Wellhead,Well Head Pump,Apex Wellhead,Bop Wellhead Jiangsu Solid Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. , https://www.oilsolid.com
Ways to Improve Time Efficiency of Lathes
**Introduction**
Turning workpieces on a lathe involves shaping and sizing a blank by rotating the workpiece in the chuck while the tool moves linearly relative to it. This process allows for the creation of various parts with different shapes and specifications based on design requirements. By incorporating auxiliary equipment into the workpiece or modifying the original tool, the geometry can be improved, enhancing processing performance and increasing work efficiency.
Figure 1: Small four-jaw gripper with positioning bolts
Figure 2: Workpiece surface positioning
Figure 3: Workpiece hole positioning
Figure 4: Improved cutter bar body
Figure 5: Using multi-knife cutting
**Adding Auxiliary Equipment to Improve Lathe Efficiency**
In our factory’s daily production, we often encounter non-standard workpieces with small ends that are round. These parts require machining and repairing in batches. The tips of these non-standard pieces may have unique shapes like square, circular, or other forms. In such cases, the workpiece is usually clamped in a four-jaw independent chuck, requiring careful adjustment to align the center before turning. This process increases the workload for operators and takes more time and effort.
To solve this issue, we introduced a small four-finger gripping device that helps with positioning (as shown in Figure 1). The positioning bolts prevent axial movement of the workpiece. For example, when machining a square-headed bolt (as shown in Figure 2), the tire is first clamped in a three-jaw self-centering chuck, and the workpiece (the square head bolt blank) is held by the small four jaws of the gripper. After tightening the top between the tire and the tread, the workpiece is turned. Once one piece is done, only two screws on the chuck need to be loosened, and the tailstock top can be removed to replace the workpiece quickly. This method reduces operator fatigue, shortens setup time, and improves overall efficiency.
**Improving Hole Positioning with Auxiliary Equipment**
When processing conical holes, maintaining concentricity between the inner and outer surfaces is critical. Clamping directly on the chuck can lead to misalignment, especially for high-precision conical holes. To address this, a conical mandrel is used (as shown in Figure 3). The left end of the cone is clamped in the chuck, and the sleeve (workpiece) is placed over the mandrel. The adjustment nut and washer apply an axial force, ensuring the conical surfaces match precisely. This self-centering and self-locking mechanism allows for accurate machining. After processing, the washer is removed, and the nut is rotated to release the workpiece, making replacement quick and efficient. This technique also works well for precision parts where both the inner and outer surfaces are tapered.
**Improving Tool Shank Design and Multi-Knife Cutting**
In some production scenarios, large threads with small pitches are challenging to machine due to radial forces. Manual adjustments are inefficient and laborious. To improve this, we developed a tool assembly (as shown in Figure 4). A fixture, fixing sleeve, and cone are combined, allowing the fixture to move 60 mm within the sleeve. A M12 screw is installed at point A, enabling precise tooth machining. The assembled cone sleeve is placed in the tailstock, reducing the need for manual intervention. Two symmetric holes at point B allow for coolant flow and chip removal, helping to keep the cutting tool centered automatically.
For coal mine accessories like M42 × 2 or M48 × 2 axles (as shown in Figure 5), two knives can be mounted on one side of the tool holder. One knife is used for creating a thread clearance groove, while the other cuts the dead tip. This method eliminates the need to rotate the tool holder, keeping the lathe's scales unchanged and ensuring consistent thread accuracy. Compared to traditional methods, this approach doubles efficiency and reduces the risk of tool collision.
**Conclusion**
By applying these practical techniques, operators can avoid tedious manual tasks, reduce physical strain, and significantly improve productivity and product quality. This not only shortens the production cycle but also contributes to energy conservation and reduced consumption. These innovations bring fresh ideas and new possibilities for future improvements in manufacturing processes.