A lathe is a machine tool for turning parts or workpieces. Turning refers to a machining technique used in metalworking. Usually the starting material is in the shape of a cylinder and its processed shaved off until it reaches the desired diameter. Drilling can be done when the center of the whole coincides with the axis of rotation of the material to be machined. Milling is only possible with specialized lathes.
Types of lathe
Lathes are available in many different designs and with every possible degree of automation. The most important components are the cast-iron frame, guides for the tool slides, the tools, the drive, and the control.
The drive is usually done with an electric motor via a transmission system consisting of belts and/or gears, cams and/or curve discs with a choice of different speeds. Before electricity was invented there were lathes with other drives. The oldest known lathe dates from 300 BC.
CNC lathe
Lathes where the tool movements are controlled by a computer program are called CNC lathes.
Conventional lathe
Lathes where no computer is used for control are called conventional lathes. In addition to the universal lathe, there are various other versions of the conventional lathe such as the turret head lathe, the center lathe, the copy lathe, the head lathe (for large workpieces), and the carousel lathe.
A conventional lathe, Cazeneuve, at Marvo
Turning machines
Turning machines, Swiss-type machines and multi-spindle machines are used for the production of large series. Both conventional and CNC variants are available.
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