Category Archives: Lathe Machine

Prospective Aspects for Lathe Machine Manufacturers & Suppliers Post Covid-19

The supply chain has been disrupted badly amid the noble corona crisis. The impact of COVID-19 has hit hard the manufacturers and suppliers chain of lathe machine. Manufacturing industries have started re-tooling their production line to make almost new products. Most industries have rewired their production system to produce pandemic related tool kits such as medical face masks, PPEs, etc.

Vertical CNC Lathe Machine

The CNC lathe supplier chain ranges from machine type to automation types and industry-specific demands. It also varies according to the region across the globe. Now let’s look at the in-depth study of the impact on CNC trainer lathe machines and the rest of the manufacturers and suppliers post COVID-19. Read the recent market trends, growth potential, revenue generation that can play a pivotal part in the making of the lathe machine industry once again.

Market Survey:

The corona pandemic has covered almost 100 countries and is starting to break the holding potential of multiple production systems. The lathe machine market is expected to break down in 2020.

  • The coronavirus pandemic has hit the global economic system in three ways: by influencing the production and demand system, giving rise to disruption of the supply chain and market cap, and its financial hit on businesses and markets.

  • The virus outbreak has put a stop on the global transportation system like a travel ban and flight cancellations, major countries put in a state of emergency that has led to a sharp decline in the supply chain. The outbreak has hammered hard the stock market which in turn has lowered the business potential and created an era of confusion among the market growth.

Growth Drivers:

There is still every chance for the light-duty lathe and medium-duty lathe market to stand its ground amid the coronavirus outbreak. Let’s see the factors that can be the growth drivers of the lathe market.

  • The era of automation can scale up the growth of the worldwide lathe machines trade. The increased use of IoT in manufacturing will set up a new trend that will help the industry bounce back to its full potential after the pandemic ends.

  • Rapid urbanization can lift up the market once again with high demand in automotive, transport, and other machinery sectors. They can drive the momentum in the global heavy-duty lathe machines market.

  • The Asia Pacific is said to be the leading market. The promising “Make in India” will surely be a game-changer even after the coronavirus ends. Japan will be next in line with European nations following the footsteps of speed.

  • It is the powerful measures and dynamism that will drive the lathe market across the globe. The developed countries may work well post the outbreak if they can catch up with the new market dynamics and growth factors.

Conclusion:

After taking a microscopic look at the market, it comes out that the future for the manufacturers and suppliers will not be easy after the COVID-19. However, the market may improve faster if situations turn around quickly around the globe. It will help lubricate the production and supply chain in the lathe machine industry.

Global lathe machines market trends and opportunities

Lathe machine is very commonly used worldwide for the shaping of products made of wood and iron by rotating a workpiece on its axis of rotation and perform the desired operations like sanding, drilling, deformation, and cutting. Global lathe machine market size is valued at more than $10,000 million and further projects by 2.6% more to $12,000 million by 2022.

Lathes are considered as a trademark in metal shaping machines, they can easily turn the unfinished metal product into an accomplished product such as automotive spare and body parts, machine products, and more. This includes cutting metal sheets into the desired size and designs to create customized patterns and shapes.

Heavy-duty lathes are constructed using superior quality materials and embrace premium technology. They are unique sort of lathe which are highly efficient and is used for high volume production. They are preciously designed to ensure durability and optimum performance while using relatively fewer resources. They are capable of multi-tasking with the same efficiency and precision. They are tested thoroughly for high industrial standards and zero defects. They are highly versatile and can be operated at greater speed. Moreover, the heavy lathe machines are produced using top-grade, non-corrosive raw materials for premier finishing, and high tensile strength.

Heavy Duty Lathes

Heavy Duty Lathes

Based on the type, the lathe can be classified as vertical or horizontal lathes. Vertical turning lathe makes it appropriate to mount, align, and fasten the product to be worked. The vertical angle of the spindle helps it cut hard to reach angles. These vertical lathes occupy less ground space in comparison to horizontal lathes, making it more suitable for manufacturing heavy and large objects. The machine works in the direction of gravity which favors the stability of the object and machining process.

