathes are well suited for tools that require the precision and accuracy that engine lathes can achieve.
The gearbox is attached to the headstock, allowing for speed variations ranging from low to high. They are typically run at speeds of up to 2500 rpm. These lathe machine parts are similar to engine lathe parts, but they are built with greater precision and arranged in proper sequence for high precision.
#6 Automatic Lathe Machine
As their name implies, these lathe machines work automatically. A set of mechanisms found on an automatic lathe machine enables it to change and feed cutting tools automatically. Because they cannot be used for mass production, standard lathes have a significant drawback compared to automatic lathe machines.
One of the main benefits of using an automatic lathe is that one person can simultaneously operate 4 to 5 machines. Both high-speed and heavy-duty automatic lathes are available. This machine is suitable for tasks that require complex precision operations, and expertise, and need to be produced in large quantities.
#7 CNC Lathe Machine
Computer Numeric Control, or CNC, in a CNC lathe, offers high accuracy in a short amount of time. They are constructed using the same parts as manual lathes, including the spindle, tailstock, headstock, chuck, tool turret, and centers. They also have a CNC control panel, which is a crucial part.
Both input instructions and program execution are performed by CNC lathe machines using the control panel. These machines are employed in a variety of industries, including the automotive and aerospace industries. Due to their greater accuracy and productivity, CNC lathes are the most widely used lathe machines.
#8 Special-purpose Lathe Machine
Special purpose lathes enable the execution of a variety of tasks that are otherwise impossible on standard or other lathes. The best use for special-purpose lathe machines is for the mass production of identical parts.
Conclusion
That’s it. Thanks for reading. I hope I have covered everything about the “Types of Lathe Machine.” It would be helpful if you could let me know if there was anything I missed or if you have any doubts about anything I wrote.
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