The Lathe: Engineers Take Note of Dimensions When Designing Components

Abstract

Lathes perform a unique role in manufacturing. Unlike all other machine tools which operate in a rectilinear space, lathes use rotation about an axis as their primary operation and create cylindrical objects with a central axis of symmetry. Lathes are used to make shafts, screws, pulleys, pins, and wheels, among countless other examples. With a CNC lathe, it is possible to machine nonsymmetrical parts, such as cams on a crank shaft. Like other machine tools, lathes can be either manually operated or CNC controlled. This article refers to high-powered metal lathes, although wood lathes can be used for some soft metals, like brass. The safety hazards, however, are different.