Lathe Working Principle
A lathe is a machine used in machining process that starts with the raw materials which are cylindrical stock. This raw material will be mounted on a spindle which rotates about its own axis, with other tools that shape it to a form required. This is done by cutting, sanding, knurling or drilling the raw material. Lathe can also be used for cutting threads on metal alloy or making the exact size of the required components for job related to mechanical engineering. It is one of the most important tools used by machinists.
Working Principle:
The working Principle of lathe machine is quite simple with the help of motor, metal rotates at high speed and other forms are formed with the help of spindle and cutting tools. In order to obtain a perfect shape, metal is tightly held in the chuck and individual cutting tools are used there. Chuck is a very important part that holds the blade with different sizes. Formetal spinning operations, a tailstock center is used to provide a steady rotational torque. The cutting is done to form the desired shape by end cutting tool.
Lathe machines are available in various shapes and sizes, depending upon the type of cutting operations required. Generally, lathe machine is broadly categorized as a large, small, and light duty lathe. The small lathe consists of a one-piece bed which supports a headstock and tailstock center. The large lathe machining process consists of two beds, which together provides great rigidity for precision machining operations.
The cutting tools used in the lathe machines are varied in design and sizes. These cutting tools include the turning tools, departing tool, boring tool, reaming tools, and tap drillings. All these cutting tools are mainly made up of tool steel, high speed steel and some are made up of carbide. Each type of cutting tool may vary based upon its cutting application. For example, boring tools are used for providing the hole in the respective material.
The motor run the mechanism of the lathe machine. Generally the motor are used for running the lathe grinding process, but some lathes may use other forms of energy in order to run the machine. There are several types of motors used for lathe machine including hydraulic motors, electric motors, live steam motors, and air motors. All these motors have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on the different specifications.
The operation of the lathe machine can be divided in to three parts, which are turning, drilling and sanding. During the turning operation, the cutting tools attach to the end of the spindle, to produce the required shape.The drilling is the production of a hole through the material. And the sanding is generally carried out in order to give the finish look to the product.
Lathe machines are very durable and reliable machine tools, which can withstand huge working pressure. These are used in different industries and are used to make a variety of components. Lathe machine is one of the most important machine tools and is used all around the world. Lathes are used in most manufacturing operations, ranging from small scale operations to heavy-duty, industrial applications. They are used for turning, facing and threading operations on a range of parts for both large and small industries, from automobile production and aerospace work, to shipbuilding, construction and home DIY projects.