Based on the mode of operation the lathe can be segmented into manually operated and CNC lathes. CNC lathe dominates the current lathe market industry and is predicted to grow even further in the coming years. It helps the producer to meet the consumer requirements of high quality, consistent production rate, and uniformity. The machine can be easily programmed to manufacture high precision cuts on stiff materials while maintaining the finest quality. CNC machine is available in two variants to slant bed and flat bed. The upward and downward movement of moving parts of the slant bed machine is balanced making it more efficient in machine works.

CNC lathes

CNC lathes

The top investment pocket for lathe machine is the Asia-pacific region with the evidence of India emerging as the leader in demand supported by the government’s initiatives to emerge India as a manufacturing hub in the world. The Indian government even launched some programs like Make in India to promote manufacturing in India and promote as the most preferred destination for manufacturing. Europe is in second place for lathe machine usage globally.  Some key layers in the lathe machine segment include Dalian Machine Tool Corporation, DMG Mori Ltd., Doosan Machine Tools, Haas Automotive Inc., Hardinge Inc., HMT Machine Tools, JTEKT Corporation, Okuma Corporation, Samsung Machine Tools, Yamazaki Mazak Corporation.

All You Need to Know About CNC Lathe Machines

A lathe machine rotates the object or a workpiece on a spindle to remove extra material with the help of different tools and produces a symmetrical object. These high tech machines can easily give different cuts and details on the rotating workpiece. A CNC lathe machine can be programmed to make precise cuts on tough material and manufacture the finest quality products at a high speed. Mainly there are two types of CNC lathe machines – horizontal and vertical.

Horizontal CNC Lathe Machine

CNC horizontal lathe machining is executed with the help of horizontally-configured lathes. In these machines, the object is rotated cylindrical and tools shape the workpiece by removing excess material. In horizontal CNC lathe machines, the object lies in a vertical position and as a result, they occupy large space. These lathes are most suitable for small and mid-sized workpieces. Moreover, the chuck holds the object vertically, against the downward gravitational pull of the object. Hence, they are ideal for lighter materials. These are some of the most important aspects to keep in mind while making a purchase decision.

Vertical CNC Lathe Machine

In a vertical CNC lathe machine, the object is rotated upright. It helps the spindle in cutting hard to reach angles efficiently. These vertical CNC lathe machines require less ground space as compared to the horizontal CNC lathe machines. These lathe machines are most suitable for producing heavy and large objects. The smaller footprint of the vertical CNC lathe machine provides the functionality of dual spindles to work on a single object without requiring any additional floor space. Moreover, the gravitational force work in favour of the vertical design of the machine and helps in keeping the object stable during the machining process. As a result, it gives steady spindle movements and delivers precise cutting. It is important to note that, vertical CNC lathe machines are generally more expensive than horizontal CNC lathe machines.

Vertical CNC Lathe Machine

Choosing the Right CNC Lathe Based on Your Manufacturing Needs

While purchasing CNC lathe machines, it is very important to check the quality of the clamps. Clamps hold the object during the process and tools cut the extra material. If the quality of clamps is inferior, they may shift around during the process leading to inaccurate measurements. Vertical CNC lathe machines and horizontal CNC lathe machines have their different pros and cons. Just like we discussed earlier, the horizontal CNC lathe machine is less expensive in comparison to the vertical CNC lathe machine, but it is ideal for working on small and mid-sized objects. Similarly, the vertical CNC lathes are expensive than horizontal CNC lathes but they occupy less floor space and can effectively work on large workpieces.

The choice of the machine highly depends on your manufacturing needs. Today, a wide range of CNC lathe machine is available with a variety of features and specifications. It is advisable to consult the expert before making the final purchase decision.

Applications of Lathe Machine in Automobile Industries

Every manufacturing plant needs a lathe machine. It is called the mother of all machines. It is a tool that is used to provide specific design, shape or appearance to the workpiece. The lathe machine has a rotating part as its component which helps to carry out various operations over the workpiece such as grooving, turning, knocking, etc.

The working principle of the lathe machine lies in removing the metal from a workpiece in order to mold it into the desired shape. It strains away the undesired material from the workpiece so that it proposes enough value to the product.

Its main parts include a headstock, tailstock and bed. The metal piece which is to be given a shape is kept between headstock & tailstock.

