Centre Lathes

Centre lathes

Lathes are tools used for machining workpieces. Machining is a process of transforming metals by removing small pieces of the material (swarf). The metal is given a specific geometric shape, which is done using lathes, milling machines, shaping machines and other machine tools. Centre lathes are part of these tools.

The lathe, the basis of the centre lathe

The lathe is a group of machines and tools that make it possible to machine, cut, turn, thread and rough geometric workpieces. Lathes work by rotating the workpieces while one or more (specific) cutting tools work on the surface of the workpiece, cutting swarf, according to the shape you want to obtain. Today it is an indispensable machine for machining parts. You can see all the models under industrial lathes.

What are centre lathes?

Centre lathes have been used, since their beginnings, for turning and threading, with flat-way beds and an automatic cross slide. The centre lathe was widely accepted from its creation and is still in constant use in factories, as it is the most frequently used machine.

This type of lathe is also called a mechanical lathe (an evolution of the old lathes). It incorporates new tools to optimise it and make it one of the most widely used today. It is called a parallel lathe because the main carriage on the bed makes it possible to machine surfaces with generatrices parallel to the axis of rotation.

Parts of a centre lathe

Lathes have complex structures and are made up of a large number of parts, each with a specific function. Hence, the lathe must be operated by an expert.

• Bed, an element present on all lathes. It is an elongated table on which the parts that make up the lathe are placed. In the case of centre lathes, they consist of a one-piece bed mounted on legs.
• Headstock, made up of a reversing lever, speed selector levers and a workholding chuck. The main spindle is mounted on the headstock. The spindle is a steel shaft.
• Tailstock. A fundamental part of the lathe that can be used to hold workpieces, but also as a tool holder. Its main characteristic is that it can travel along the bed of the lathe and can be locked in whichever position suits for turning the workpiece. Thanks to the tailstock, very long workpieces can be held for correct machining, and drill bits and other tools can also be fitted at its front.
• Pilot light buttons, start button and emergency stop.
• Coupling lever.
• Pitch selector levers.
• Reversing switch and coupling bar of the reversing switch with gear selector lever.
• Automatic feed transmission bar.
• Handwheels for manual movement of the longitudinal carriage and cross slide.
• 2 leadscrews; one with bar support.
• Control lever and reversing switch.
• Cross slide and longitudinal carriage.

Characteristics of centre lathes

There are different types of lathe and each performs specific tasks. Some are for making small workpieces; others are for large workpieces. Some are for line production and others for shorter runs.

Among the characteristics of centre lathes, we find:

Advantages of using a conventional centre lathe

1. High accuracy: the design of the centre lathe allows precise machining to tight tolerances, which is essential for manufacturing high-quality parts.
2. Versatility: the centre lathe can use a variety of cutting tools, which allows a wide range of machining operations, such as turning, drilling, parting off, boring, threading and milling.
3. Speed: the centre lathe can run at high speeds, which allows greater efficiency in manufacturing parts.
4. Durability: centre lathes are robust, high-quality machines with a long service life if properly maintained.
5. Ease of operation: the centre lathe is a relatively easy machine to operate, with a simple and straightforward machining process.

Other machines you may be interested in

• Industrial lathes
• Variable-speed lathes
• Large centre lathes

Unsure which machine to choose? Talk to a Heller technician.