Today we will learn about lathe machine parts, its operation and working. Lathe machine is a basic machine which is used in every metal forming industries.
It is combination of many parts which works together to perform a desire
function. A lathe machine is used to machine cylindrical work piece which is 360
degree symmetrical form the axis of rotation. It used to perform turning, chamfering,
boring, facing, internal threading, shaping, slot cutting etc. on cylindrical work
piece.
There are many types of lathe machine but each machine consist
some basic part which are essential for its proper working. These parts are bed,
tool post, Chuck, head stock, tail stock, legs, Gear chain, lead screw, carriage,
cross slide, split nut, apron, chip pan, guide ways etc. These parts work together
to obtain desire motion of tool and work piece so it can be machined.
The lathe machine works on basic principle that when the work
piece rotate at a constant speed and a tool is introduce between its rotation,
it cut the metal. This is basic fundamental of it. The working of lathe machine
is explained in later section of this article.
Lathe machine: Main Parts, Operation and Working
We have briefly discussed about parts and working of lathe
machine in upper section of this article. Now we will describe it.
Parts of Lathe Machine:
The lathe consist following parts.
1. Bed
It is the main body of the machine. All main components are
bolted on it. It is usually made by cast iron due to its high compressive strength
and high lubrication quality. It is made by casting process and bolted on floor
space.
2. Tool post
It is bolted on the carriage. It is used to hold the tool at
correct position. Tool holder mounted on it.
3. Chuck
Chuck is used to hold the workspace. It is bolted on the spindle
which rotates the chuck and work piece. It is four jaw and three jaw according
to the requirement of machine.
4. Head stock
Head stock is the main body parts which are placed at left side
of bed. It is serve as holding device for the gear chain, spindle, driving pulley
etc. It is also made by cast iron.
5. Tail stock
Tail stock situated on bed. It is placed at right hand side
of the bed. The main function of tail stock to support the job when required.
It is also used to perform drilling operation.
6. Lead screw
Lead screw is situated at the bottom side of bed which is used
to move the carriage automatically during thread cutting.
7. Legs
Legs are used to carry all the loads of the machine. They
are bolted on the floor which prevents vibration.
8. Carriage
It is situated between the head stock and tail stock. It is used
to hold and move the tool post on the bed vertically and horizontally. It slides
on the guide ways. Carriage is made by cast iron.
9. Apron
It is situated on the carriage. It consist all controlling and
moving mechanism of carriage.
10. Chips pan
Chips pan is placed lower side of bed. The main function of it
to carries all chips removed by the work piece.
11. Guide ways
Guide ways take care of movement of tail stock and carriage
on bed.
12. Speed controller
Speed controller switch is situated on head stock which controls
the speed of spindle.
13. Spindle
It is the main part of lathe which holds and rotates the
chuck.
Lathe Machine Operation & Working:
Lathe machine is used to cut the metal from cylindrical work
piece, and convert it into desire shape. It turns the cylindrical work piece,
and during turning a sharp edge cutting tool introduce, which cuts the metal. Its
working can be described as follow.
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Lathe Machine Operation |
1. A cylindrical work piece fixed to the chuck. A chuck may
have three jaw or for jaw according to the requirement. The work piece is at the
center or some eccentric according to the process perform.
2. The spindle starts to rotate and set it at desire speed. The
spindle speed plays a huge role during cutting. The spindle rotates the chuck
and work piece.
3. Now check the work piece is turning properly. If it not
set the work piece using dial gauge.
4. Now set the tool at desire feed by moving the tool post
and carriage. The feed also play main role during cutting. Large feed may cause
unwanted temperature increase.
5. After it tool is introduce between moving work piece at
desire feed rate. It cut the metal from work piece. The feed rate is set at the
cutting condition.
6. Now all unwanted metal is removed by moving the carriage
form horizontally and vertically as desire according to the job requirement. After
complete all process we got a well finished job.
7. Lathe can perform turning, boring, chamfering, shaping,
facing, drilling knurling, grooving as shown in figure.
Today we have learnt about Lathe machine Parts, Operation and Working. If you have any query regarding this article, ask by commenting.