What Precisely Is a Metal Turning Lathe?

A metal turning lathe, also known as a metal lathe or a metalworking lathe, is a type of lathe designed specifically for metal workpieces. Like other lathes, metal turning lathes perform various machining processes, such as cutting, sanding, drilling, and turning. They perform these processes similarly, with the workpiece rotating against a stationary cutting tool.

Metal-turning lathes live up to their names, focusing on the machine's ability to turn metals. To deform and reshape wooden workpieces, metal turning lathes are frequently used. Of course, wood is much softer than most metals and alloys. A metal-turning lathe will most likely be required if a manufacturing company wishes to deform or reshape a metal workpiece. Understanding that a metal-turning lathe can still be used on wooden workpieces is critical. Metal lathes can work with metal and wooden workpieces, whereas wood lathes only work with wooden ones. The metal turning lathe has two ends: the spinning headstock and the stationary tailstock that holds the workpiece. In lathes, there are two standard measurements to consider. The first is the distance between the headstock and tailstock centres, and the second is the centre height. It generally provides an idea of swing measurement when purchasing a lathe.

 

Who Should Make Use of a Lathe?

Lathes, also known as the "mother of machining tools," can be used for various tasks. They are used for shaping, drilling, sanding, turning, cutting, and other tasks. This kind of versatility in a tool is difficult to match, which is why so many metalworkers and woodworkers rely on lathes as the foundation of their work. A lathe may be the best tool for your project if you require precise cutting and shaping. Lathes are ideal for manufacturing environments requiring a versatile piece of machinery that uses multiple cutting tools.

 

Metal Turning Lathe Types

All metal turning lathes are specifically designed for use with metal workpieces. They support many metals and alloys, including steel, aluminium, iron, and copper. That being said, there are numerous types of metal turning lathes, each of which operates uniquely. Centring metal turning lathes, for example, have a dual-head design that secures the workpiece while the head moves towards it. For centring metal workpieces, centring metal turning lathes are commonly used.

 

There are tool room lathes in addition to centring metal turning lathes. A tool room lathe is a heavy-duty lathe used in tool room operations. It is regarded as one of the finest types of lathes. Toolroom lathes can perform the same machining processes as other lathes but with greater precision. Turret lathes must be mentioned when discussing the various types of metal-turning lathes. A turret lathe is a type of metal turning lathe used for mass production. It can perform repetitive tasks, such as product duplication, faster and more efficiently than other lathes.

 

Know more about us:

For over 20 years, Xielifeng Tech has been customising metal and plastic parts. We specialise in producing parts made of stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, and plastics such as ABS, PVC, and POM. We guarantee quality and efficiency. We are a good partner if you require customised parts. Contact us for a metal-turning lathe.