Using A Vertical Turning Lathe
A vertical turning lathe is used primarily for working with hard, solid materials. Modern lathes are used not only for metal processing but are also appropriate for plastics and woods. Lathes are very versatile in that they can be used for a variety of purposes on many different types of materials. They work quite simply by removing material from a workpiece that continually rotates along a table. Various cutting tools are used in the process including such things as drill and tool bits.
There are several types of lathes and one of the most popular is the Swiss-style or Swiss turning center lathe. This lathe is excellent for working on projects that require extreme accuracy and precision. Basically, the material itself moves back and forth along the Z axis while the machine’s tools do their cutting work. The material is held firmly as the cutting is being done, making the cutting process sharp with little vibration occurring.
Often these Swiss-style lathes are available with CNC controllers. This means that the machine works almost exclusively on its own, following specific programmed instructions. There is little, if any, human intervention needed during operations and the process is quick and efficient. Other Swiss-style lathes use a process called “live tooling”, meaning that the machine uses a small secondary motor separate from the spindle motor. This makes drilling and cutting materials more intricate and cost-effective. These special “live tools” are usually supported by advanced CAD/CAM software.
Turning lathes are made up of a few basic construction segments. The headstock is where the machine’s main spindle can be found. The headstock is made to be extremely durable so that it can withstand the rigorous cutting forces involved in the production process. The main spindle is usually hollow so that long bars are able to be extended along the work surface. The bed is a base that connects directly to the headstock, aligning the carriage and tailstock with the axis of the spindle. Another basic component of a vertical turning lathe is the feedscrew. This driveshaft, with its onboard gears, helps drive the carriage mechanisms of the lathe. These, and other components, are what make lathes highly desirable for intricate tooling and machining projects.
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