Development of Lathe Machines over the Years

Egyptians were the first to develop the very 1st lathe machine around 1300 BC. The lathe machine is popularly named as Mother of all machines as this machine lays the path for the invention of other tools. It came out to be very useful during the Industrial revolution.

Back then it was available as a two-person machine wherein one person could pull the workpiece (which was wood in those times) through rope and the other person would cut it using sharp objects. Later on, several modifications were implemented on the ancient machine to make it what it looks like today.

There are several types of lathe machines today used in a variety of manufacturing industries and they are a wood lathe,  Engine lathe, Toolroom lathe, capstan and turret lathe, etc. It depends upon the need of the manufacturing plant.

WM Series Heavy Duty Lathe Machine

About Yash Machines

Yash Machines excels in this segment. The company understands the need of their clients and therefore they offer their clients plenty of options from which they can pick as per their requirements. They are amongst the top player in the international market. They provide a range of CNC lathe machines, turret milling machines,  vertical turning machines, all geared radial drilling machine, etc.

Where Are These Lathe Machines Used?

Lathe machines are used in tons of activities like woodturning, spinning, metal works, glassworks, etc. Ornamental lathe machine can be used to beautify a three-dimensional workpiece with intricate designs. The most common products of lathe machines are screws, legs of a wooden table where intricate designs can be observed, musical instruments, pottery pieces thermal spraying, etc.

The Need For Lathe Machines In Automobile Industry

The automobile industry runs in a repetitive mode so it requires batch production. There is a need for an automated system in such an industry that can produce bulk products at a regular interval and all these products have to be the same. Such recurring processes require automated machines and the example of such machines in the automobile industry is CNC milling. This machine works on metal piece parts by parts until the final product is obtained. Gearbox cases, engine cylinder heads are the parts manufactured using lathe machines which are further used by automobiles.

The other main component to be utilized by the automotive is brake disk. It is also developed by the turning system of the lathe machine.

Rack and pinion systems also play an equally important role in creating intermediary products for automobiles. This system of the lathe is used to develop electric hand brakes, power windows in the vehicles.

The Bottom Line

Yash Machine tools is a pioneer in the international market. This company has established itself as an accomplished manufacturer and supplier of extensive industry-specific machines in the domestic as well as international market. The company crosses leaps and bounds to make manufacturing processes easier.

How Different Types of Lathe Machine Differ from Each Other?

A Lathe machine is one of the most important equipments that one will find in any manufacturing or production unit. It rotates the workpiece about an axis to perform myriad operations such as- Facing, Turning, Knurling, Cutting, Sanding, etc. With the help of proper fittings and attachments, operations like drilling can also be carried out with the lathe machine. Various objects like screws, candlesticks, gun barrels, cue sticks, baseball bats, crankshafts, etc. can be manufactured using this machine.

Types of Lathe Machine:

Although there are many lathe machines available, they are broadly classified into 4 types:

  • Light Duty Lathe Machine
  • Medium Duty Lathe Machine
  • Heavy Duty Lathe Machine
  • Extra Heavy Duty Lathe Machine

These lathe machines differ from each other in their construction, parts and hence their field of application.

Difference between Lathe Machines:

Light Duty Lathe Machine, as the name suggests, is used for machining the workpiece which is lighter in weight and flexible for machining. The machine has a Light lathe bed and a big spindle bore. It occupies less space as compared to other lathe machines. They are mostly preferred for various turning operations of a wide range of different Industries offering higher machining accuracy and better surface finish.

lathe light 1

The Medium Duty Lathe Machine has a solid cast iron structure ensuring the rigidity of bed, headstock, and saddle. The gearbox incorporated with the machine is a new type and its high precision spindle structure helps to provide a flawless headstock performance. It has brand new exterior design differing from other lathe machines. The headstock is bigger in size housing mechanisms to provide multiple speeds to the spindle.

Heavy Duty Lathe Machine has a stress relieved bed and precise spindle structure which ensures the machine to give an impeccable performance. The stress relieved bed and induction hardened guideways provide the heavy duty lathe machine, rigidity, and longer life. This machine varies from other lathes as it shows high-speed performance with the help of selective components like high spindle torque, headstock with a mechanical clutch or electromagnetic clutch.

