What Is Lathe Work?
Lathe work is a machining method using a machine tool called a lathe.
The workpiece is placed in the jaws of the machine tool, called a chuck, and the spindle is rotated by a drive motor built into the lathe.
Uses of Lathe Work
Turning is used in a wide range of applications as a general cutting process. Since it is a machining method suitable for machining shafts, it is often used for precision machining of shafts and screws.
On the other hand, it is necessary to optimize the lathe Work, tool selection, machining oil selection, rotational speed, feed rate, and other machining conditions according to the shape of the workpiece, and a certain degree of skill is required to perform high-precision machining.
Manual lathe work is not suitable for mass production because the operator must perform multiple processes. In recent years, NC lathes (NC machining) and CNC lathes, which perform cutting based on numerical data from CAD design data and automatically calculate cutter paths, are used to achieve high precision and mass production.
Principles of Lathe Work
There are several types of lathe work, depending on the size of the workpiece and the application.
- Front Lathe
This is a commonly used machine tool that performs front turning. - Vertical Lathe
Lathe Work is performed by fixing the workpiece on the worktable, rotating the worktable, and moving the tool that moves vertically, horizontally, and laterally. - Desktop Lathe
This is a small lathe that can be installed on a workbench and mainly lathes small-diameter workpieces or products with low lathe work. - NC Lathe
Lathe Work is a lathe Work that can process complex shapes stably by numerically controlling the path of the byte.
Features of Lathe Work
1. Machining Method
Lathe work is performed while rotating the workpiece (base material). The workpiece is symmetrical, and roundness, diameter, dimensional accuracy, and shape accuracy can be obtained. However, there is a trick to the chucking method, and the workpiece must be adjusted to less than the required accuracy before machining.
Cutting tools must be selected with the most suitable material and cutting edge shape for the workpiece, and the feed speed of the workpiece, spindle speed, and the method of applying machining oil must be optimized. If a three-dimensional shape is required, machining must be performed in combination with a milling machine.
2. Machining Considerations
The workpiece can be made of various metal materials, resin materials, wood, ceramic materials, etc. In order to process the workpiece, it is necessary to consider the hardness of the material, deformation of the workpiece due to processing heat, and centering of the workpiece, and then select the appropriate rotational speed of the workpiece, tool feed speed, cutting depth, cutting order, tool selection, and cutting oil type and oil application method. In addition, there are several machining methods depending on the method of applying the tool to the workpiece.
- Periphery Cutting
A tool is pressed against the outer circumference of the workpiece to cut it. - Internal Grinding
While the inside of the workpiece is removed, a tool is applied to the inside of the workpiece. - Threading
A special tool and threading feed are used to create a thread shape. - Drilling
A drill is applied to the rotating workpiece to drill a hole in the center of the workpiece. - Plunge Drilling
A dedicated tool is pressed against the workpiece to cut and groove the workpiece.
Other Information on Lathe Work
1. Safety Precautions During Lathing
Since the workpiece rotates during lathing, accidents such as entrapment in the chuck or being caught in the internal pulley may occur. The following are points to be considered for safety.
- Pay sufficient attention to the chucking of the workpiece and the attachment of the tool.
- Do not use cutting conditions with a large depth of cut or ultra-high speed rotation.
- Be sure to wear protective equipment and safety glasses when working, as chips may scatter during cutting.
- Do not place unnecessary tools around the Lathe Work machine, as there is a risk of entrapment or being caught in the machine.
- When lathe work is being performed, do not wear military gloves, etc., and be careful of entrapment accidents.
2. Cutting Tools for Lathe Work
Lathe work uses a cutting tool called a tool bit. The most suitable bit is selected according to the workpiece to be machined, the difference in machining methods, and the work process.
Byte Structure
- Muku Turning Tool Bit
This is a turning tool bit. The cutting edge is formed by a grinder and used. - Brazed Turning Tool Bit
These are turning tool bits with brazed cutting edges. There are several types, and the cutting edges can be formed into any shape. - Throw-Away Tool Bit
Consists of a holder that holds the insert and a processing insert. The inserts for the dedicated holder are used by changing them according to the processing. The shape and material of the insert are selected according to the workpiece to be processed and the processing method.
Bit Types
- Single-Edge Tool
For external and end-face machining. - Sword Turning Tools
Sword-shaped tool. Performs external and end-face processing. - Plunge Cutting Tool
Used to cut off a workpiece. - Threading Tool
Used for threading. - Knurling
Knurling tool is used for knurling.