Process Overview
A metal lathe is a generic description for a rigid machine tool designed to remove material from a workpiece, through the action of a cutting tool.
They were originally designed to machine metals; however, with the advent of plastics and other materials, and with their inherent versatility, they are used in a wide range of applications, and a broad range of materials.
The machine has been greatly modified for various applications however a familiarity with the basics shows the similarities between types.
These machines consist of, at the least, a headstock, bed, carriage and tailstock.
There are many variants of lathes within the metalworking field:
- Center lathe or engine lathe
- Capstan (Ram-type) lathe
- Turret (Saddle-type) lathe
- Multispindle lathe
- CNC lathe / CNC Turning Center
- Swiss Style Lathe / Swiss Turning Center