Meaning of lathe (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Lathe:

The word lathe can refer to a type of rotary movement machine with different evolutions, adaptations and applications, depending on the type of task to be carried out. It comes from the Latin tornus , and this in turn from the Greek τόρνος (tornos), which means 'turn', 'turn'.

In this sense, a lathe can refer to the type of machine, consisting of a set of tools, which allows the machining of parts by means of rotational movements, with the aim of turning them with a knife, grinding wheel or utensil. As such, the lathe works by rotating the part to be subjected to mechanical processing, while one or more cutting tools go, in a controlled movement, cutting and working the part, getting rid of the chip. The lathe has been an indispensable machine in industrial processes since the industrial revolution of the 18th century.

A winch can also be a simple machine, consisting of a rotating cylinder, operated by means of levers, wheels or storks, and which uses ropes to lift or drag heavy objects. In addition, there are other types of lathes used for spinning, making ropes, or for pottery.

The lathe can also refer to the type of rotating and cylindrical frame, composed of vertical divisions, which fits into a hole in the wall, and which serves to pass objects from one place to another, being that the people who give them or receive them cannot see each other. It is typical of cloister houses.

In Dentistry, an electric instrument is known as a lathe that has a rotating part at the tip, used for cleaning and filing the denture.

On the other hand, a lathe can also designate the device for controlling movement and access of people, used in stadiums or in the subway, which consists of several arms that rotate on one axis and that only allow people to enter one by one. Also called a tourniquet.

Finally, we can also use the word lathe to designate a turn around something, a circular motion, or a detour.

CNC lathe

A CNC lathe or numerical control lathe is called that type of lathe that can be operated by computer software. As such, the CNC lathe is used in the industry to perform mass production tasks due to its high level of precision and reliability. Furthermore, it is capable of executing all the work carried out by the other lathes.

Parallel lathe

The parallel lathe, as its name implies, is distinguished by offering mobility parallel to the axis of the piece being turned. In this sense, it serves to thread, as well as to transform a solid object without a defined shape into a defined part, proceeding by chip removal.

Revolver lathe

As a revolver lathe is known the variety of automatic or semi-automatic lathe that consists of a revolver to carry out the tool change, so that it offers the possibility of machining parts that require the simultaneous work of several tools.

Copying lathe

The copying lathe is the one used to make replicas of a certain piece. In this sense, the copying lathe is capable of reproducing, by means of a guide or following the profile of the piece, an identical duplicate of this. As such, the copying lathe is also very useful for turning parts that have a little surplus material to correct.

Vertical lathe

The vertical lathe is a type of lathe that machines parts on a vertical axis. As such, its creation is due to the need to work large pieces whose working on a horizontal lathe poses great difficulties.

Potter's lathe

The potter 's wheel is that machine that uses a wheel, handle or stork, to rotate an object on itself, and which is used in pottery to make crafts from clay or ceramics.