Lathes are fundamental tools in the manufacturing industry, used to shape materials such as metal, wood and plastic. They work by rotating the material while a cutting tool is applied to the surface, allowing the creation of cylindrical, conical and spherical parts with high precision.
Types of lathes
There are several types of lathes, including parallel lathes, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathes and vertical lathes, each designed for specific applications. Below are some of them:
- Parallel or Universal Lathes: used primarily for general turning work. They can perform a wide variety of operations such as turning, tapering, threading and facing.
- CNC Lathes: Computer-controlled, which allows for greater precision and automation in the machining process. They are ideal for mass production and complex parts, as they can reproduce processes with millimeter accuracy.
- Vertical Lathes: The spindle is mounted vertically, which allows working with large and heavy parts that would be difficult to handle on a horizontal lathe. They are mainly used in heavy industry and in the manufacture of large components.
- Wood Lathes: These lathes have a lighter structure and allow the turning of parts such as chair legs, wooden pens and other decorative and functional objects.
In addition, lathes are essential in the production of components for various industries, from automotive to aerospace to the manufacture of machinery and medical equipment. Their versatility and precision make them indispensable for operations such as turning, threading and drilling.
