A hexagonal lathe is a tool used by machine shops and fabricators, who shape and cut metals and other materials in a rotating fashion. This particular design uses six different tools, each with its own unique cutting pattern, to machine a variety of components ranging from nuts and bolts to intricate parts. As a result, the hexagonal lathe is able to meet a variety of machining needs in a short amount of time, making them ideal for quick-turn jobs.
The hexagonal lathe is often divided into two types: the swing type and the turret type. Both of these lathes feature two-axis precision machining, allowing for the precise cutting of intricate parts. The main difference between these two lathes lies in the way that the machine is operated. The swing type lathe uses a handle to drive the headstock and three cutting tools, while the turret type uses a turret wheel to control the cutting tools and a headstock to hold the components in place.
The swing type lathe is designed for more intricate machining projects, as it can be used to create a variety of patterns and curves. Due to its flexibility, this type of lathe is typically used for jobs that require complex shapes, such as milling and reaming. The headstock consists of several stations, which hold the cutting tools, and the moveable part of the headstock is driven by a handle. The handle can be used to raise and lower the cutting tool, or to move it back and forth in a radial direction. The tool path of the cutting tool is dictated by the operator’s hand movements, allowing them to shape and cut components with accuracy and precision.
The turret type lathe is best suited for projects that require repetitive operations or “job runs”, as it is able to quickly and precisely create multiple parts. Rather than a handle, the turret type lathe uses a turret wheel to drive the cutting tools. The turret wheel has a number of stations, each of which holds a cutting tool. The operator can quickly move from one station to the next with the turn of a handle, which ensures accuracy and consistency in the cuts made. This type of lathe can also be used to create complex shapes, but it is more suited for producing components that require precise cuts in large quantities.
The hexagonal lathe is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of machining tasks. Its ability to be used for quick-turn projects, as well as for intricate and precise cuts, make it ideal for shops and fabricators who need to produce components in short amounts of time and with precision. The swing and turret types provide a variety of products that can meet almost any manufacturing need.