Extra Heavy Duty Lathe Machine is considered as utmost important machinery in heavy metals & engineering industries. These machines possess high speed dynamically balanced spindle using the latest tools building technology. The extra heavy duty lathe machine is different from other lathe machines as it can satisfy various turning requirements of a wide range of different industries ensuring better machining accuracy and surface finish. The bed sideways of the machine are precision ground and highly accurate along the total length of the machine.

We, at Yash Machine, offer you lathe machines of optimum quality assuring of durability and high productivity. Apart from these lathe machines, we also have other high caliber machines at our disposal such as- Radial Drilling machine, Sheet Metal machine, Welding machine, CNC Cutting Machine, Press Brake, Band Saw machine, All Geared Radial Drilling Machine, and many more.

Our Equipment boasts of superior quality at an effective price and ensures that it meet all the requisites of our client, facilitating them in their required application.

Efficiency of All Geared Lathe Machine in Construction Industry

Innovation has spread its essence in the pattern of doing work. If you want to do a precise cut to the metals and wood worksheets, then Lathe Machine is the answer. Almost every part of the normal machine useful for day to day activities can be fabricated on a lathe machine.

Nowadays, you can easily avail fully automatic and geared lathes. It supports a variety of operations. Based on the type of work Lathe geared machine can give it’s the toughest performance. It can be seen of different sizes. In accordance with the work, it is bought by a manufacturer such as light work, medium duty, and heavy and extra heavy duty lathe machine.

What are the main parts of the lathe?

1. Bed
2. Legs
3. Headstock
4. Gearbox
5. Carriage
6. Tailstock

Important factors to be considered:-

Rotating speed:

The rotating speed is counted herewith sending speed of the tool which also affects the processing speed and roughness of the surface. More the sending speed more the processing speed. And when it becomes lower the surface becomes beautifully shaped. The sending speed can be operated in two ways. One type is Manual sending and second is Automatic speed. 

CNC Lathes:

CNC Lathe Machine are the advanced Lathe machines that is controlled by the computer.

Slant Bed CNC Lathe Machine

Ornamental Turning or Ornamental Lathe:

A Lathe furnished with indexing plates, profile cutters, spiral or helical guides as to enable with the ornamental lathe or ornamental turning.

The total benefits obtained by estimating the cost of production per unit is the strategical decision part of a manufacturer to get utmost from it.

1. All geared lathe machine: The size of such all geared lathe machine varies from centre height of 175 mm up to 700 mm. And the turning length may go as high as 7 meters.

The performance evaluation of lathe is carefully undertaken by setting National and International Standards whereas standardization of the definitions and environmental requirements are taken cared of.

Advantages of lathe machine:

1. You can turn around the stock material, that means, you can save the amount of material. Suppose, if it’s done manually, then it may get wasted less or completely.

2. You can allow the cuts which are to be made in the extended length.

3. You can also go for reduced cutting for greater length.

Precautions to be considered for lathe machine:

1. If at all a manufacturer do not have enough awareness and knowledge about the forming a shape then it may end up with not getting the desired results.

2. If lathe machine doesn’t have the option of a ‘Dial’ to change the speed, you cannot easily optimize the results till the specialist gets it resolved.

There from, it can be observed that all geared Lathe machine serves as a best solution to get the accurate results. Just you need a specialist or a specialised knowledge to deal with the multiple benefits resulting all types of lathe machine.

‘As Potter shapes it’s pot carving a desired shape, the same is Lathe Machine in today’s time for the manufacturing and production sector.’

It is up to the manufacturer what he wants to produce and which type of Lathe Machine fits to his requirements.There are many other types of machinery with the similar purpose. They are as follows: All geared Lathe Machine, All geared radial drilling machine, Tool room machine, SPM Heavy Machine, CNC Lathe, CNC milling & VMC. Its usability runs in the market following the specific requirements of shape, size, and weight.

