Metal Spinning Tools: Lathe ( 17 August, 2010 )
What is a lathe?
The fundamental tool used for metal spinning is the lathe. A lathe is a machine tool that is used for shaping and forming metal.It can also be used to shape or form wood. The lathe spins the metal or wood to perform a variety of operations such as sanding, knurling,cutting, sanding deformation or drilling. This is done with various tools which are applied to the material. The tools can be or varying types, shapes and sizes. The material turns about a horizontal axis against one or more of these fixed tools. The lathe forms an object which has symmetry about an axis of rotation.The lathe shapes a workpiece by gripping it in its holding device and rotating it under power against a suitable cutting tool where it is used to perform a variety of operations such as turning, boring, facing, or threading. It is turned at a constant rate for maximum effect.
A metal spinning lathe is a large class of lathe which is specifically designed for precisely machining relatively hard materials. Softer materials like wood would not require such precision. This precise machining is brought about through the tool carriage and cross slide, increased rigidity and closer tolerances when fabricated. The tool carriage and cross slide moves the cutting tools precisely and with such control that it can maintain nearly any angle relative to the work being cut.
Artec Engineering are metal spinners based in Hampshire. They have been supplying the industry with spun metal components and fabrications since 1964.
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