Category Archives: Lathe Machine

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.

Replacement of Light Duty Lathe with Heavy Duty or Extra Heavy Duty Lathe

A lathe is an essential workshop instrument that is been used to acquire distinctive machining operations like shearing or cutting, penetrating, knurling and many more. It is been used as the multi-purpose reason such as for simple operation and for compelling execution. It is mainly been utilized for shearing and penetrating items. It is a machine that helps in removing metals from the workplace in order to make the desired set or an acceptable part in a given size or shape.

There are different types of lathe machines been used depending upon the type of industry that includes light duty lathe machine, medium duty lathe machine, heavy duty lathe machine. According to the extent of machine procedures, the lathe machines can be replaced from light duty to heavy duty or extra heavy duty lathe.

heavy duty lathe machine

Following shows the difference that how light duty lathe has been replaced by heavy or Extra Heavy Duty Lathe?

  • Light Lathe Machine occupies less space as compared to heavy lathe. Heavy Lathe Machine is been manufactured from the highest grade material like iron and steel as they are made for heavy lathe actions.
  • Light lathe machine is generally been used for electronic, electrical and automobile industry whereas heavy duty tasks perform actions like screw cutting, sliding and surfacing options in heavy metal industries.
  • Extra Heavy Lathe machines are considered as most efficient and effective machines as compared to other lathes. They are mainly used in different industries like steel and paper mills, oil, shipbuilding, power plants, mining and textile industry.
  • Extra heavy duty lathe machines are mainly used in large industries because of its factors that include low maintenance, long working life, best adaptability as well as its accuracy in performance. It is been used for processing large size workpiece up to the maximum.
  • Heavy Lathes have been driven by high power motor for high precision cutting capacity with high bearing capacity.

These are some of the reasons that how heavy duty lathe or extra heavy duty lathe is been beneficial to the industry. Considering with the latest advancement in the technical aspects, Yash Machine Tools is the leading supplier of machine tools offering a different type of lathe machines like all geared lathe machine, flatbed & slant bed CNC lathe machines, extra heavy duty lathe machine and vertical turning lathe machine. We offer machines designed with accurate specifications that help several industries across the world.

Lathe Machine Market Analysis – Trends, Demand & Supply

Synopsis:

What is lathe machine?

What is it functions? Different types of lathe machines

Market trend overview

Demand & Supply of Lathe Machine today

Market Analysis of 2015 to 2020

Lathe machine is a tool which spins the item or work-piece on the axis to perform a variety of operations like cutting, drilling, various movements, drilling, sanding, deformation, knurling, facing etc. Multiple operations can be performed on Lathe machine. They are used for metal working, metal spinning, glass working, wood turning, and thermal spaying. The lathe can be utilized to give designer shapes to pottery.

What is Lathe Machine?

One of an essential machinery tool for the manufacturing industry, it basically involves in processes of many kinds and functions in cutting, shaping, drilling, sawing, planning, grinding & reaming.

Mainly there are two major types of Vertical & Horizontal Lathes machine. They perform conventional & CNC lathes operational tasks.

Also, there is little variation by End- user purpose.

Such as:

1) Automotive

2) General manufacturing

3) Transportation

Global Market Trend Overview:

The global lathe machines market has grown outrageously recent study showed estimated to be $ 9925 million in 2015 & is expected to reach $12,012 million by 2022. The APAC dominated aggressively on the market with 43.9% of the entire global market share of lathe machine in 2015. Lathe machines are one of the most powerful machines and considered extremely important in workshops. The horizontal lathe machines segment was the most popular & leading type of lathe machine in 2015. Since this statistics gives us a fair understanding of overall trend to the market, the industry has a much more confident approach towards the market growth.

Lathe Machine Market Analysis

Demand & Supply of Lathe Machines:

The market trend of lathe machine tells us about many key factors of the industry. The growing demand in MENA region has empowered many Indian lathe machine manufacturers. This new outlook on the machinery industry has shown prosperity signs towards Indian manufacturers of lathe hence has brought great inclination of financial growth to India.