Uses of CNC lathe Machines in Manufacturing Industry

CNC lathe machine has replaced all the old versions of lathe. Its advanced has influenced all the manufacturing or production industries. It has not only lessened the stress but also increased productivity without compromise of quality. It also saves time and labor work. Lathe machine was developed by John T. Parsons at the end of the 1940s. Computer Numerical Control lathe machines are designed in a way that it can create intricate cuts on materials like plastic, metal and wood etc.

  • CNC lathe machines are very versatile and consist of an extremely fast spinning spindle.
  • CNC Lathe machine has flourished its use in manufacturing industries for the production of different parts.
  • This advanced technology has become part of industries which involves work on parts reclamation, glass working, metal spinning, woodturning, thermal spraying etc.

What is CNC lathe Machine?
Basically, a lathe is a device, used to remove the excess material. It rotates a work piece on a spindle or uses cutting tools and drill bits of different diameters on the work piece to remove the extra material and produce a symmetrical object.

CNC lathe machines can create a variety of cuts, shapes and minute details required on a rotating work part. Computer Numerical Control lathe machine is programmed to produce intricate cuts on hard materials and create quality products in less consumption of time with high rate.

Slant Bed CNC Lathe Machine

CNC lathe machines are available in two types.
1) CNC Horizontal Lathe
2) CNC Vertical Lathe

For production turning machine, a lathe machine is designed with a bed which is usually flat. Lathe machine are available in different sizes; one can purchase it as per the production need.

Small lathe machines are perfect for the manufacturing industries which require less production while large size CNC lathe machines are good for production industries where large production is required.

Uses of CNC Lathe Machines in Manufacturing Industries

Spending money on a machine becomes worthy when it provides the desired output within a limited time. CNC lathe machine ensures the production of a finely finished product or can provide an intricate part. The kind of delicacy and a good finish provided by the CNC Lathe machine to the product increased its demand in industries like electronics, aerospace, firearm manufacturing, automotive and sporting etc. The lathe machine is used to produce plane surfaces & screw threads. It is even used to produce three-dimensional products that are complex to make. For any work, the work piece is held tightly by one or two centers in which one moves horizontally. Sometimes, the work piece is placed tightly with collets or clamps.

List of Some Products produced by using CNC lathe machines:

1) Bowls

2) Baseballs bats

3) Camshafts

4) Cue sticks

5) Crankshafts

6) Gun Barrels

7) Musical Instruments

8) Dining Room Table

9) Chair legs

Well, if you are in the manufacturing industry and planning to get this highly productive machine then employee a well-experienced professional who can operate this machine. The automatic system has made the task easy but still complexity of machine requires a professional to run it. The machine consists of complex commands and speed rate which is instructed by the internal computer. Only a well-trained operator can set the required command for the production of a variety of products. The introduction of CNC lathe machines in the manufacturing industry has brought a drastic change.

Why CNC Lathe Machines?

Well Finished products:

CNC lathe machine provides the well-finished products. One needs to set the required command to get the kind of product desired.

Reduces time consumption:

The CNC lathe machine, not only produces a fine quality product but it also reduces the time consumption. It increases the production rate.

Application of Lathe Which Makes It Useful To Industries

The applications used in industries are forming, contour turning, machining of cams, ultra-precision machining, and hard turning. The lathe for these purposes is built by lathe manufacturers with high precision and spindle speed and work holding device stiffness. The lathe machine suppliers ensure they are made from structural materials that have characteristics with low thermal expansion and good dimensional stability. Machines are equipped with high control systems and error compensating features. Exporters of lathe machines offer different kinds of lathe machines with reliability and trustability to fulfill all manufacturing needs with minimum maintenance operation. Productivity and feasibility are what appropriately define the CNC lathe machine.

Rising Demand of Lathe Machines in Gulf Countries

A Lathe machine spins an item on an axis and at the same time performs all necessary operations. These operations range from cutting to drilling and other actions like sanding, knurling, facing, wood turning, deformation, etc. This tool is essential in the manufacturing industry since it has a wide range of applications.

There are mainly two types of lathe machines; vertical & horizontal. There are other as well, however the type of lathe-machine to use depends on the application as well. For example, a different type of machine is useful for automotive, general manufacturing and transportation.

The demand & trend for Lathe Machines in the Gulf

There is a growing demand for Lathe machines in several from countries in the MENA Region (Middle East & North Africa). Several lathe machine manufacturers from all around the world take advantage of this high demand for machine tools in the gulf countries.

