A lathe is a special type of equipment designed to process the internal and external surfaces of bodies of revolution (mainly conical and cylindrical in shape), threading and other similar work. There are many varieties of equipment of this type. One of the most popular and common models is a revolving machine.
A bit of history
Tools similar to a lathe began to be used by man in the second millennium BC. In 1949, during the excavation of one of the settlements in Georgia, Professor B. Kuftin found a cutter with cutting edges on both sides of the rod. It was used to process not only wood, but also gold, as well as silver.
Similar equipment was used later. For example, during the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci was engaged in the development of a rather complex structurally designed device for the manufacture of bodies of revolution. The prototype of the modern machine was created at the end of the 19th century, during the technical revolution.
The main types of turning equipment
Currently, the following types of machine tools are used in production:
frontal;
screw cutting;
carousel;
revolving.
Also, for the manufacture and processing of parts of various kinds of tools and equipment, automatic machines and semiautomatic devices are used.
Turret Lathes: Description
This common variety is used for almost all types of turning. Most often, revolving-type equipment is used in medium and large industries for the manufacture of parts of complex configuration. Depending on the raw materials used, turning turret machines are divided into cartridge and bar. In the first case, special blanks are used for the production of finished products. In the second, parts are made of rods.
Lathes: advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of working with equipment of this type include primarily the high speed of processing and manufacturing of parts. Also revolving machines are convenient in that the process of undercutting blanks on them can be carried out using software. It is CNC machines that are most widely used in enterprises. Also, the advantages of this equipment include a low level of waste when processing parts and the ability to quickly replace or sharpen a dull tool.
Quite a high cost - this is perhaps the only drawback that distinguishes such lathes. Prices for equipment of this variety range from 120-250 thousand rubles. CNC models are even more expensive - an average of about 750 thousand rubles.
In what cases is the rational use of revolving machines?
Equipment of this type is usually used when the workpiece has to go through several stages of processing. For the manufacture of the part, the corresponding working tools of the machine are periodically put into operation: drills, cutters, taps, reamers. Operations such as boring, thread rolling, drilling, turning, countersinking can be performed on turret type machines.
Equipment of this type is used for the manufacture of multifaceted or round parts with a thickness of 20 to 200 mm. Sometimes such machines are understaffed with special clamps. In this case, they can process small workpieces with a thickness of 15-25 mm.
Modern turning turret machines are mainly used:
at large metal processing enterprises;
in mechanical engineering;
in the field of vehicle repair;
at enterprises engaged in the manufacture of household and construction tools.
Varieties
Turning lathes according to their technical characteristics are divided into:
On the machines of the latter variety, operations are most often performed on the deployment of workpieces, threading, drilling and turning. In addition, equipment of this type can be used to align the end part of parts or to trim it. Machines with a transverse rotation mechanism are designed to work with parts having shaped surfaces.
In addition to conventional equipment, modern equipment often uses such equipment as a desktop lathe. The advantage of this type is generally considered quite compact size. It is convenient to use machines of this type in small auto repair shops, educational institutions, etc. The equipment of this variety is intended mainly for the manufacture of small parts.
The desktop lathe can perform all the same functions as a regular one. Most of these devices are controlled by electronics, which virtually eliminates the possibility of a defective release. The machine of this variety is mounted on a table or a special stand.
Principle of operation
The procedure for manufacturing parts on equipment such as a universal turret type machine is as follows:
Set the main and auxiliary cutting tool.
Clamp the clamping mechanism for the workpieces.
Set up a device designed to adjust the amplitude of movement of the caliper and feed the workpieces.
Mount handles and cams, providing the necessary speed of movement of the working mechanism.
Perform the necessary type of work.
Design features
The main structural elements of a turret lathe are:
Bed. It is a cast iron casting, consisting of the upper bed, base and gearbox. The latter is necessary so that the operator has the ability to switch the speed of rotation of the working body under load or on the go.
Feed box. This assembly transmits torque to the headstock.
Revolving support. This mechanism is responsible for the movement of the cutting body in the longitudinal and transverse directions.
Turret. It contains all the tool kits needed for machining a part. In shape, turrets are cylindrical and prismatic.
A diagram of a turret lathe of the simplest design is presented below.
Specifications
The main parameters that you need to pay attention to when buying equipment such as a universal revolving machine are the maximum diameters of the processed bar or part above the caliper and bed. When choosing this equipment, you should also pay attention to the size of the working area. This parameter determines the maximum length of the workpiece, as well as the speed of the machine.
Technical characteristics of turrets, therefore, may vary. The table below shows the data for one of the most common models - 1V340F30.
Parameters | Value |
The maximum diameter of the workpiece above the bed | 400 mm |
The maximum diameter of the workpiece | 200 mm |
The maximum distance that a lathe turret can move | 110 mm |
Part height | 15-75 mm |
Spindle speed | 10-2500 rpm |
Power | 15 kW |
CNC system | NC-210 |
Machine length | 3850 mm |
Height | 1710 mm |
Width | 1880 mm |
Unloading parts from the working area of this machine is done using a special mechanism. The working body itself has an automated clamping unit for round and hexagonal bars, as well as piece blanks.
The popular 1341 turret lathe has slightly different technical specifications. This is somewhat cheaper equipment with a capacity of 5.5 kW. The maximum allowable diameter of the workpiece is the same as that of the previous model - 200 mm, and the spindle speed is 60-2000 rpm.
Advantages of CNC models
As already mentioned, automated revolving lathes (their prices are quite high, but the ease of use completely compensates for this) have recently become very popular. In most cases, models of this type have a computerized control unit. Such equipment differs from the usual in the following advantages:
The role of the operator when using equipment such as a CNC turret lathe is minimized. The software, which is the control element of the device, is developed by specialists using various programming languages.
Modern turret lathes, the characteristics of which speak for themselves, are thus able to perform the most complex tasks of manufacturing parts for various industrial, construction and domestic equipment. It is most convenient to work for them, and products made with their use are of the highest quality.