Choosing The Right Type of Lathe Machine For Your Industry

Described as the mother of all machines, the lathe is a must-have piece of machinery for almost any industry. Lathes can be easily programmed, producing highly detailed and consistent products for various applications. A lathe can take a piece of wood or metal and mold it into whatever shape is required. Prevalent in manufacturing industries, modern-day lathe machines prove helpful in various scenarios. 

The Different Types of Lathes

There are several different variations of lathes that each perform other functions. This makes lathes worthwhile across a broad range of industries. Each lathe has a unique purpose to help achieve the desired result. Most lathe machines are built for working and shaping metal for various mechanisms and machine parts. 

The five main categories of lathe machines are:

• Speed lathe

• Engine lathe

• Turret lathe

• Toolroom lathe

• CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe

Each machine has a different use which can be helpful in a specific industry. The ancient Egyptians developed traditional lathe machines around 1300 B.C. to craft stone and wood for various building structures. They have continued to develop throughout time, and now the lathe is a handy tool for many purposes. With the introduction of computerised lathe machinery, the shapes and metalwork that can now be produced are more intricate than ever.

Which Industries Benefit From Lathe Machines

The CNC lathe has replaced all older lath machine models as its accuracy is unparalleled. It has massively improved productivity and production rates because of its easy to use automated functions. Many industries have benefitted from this newer technology reducing time and labour costs. 

Lathe machines can be used for:

• Machine-parts manufacturing
• Automobile production
• Homewear
• Sporting equipment
• Musical instruments

The Right Lathe For the Job

There are so many variations of lathes out there that it can be challenging to know which one will benefit which industry the most. Whether it’s car parts, mechanisms, or woodwork, an appropriate lathe machine will help you achieve the desired results with ease and efficiency. Each machine has its particular strengths when it comes to manufacturing. We offer a range of lathes from the leading brands. Here’s everything you need to know about each lathe 

Each lathe and its optimum industry uses:

Geminis

These are the market leaders in CNC and axle turning lathe technology. Geminis produce a horizontal CNC lathe machine with high rigidity and shock resistance. It can rotate with precision making the most accurate products. They are helpful for simple and more complex applications and can be used across multiple industries. These industries include automotive, railway, oil and gas, naval, and power generation.

Knuth

Knuth produces a range of lathes. Their flatbed and slant bed lathe machinery is ideal for use in the automotive industry producing car engine parts. These CNC lathes are adaptable to a range of uses and are powered by both conventional mechanisms and engines. They are a must-have for mechanical engineering work and medical technology. 

Prodesign

Turret lathes are a great option if you have a high production rate. They require less skill to handle, meaning labor costs are slightly lower, and they can manufacture products much quicker than other lathe machinery. The turret shape allows this machine to hold various cutting tools. They have been popular in the artillery and weapons industry. Prodesign produces a range of turret lathe machines that are great for mass-producing metal parts.

Honor

Vertical lathes work by rotating the workpiece using a vertically oriented table. Honor’s Seiki lathe is essential for manufacturing in the satellite, aerospace, land vehicle, and train industries. It is a highly stable piece of machinery with high levels of precision.

Finding Your Ideal Lathe Machine

Here at DTS UK, we provide our services for installing, maintaining, repairing, and removing lathe machinery. Our staff are experts in their field and can provide knowledge and understanding of various lathes. We can be on hand to guide you so you find the suitable machine for your industry needs. Learn more about our services and how we can help you today.