The gulf countries have a several industries that make use of lathe-machine tools. For example, in United Arab Emirates, the Oil & Gas Industry is massive. This industry drives the demand for machine tools in UAE. However, since there are no local manufacturing companies, UAE depends exclusively on import for lathe machine tools. Firms in UAE do care a great deal for the cost of the machine; however, they stress on quality good quality productive machines. The major imports are of popular brands worldwide from countries like Germany, USA, Italy, China, Japan, etc.

The Oil & gas field industry have a large requirement for metal cutting machines. It is necessary for the purpose of drilling bits, drilling rigs, several types of pumps, value components tubular pipes, etc. Many types of machine tools are used in this industry like horizontal machine centres, CNC turning centres, also 3 axis machines, 5 axis machines, etc.

WM Series Heavy Duty Lathe Machine

Fact and Stats of Lathe machine market

Gulf countries are a lucrative market for lathe machines. This is mainly due the high demand for them in several industries including Oil & Gas industry.

Here are factors driving the lathe market:

  • UAE is the seventh largest producer of Oil word wide and hence has many oil fields.
  • Hydrocarbon production is vital for UAE’s economy and amounts to more than $65 billion a year.
  • UAE produces 3.7 billion barrels of oil per day.
  • UAE has large natural gas reserves and hence demand for lathe machines is expected to rise further. It has over 6 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserve.
  • Machine tool market in UAE for the year 2010 was 50 Million USD, in 2011 was 70 Million USD. It was 128 Million USD in the year 2012. In the year 2013 it was 152 Million USD and 181 Million USD in 2014.  The market was at 198 Million USD in the year 2015; This is expected to grow to 397 Million USD by 2020 which shows the rising demand in Gulf countries


Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much oil does Dubai produce in a day?

Dubai produces 3.94 billion barrels of oil a day; thus, the oil industry has a large requirement for lathe machines.

  • How much oil does UAE export?

UAE exports 96% of its Oil, which contributes to its economy as well. This has driven the demand for lathe machines as well.

  • What is working principle of a lathe machine?

The way a lathe machine works, is it holds a workpiece between a rigid support. This is also referred to as a face plate. Here the cutting tool is also held in a strong manner and is supported in a tool post. This is fed against the revolving work and the cutting operations can either be fed parallel or at a right angle to axis of the work.

Lathe Machines – Past, Present & Future

Lathe is an effective machine that has several applications. Although, the effectiveness of this machine depends on several external factors starting its from holding ability. It needs to hold the work piece in a firm manner, ideally using a vice clamping mechanism of some kind. This needs to be calibrated for precise measurements.

Basic working principle of the lathe machine is that it holds a work piece between two rigid supports. These are called by several names like face plate chuck plate, etc. The cutting tool is also held rigidly with a couple of supports. The cutting tool is introduced either in a parallel manner or at a right angle to the axis of the work.

What is a Lathe Machine?

In simple terms, it is a machine that rotates the work-piece around an axis of rotation. There are several functions it is capable of doing with the help of these actions, including cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, deformation, facing.

This is one of the oldest machines around that has several common applications like cutting, knurling, etc. It is popular all over the world and several industries too. It has a great many applications and has the ability to produce a three dimensional surface as well.

wood-use-all-geared-lathe-machine

Applications of a Lathe Machine

There are several types of lathe-machines available, for example, there is the light duty lathe machine, medium duty lathe-machine, heavy duty lathe-machine, extra heavy duty lathe-machine, CNC lathe-machine, etc. Each different type of lathe-machine has a different application. It has several applications in power plants, paper mills, steel rolling mills, ship building, workshops, textile industries, oil mining industries, electrical and electronic industry as well as the automotive industry.

History of a Lathe Machine

A lathe is a tool that dates back all the way to the 3rd century BC in ancient Egypt. There is also strong evidence that it was a tool the Mycanean Greek implemented in some form during the 13th and 14th century BC. There is a painting of a lathe from the 3rd century and several turned artifacts from the 6th century BC.