There are few key vendors who enjoy the privilege are:

•    DMTG

•    DMG Mori

•    Yamazaki Mazak

•    Okuma

•    Samsung Machine Tools

Different Types of Lathe Machines & Their Applications

Bottom Line: 

Most demanded work-shop machines in manufacturing or engineering industries. These lathe machinery tool is manufactured based upon the required dimensions like shaping & cutting measurements according to the industry.

The Radial Drill and Lathe Machine Have Made Immense Contribution to Manufacturing

The machine tools used in industry can be classified into various categories. The basis of classification for machine tools can be done as follows.

  • Classification based method which the metal is shaped. This includes metal cutting equipments and metal forming tools.
  • Classification based on control of tool movement, where we get the difference between convectional models and CNC machines.
  • Classification based on applications of the machines. In this group we have the general purpose machines and the special purpose lathe machines.

The metal cutting machines comprise the bulk of the demand for the machine tools. Some of the major metal cutting machines include the radial drill machine and the lathe machines.

The Radial Drilling Process

This is the process of cutting holes through metal and uses a drilling machine. Fine metal shavings are forces out of the metal as the drill bit advances inside metal in rotating motion. The radial drill machine comprises of the drilling head mounted to slide on a radial arm, which is designed in a way that it can rotate, be raised or lowered on a vertical axis depending on the positioning of the work piece. The main feature is therefore the ability to swing horizontally around the arm and vertical for height adjustment.

The machine is designed for medium, large and heavy work pieces and therefore designed with rigid frame and base to be able to handle and accommodate heavier work pieces. In industry, there are various designs of the radial drill machine and these are;


The Plain Radial Drill Machine

The arm has vertical and horizontal movement of drilling head on the arm and circular movement of the arm along the vertical axis.

Semi Universal

In addition to the movements of the plain radial drill, the drilling head can be swung perpendicular to the horizontal arm. This allows drilling at an angle to the horizontal plane.

Universal Radial Drill

In addition to the above movements, the arm holding drill head can be swung horizontally. These innovations enable the machine to drill at any point and any angle.

The Lathe Machine

The lathe machine is also among the important tool room equipment used in metal shaping and sizing.  It is designed to hold the work piece for various metal operations to be done. These include turning, grooving, chamfering, knurling, facing and other forming operations. The lathe machines are classified heavy duty, light duty, medium duty lathe machine.

Heavy duty lathe machines are designed with special mechanical features that enable it handle the heavy thrust and forces required during metal shaping. The machines are also designed to operate with minimal vibration. This is achieved through use of close grained cast iron combined with salt additives to achieve the required hardness.

Light duty lathe machines are used in applications such as wood working and lighter applications of turning, tapering, slotting, metal spinning and other smaller scale applications. Lathe machines are made with robust construction to guarantee perfect metal shaping and long functional life.

Due to such kinds of operations, the radial drill and lathe machines are the focus of machine tooling, with huge amounts of resources spent on development and innovations on these machines.

Machining Technologies that Make Your Life Easier

Yash machine tools is an engineering company involved in the manufacturing and distribution of machine tools and tool room equipments including lathe machines, milling machines, drilling machines, machining centers, grinders, boring machines, planning equipments and many more innovative equipments.

The company is located in the state of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India where operations are managed by a team of highly qualified professionals and design engineers.

The company has a vision to become a market leader in production of quality machine tools and associated tool room equipments there by contributing to the advancement of technology in the metal cutting and forming industry.

Machine Tools

We have a mission to develop a strong clientele based on excellent customer service, advanced technology and quality equipments.  We believe that no organization can prosper without innovation in their processes; therefore we endeavor to develop innovative products that enhance the efficiency of production processes while at the same time being affordable and easy to maintain.

We currently have a goal to tap into regional and international markets, targeting the Asiancontinent, Europe, the Middle East and the emerging markets of the African continent. Machines and equipments manufactured by Yash machine tools are used in industries such as automotive manufacturing, wood work, metal forming, aviation industries, electrical and electronic industries.

