Lathe

Description

A machine that allows machining parts with revolution geometry. This machine operates by rotating the workpiece (held in the chuck or fixed between centre points) while one or more cutting tools are pushed in a regulated feed movement against the surface of the part, cutting chips according to appropriate machining technological conditions.

Components and Operation

The cutting tool is mounted on a carriage that moves along guides or rails parallel to the rotation axis of the part being turned, called the Z axis. On this carriage there is another that moves along the X axis, in the radial direction of the part being turned, and there may be a third carriage called the compound slide that can be tilted to make cones, where the tool turret rests.

Operations

When the main carriage moves the tool along the rotation axis, it produces turning of the part. When the cross carriage moves perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the part, the operation called facing is performed.