Automatic Lathe Introdution

Automatic Lathe Introdution

Automatic Lathe Introdution - Next in progression from the Capstan lathes come the Automatic lathes, one form of which, indeed, is a Capstan which has been modified by a form of plug board automation and limit switches to operate through its cycle.

In fully automatic lathes, once the machine is set up, all the movements related to the manufacturing cycle and also the loading of blanks and the unloading of machined parts are performed without the operator's participation. In semiautomatic machines, the two latter movements are accomplished by the operator.

To explain further, lathes tbat have their tools automatically fed to the work and withdrawn after the cycle is complete are known as Automatic lathes. Since most lathes of this type require that the operator place the part to be machined in the lathe and remove it after the work is complete, they are perhaps incorrectly called automatic lathes.

On an automatic lathe, the bar stock is entered through the main spindle and clamped by a collet device. Automatic lathes machine independently one piece after the other from the bar.

All movements and actions take place automatically e.g., feed and return travel of the turret carriage, changing over of the turret bead, loosening feeding and chucking of the bright drawn bar. Therefore one worker can operate several automatic lathes.

Work feeding Fully automatic lathes are provided with magazine feed so that a number of parts can be machined, one after the other, with little attention from the operator.

Tool feeding Most machines, especially those holding the work between centers, have front and rear tool slides. Others adapted for chucking jobs, have an end tool slide located in the same position as the turret on the turret lathe. These machines may also have the two side tool slide.

In another construction, there is a flat table in front of the chucking spindle, on which can be mounted tool slides at any angle or in any position. Each tool slide has individual feed and receives its power from individual drive shafts at the end of the machine. As a rule, automatic lathes are multiple tool machines.