Yash machine tools have incorporated “computer aided machine technology, developed as a much simpler way to deal with parts manufacturing. Before computerization of machining process, considerable labor time and effort was used by companies to develop the design code, which was used to command the machine to guide the tool operation. This has helped put the company among the leading tool room equipment manufacturers in the industry.

Advanced Machine Programming and Efficiency

The inclusion of CAM technology among the CNC machines helped enhance efficiency to achieve faster parts production, higher precision and consistency in production of parts.  This technology has been applied in machine tools developed by Yash Machine Tools Company and made these equipments very competitive and highly demanded by industries.

Common Machining Challenges Simplified

  • Size of parts; this is an issue that is at times overlooked, but in real life can pose serious challenge to machining. Parts as small as pin size can hardly be manually machined.Yash Machine tools engineers understand this too well and therefore they have incorporated automated and high precision calibrations during manufacture.
  • Chattering during operation. This is vibration during operation and if allowed to continue will reduce the life of the machine as well as that of the tool. Experiencedengineers recommend that deflection must be kept at zero always, or alter the speed of operation.Use of high quality and rigid equipment has helped in reducing the vibration during operation.

Trends and Technologies in Machining Industry

Some of the most recenttechnological advances in metal cutting technology include;

  • Vibration damping trough advanced tool-holdingtechnologies, which enhances the life of the machine as well as quality of the work piece.
  • Computer aided manufacturing has also been constantly innovated which has increased the range of machining that can be done as well as increase through put and efficiency.

Utilization of the CNC Lathe in Mining Operations

Mining operations are among the industries where lathe machining is of crucial importance. To maximize profitability innovative designs of the lathes have been developed by engineers to reduce machining time and increase efficiency. The flat bed and Slant bed lathes are such important innovations.

The flat bed versus the slant Bed CNC lathe

The flat bed CNC lathe machine is used for light to heavy machining. As the name suggests, the bed is flat or on a horizontal orientation .The work piece is accurately placed on the bench and rotated while the tool is stationery for machining to be done. The slant bed CNC has a sideways alignment so that a z-axis is developed during machining. Due to this alignment, the slant bed types are never able to achieve very high speeds during operation. The slant bed is also recommended for lighter operations. The stability of the flat bed CNC is also much higher than that of the slant types and has higher energy efficiency compared to the slant bed CNC.

Flat Bed CNC Lathe Machine

One main advantage of the slant bed CNC is that is much more user friendly in operation as compared to the flat bed type, as it has lesser controls and calibrations.

Development of the Slant Bed Lathes

The development of the slant bed was prompted by various factors in workshop design that were meant to enhance efficiency and space utilization. In an effort to better manage floor space, engineers discovered that slanting the X axis could result to an equipment that with more tool stations, and better access to the turret for easier mounting and removing tool holders. Thus the slant bed lathe was developed.

Special Application of the CNC Lathe in Mining Equipment

The mining industry is a heavily mechanized process involving many mechanical types of equipment. Equipments used in excavation include powerful shovels, excavators, draglines, bucket wheel excavators, and dredgers. Transportation of material uses hoists, winding engines and head frames. Other engines used include the Archimedes screw, beam engines, drilling rigs and loading equipments.

Mining equipments require constant repair due to excavation of hard surfaces. This process is heavy energy consuming and constant repair and maintenance is necessary.

Slant Bed CNC Lathe Machine

Importance of the CNC

Heavy-duty CNC lathe machines are a crucial support machine tool in mining for handling constant repairs and breakages. The automated CNC lathes with frequency controlled motors enable high speed machining of components and special applications in the mining process.

In heavy machining, this lathe can utilize the steel and carbide cutting tools for coarse and fine stock removal for different work pieces. The machine is also very suitable for rough and finishing of mining shafts as well as other parts.

Turning Efficiency between the Flat and Slant Bed CNC Lathe

Lean manufacturing requires very high precision and high turnover in the machining process. This is an important factor in the mining process. With the high level of automation in the slant bed lathe, users have recorded reduced cycle times and high efficiency. The automatic turret system in the slant bed and computer control enables the user to program the design and finish the work piece in a matter of minutes.