Besides, this is also further evidence of this machine found in a Etruscan tomb in Northan Italy in the form of fragments of a wooden bowl and in modern day Turkey in the form of two flat wooden dishes with decorative turned rims. The Chinese are also have known to use rotary lathes of some kind in ancient times like 400 BCE. Such machines were implemented on an industrial scale at those times to sharpen tools and weapons.

This was very important during the industrial revolution since the lathe machine is after all called the mother of all machine tools. The lathe machine too was the first machine tool which led to the invention of several other machines tools subsequently.

The lathe machines were mechanically driven up till the late 19th century; after which they were replaced with electric motors.

Advances in Lathe machines

Further advancements have been made in lathe machines with introduction of a computerized control panel. These lathe machines are only expected to get tougher in the future. They will be designed for higher precision and lower production cost.

Different Types of Lathe Machines & Their Applications

The future holds many good things and advancements for the lathe machine and all other machines as well. This includes technologies like next generation computer numerical controls (CNC), virtual reality, advancements in CNC programming, CNC intelligence as well as automation and 3D printing.

The recent advancements in technology means many types of 3D printers are now easily available. They also use precision motion control and feedback technology that helps improve quality and speed.

Contribution of Lathe Machine to Industry

Lathe machine is a tool used to perform various operations on a workpiece. These operations can vary from drilling, cutting and grooving to deforming, sanding, knurling, shaping, etc. The operations are executed by fixing the workpiece to the bench which supports the axial rotation of the workpiece. Some of the important uses of these machine include metalworking, glass working, wood turning and metal spinning. Since its early version these machines which was horse-powered, has evolved hugely with computerized numerical control (CNC) being one of the latest technology. These machines have revolutionized the industries since its invention and are now considered one of the most important tools in most of the modern industries. Depending on the usage, lathe machines are being designed in different forms. In this article, we will see how various lathe machines are being used in industries.

wood-use-all-geared-lathe-machine

  1. Light duty lathe machines: Light duty lathe machines are fairly small in size hence they required less space as compared to other lathe machines. Due to its small size, its maximum swing over bed is limited to 20 inches or less. Light duty lathe machines are readily in wood industries for woodturning. Other uses of such machines include slotting, turning, tapering, metal spinning and similar light applications on the smaller workpiece.
  2. Medium duty lathe machines: Machines of this category are made with high grade cast iron giving extra strength to its bed. This allows medium duty lathe machine to work consistently with high precision even under high pressure. As compared to light duty machine tools, these machines provide more strength to and can be used to work on bigger workpieces.

Different Types of Lathe Machines & Their Applications

  1. Heavy duty lathe machines: Heavy duty lathe machines are one of the most widely used lathe machines because of its superior quality and fast rate of output. These are made from high-quality iron and steel and are designed to handle the toughest shaping jobs. It is considered for metal spinning, metal working, wood turning and metal fabricating in various industries including power plants, steel plants, oil and mining industries, shipbuilding factories, repair shops, paper textiles. Because of high-performance capacity to work on great speed, they are especially preferred for high volume production.
  2. Extra Heavy duty lathe machines: Depending on the type, the swing of bed for these machines varies from 630mm to 1600mm. Apart from this; extra heavy duty lathe machines provide more efficiency and better performance as compared to other lathe machines. Because of these features, it has a wide range of uses in various industries including shipbuilding, iron and steel plants, paper industry, etc.
  3. CNC lathe machines: Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) lathe machines use a computer to control tools and performing different operations on the workpiece. The computer is programmed with G-code. A custom computer program is fed into the computer containing instruction about the tasks to be performed. Through code, one can control various features of the machine such as positioning, velocity, rate, etc. Since it is a machine performing the task, human error in the process of performing operations is removed. The computer can perform the operations precisely and repeatedly at high speed. Because of its precision and reliable performance, CNC lathe machines are rapidly replacing older lathe machines in various industries including metal and plastic industries.

Conclusion: Since its invention, lathe has become one of the most essential machine tools. Its contribution as a multi-purpose equipment has made it a highly demanded machine in industries like Iron and steel, wood, plastic and power plants. Influence of modern technologies has caused the evolution of computerized lathe machines. These computerized machines offer fast and efficient performance and remove human error.