In this content, you can learn about types of Lathe  are in details in the production process.


Types of Lathe


It is very difficult to classify lathes into some definite categories as there are large variations in the size, design, method of drive, arrangement of gears different precision classes and purpose. However, on the basis of construction and design lathes are broadly classified as follows:-


(1) Center ( Engine) Lathes



(2) Speed Lathe



(3) Bench Lathe



(4) Turret Lathe



(5) Capstan Lathe



(6) Tool Room Lathe



(7) Automatic Lathes



(8) Special Purpose Lathes



(1) Center (Engine) Lathes:- 


Center lathe is the most widely used Lathe in the Lathe family. It is one of the oldest machine tools developed, in the early days of its development it was powered by separate engine therefore it got its name as 'Engine Lathe' . It is called center lathe as the workpiece to be turned is held between two centres situated at headstock and tailstock parts respectively.


       Center lathe is of robust construction and the speed of Spindle can be widely varied. The cutting tools mounted on it can be controlled either by hand or by power and can be fed both in cross and longitudinal directions with reference to the lathe axis by using carriage, feed rod and lead screw. Various types of attachments can be fitted on it for its increased utility.


(2) Speed Lathe :-


            In this type of lathe the headstock spindle can have very high speed with the help of a variable speed motor built inside the headstock of the lathe. Speed Lathe consists of a simple headstock, a tailstock and tool-post . It has no gear box, lead screw and carriage. Tools are hand operated.


      Speed lathes are used in wood turning, metal spinning & polishing operations.


(3) Bench Lathe:-


Bench lathe is a small lathe which can be mounted on the work bench for machining small workpieces which require considerable accuracy and precision. Bench lathes are used in production of gauges, punches and bed for press tools.


(4) Turret Lathe:-


Turret lathes are used in mass production work. These can perform a large number of operations simultaneously as  several tools can be set on revolving Turret. An indexable square tool post is provided on the cross slide for mounting the turning and parting off tools. Turret lathes are semi - automatic type machines and are used for mass production of identical parts in minimum time.


(5) Capstan Lathe:-


Capstan lathes are Turret lathes which incorporate Capstan slide which moves on an auxiliary slide and can be clamped in any position. These are the best suited for fast production of small parts due to its light weight and short stroke of Capstan slide.


(6) Tool Room Lathe:-


     Tool room lathe is centre lathe (Engine lathe) equipped with all necessary accessories and extra attachments and designed for greater accuracy. Extra attachments and accessories make this lathe suitable for relatively more accurate and precision type of work carried out in a tool room. 

                  Tool room has wider range of speeds and feeds and smaller bed length.It is mainly used for the manufacture of small tools, dies gauges, fixtures and precision parts of all kinds.


(7) Automatic Lathes:-


      Automatic lathes are high production lathes, these are designed in such a way that they operate automatically i.e. all the working and job handling movements of the complete manufacturing process for a job are done automatically. Very little attention of operator is required after after the set up has been made on the machine loaded. These are used for mass production identical parts.


(8) Special Purpose Lathes:-


    These Lathes are designed for carrying out a definite type of work with greater efficiency. Special purpose Lathes include the following:-


(a) Gap Lathe:-


   This special lathe is used for machining extra large diameter pieces. In these lathes there is a gap between the bed ways or guide ways and the headstock to accommodate large swing of the workpiece.


 The size of this types of lathe is given by maximum diameter and length of the job to be accomodated in the gap.


(b) Special Purpose Engine Lathe:-


            Special purpose engine lathes are designed for machining special types of workpieces. For example, wheel turning lathe.


(c) Instrument Lathes:-


    Instrument lathes are all purpose, low production Lathes, smaller in size than Bench lathes and used by instrument makers.


(d) Facing Lathes:-


Facing lathes are similar to engine lathes with shorter bed length and larger face plate (in diameter) for machining workpieces of large diameter but short in length. These lathes have become obsolete and have been replaced by the more advanced boring and turning machines.


(e) Flow turning Lathes:-


          A flow turning lathe is used for roll flowing, It works as a method of cold-flowing metal.


Conclusion:-


 You have learnt about types of Lathe in details with it's use. There are 8 types of Lathe in the production process.