Conclusion

When aiming for efficiency and profitability in mining and industrial operation, use of automated technology is paramount. The CNC lathe machine enhances efficiency in extraction operations through rapid machining of special components like shafts, tool bits and parts requiring high precision.

The Secret behind the Exponential Growth of Machine Tools Industry

Unlike other manufacturing industries whose progress has been slow and gradual, the machine tools industry has developed in an amazing trend that had not been anticipated. The last 10 years has seen a huge jump from low production and sales to very high levels of development globally. Technological advancements coupled with government’s policy have been major contributors to this advanced technology and the trend is bound to grow more as innovation also develops.

Contributors to High Performance

Development of numerical control systems and integration of computers into this sector has been a major driver in manufacturing and sales of machine tools. Manufacturers upgrading their production systems have created a heavy demand-pull for computerized machine tools, which are far more efficient than analogue machines and can deliver products faster while maintaining high quality.

computerized machine tools

Flexibility

Earlier on machine tools used to handle only one process at a time but with the computerized systems it has become possible for several processes to be combined. This has provided for higher flexibility and plant productivity.

The two main classes of the machine tools are the chip making machines and the metal forming machines. The chip making types produce items like bearings and lead ways requiring very high stability and accuracy. While the forming types handle processes such as forging, pressing, drilling, ending and shearing. Great advancements have been on the chip making types due to computerization.

Stability

The very high demands on the stability of the frames and extremely accurate measurements have been a major breakthrough in the machine tools industry. This is very crucial especially in the components making such as bearings and gears used in various machines.

machine tools

Positioning Accuracy

The positioning of the work piece on the machine is an important indicator of the final quality of the product. It is important to note that maintaining the piece stable in the presence of cutting forces, drive torques, and machine vibrations has also been a major factor in advancement of machine tools industry.

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Lead ways movement

Other machine components and their movement apart from the work piece during operation is another secret that has promoted these equipments. It is worthy to note that accuracy of the leadways and precision of the mechanical systems have led to development of products very precise in construction and making production of very small components possible.

Drives

Motor technology has also changed with increasing innovation. Development of servomotors able to deliver both high speed and torque, as well as advanced gearing systems have made major contribution to the sky rocketing growth in the machine tools industry.

Ultramodern designing and controls

The control system runs the machine. It directs the tool as well as positioning of the work piece. Recent technology has incorporated pneumatic and hydraulic systems in CNC machines enabling greater power to be achieved as well as efficiency.

Transfer of computer generated design into the machine language stands out as the most important technology of the decade. This has highly benefitted the mass production industries of equipments such as in automobile parts.

Recalibration and resetting of the tool is now a non-issue and remaking of templates is not necessary. CNC lathes and milling equipments now accept programmed instructions and cut the work piece with minimal human intervention.

Attainment of high speeds during manufacturing especially on the lathe machines has been a major step in manufacturing. This translates to faster work completion times and higher quality of product.

High Speed Machining – Up to What Extent Suits to Your Industry?

One great rule in the Manufacturing industry is that automation applied to an efficient operation magnifies the efficiency. High speed machining is one process that has magnified efficiency in the engineering and automation sectors and is a vital element in virtually any operation. Machining of complex and large numbers of pieces is now a success through high technology machine tools available in industry.

Lathes for Heavy Machining Requirements

Certain features are critical for heavy duty machining, as the work pieces are larger than the normal diameters. Greater load capacity is achieved with a spindle bore of 130mm and more and a sufficient bed width for the machine capacity.

  • The carriages are also sufficiently wide and there is transverse arrangement of the saddle, cross slide, and top slide.
  • The faceplates must be sufficiently wide to handle large components facing work.
  • Sufficiently powered induction motor for the spindle drive
  • Varying spindle speeds and presence of anti friction bearings.
  • Rigid tail stock and hardened sleeve as well as in built rotating centers for better stability of the machine during operation.

WM Series Heavy Duty Lathe Machine

The extra heavy-duty Pedestal type lathes are highly demanded in the heavy machining industry due to their versatility in handling large work pieces efficient machining. High-speed operation is achieved through more than 15 horse-powered motors while the spindles are dynamically balanced to produce precise machining and high quality surface finish.

Extra heavy duty lathes – Planner type is also suited for heavy industrial operations and produces a perfect finish due to high precision in application. Some important features include the hardened bed ways, hardened and ground headstock gears, high tensile hardened steel headstock and spindle. The motor output is up to 22 kilowatts for maximum power delivery.

WM Series Extra Heavy Duty Lathe Machine

Benefits of High Speed Machining

Before technology advanced to the level it is today, there was the constant worry on the safety concerns of high speed turning operations. The biggest threat was the development of the centrifugal force that develops as the speed increases. This force leads to loosening of the work piece by the chuck, which leads to mis-alignment of the tool and work piece and poor quality work.

  • With the improvements in the gripping of the work piece such as counter balancing of the chuck, this problem has been solved and you can reduce the cycle times dramatically and therefore reduced work completion times.
  • Equipment and tool set up time is also dramatically reduced due to more “user friendly” controls on the heavy duty high speed lathes.
  • The invention of harder tools such as the diamond and carbide bits, which run for longer time without wearing off, has also been of great importance.
  • Elimination of subsequent grinding operations also lowers the time taken to achieve a good finish.
  • Management of heat during the process has been achieved through the cooling pump and the coolant system hence higher efficiency achieved.

The high speed machining is now a real innovation that has been adopted in many industries due to the high efficiency derived from the process. Your machining needs have been effectively covered through this process.

Application of Lathe Machines in Manufacturing Renewable Energy Machines

Renewable energy manufacturing

As the saying goes “we did not inherit the earth from our ancestors but we borrowed it from our future children” and “a healthy environment is synonymous to a livable planet and a strong economy ”. All the world leaders, celebrities, business and nongovernmental organizations are united in fostering the development and use of renewable energy.

Wind and water are naturally occurring elements with vast amount of untapped energy.  .

Manufacture of water turbines and subsequent repair

Water wheels have long been used to generate electricity from rivers. The most common types include the Pelton, Francis, and Kaplan turbines. Their use depends on the height (head) and volume of the liquid. Their main parts include a high strength, anti corrosion rotating wheels and the outside casing that directs the water.

Manufacture of water turbines and subsequent repair

All these machines have many cylindrical parts such as shafts, axle flywheels, fastening holes and other parts. The outer casings of these machines also require a huge cylindrical bore to house the wheel.

Heavy duty lathe machines are used to face and turn materials to exact diameter and length. They also perform operations such as vertical and horizontal drilling, boring, tapering, threading bolts and fasteners, knurling and internal boring.

Use of extra heavy duty lathe

Producing these wheels from large shaft and casting is impossible without extra heavy duty lathes.  To prevent rusting, erosion by river particles and corrosion by chemicals in rivers, these turbines must be made from extra high strength materials such through hardened steel, nitrided steel and carburized iron. These materials are difficult to machine and require special extra heavy duty all geared lathes.

Extra heavy duty lathe

These all geared type machine a wide range of heavy shafts and have good surface finish. They have sturdy high strength bed machined to absolute flatness. Their tail stock and tool post are specially designed for accurate positioning and tooling.

For big hydroelectric generation, very huge lathes are required. These are custom made and are able to turn, face and bore wheels and shafts.

Advanced wind turbine production

Wind turbines contain a three large blades, low and high speed shafts, yaw drives, nacelle, a spindle and gear box.

Advanced wind turbine production

Machining of shafts, nacelle spindle, hub and other parts require the use of modern precision lathes. These parts must highly reliable and these plants operate for 20 years with minimal repairs. Geared lathes , CNC and turret types are specifically suited for their production.

Trends in the renewable energy sector production

Hydroelectric power has a gradual but progressive growth at a local and international level. With most sites for large HEP be fully exploited; medium, small, mini and micro hydro plants are being installed. These are not labor and capital intensive and require less specialized machine tools.

Trends in the renewable energy sector production

Off shore and inland wind farms are being installed in areas with good wind profiles and their global utilization shows a stable rise from 1990. Exploitation at low scale is limited to remote villages.