TURRET CAPSTAN AND AUTOMATIC LATHES
Turret, Capstan, and Automatic Lathes
Turret, capstan, and automatic lathes are advanced versions of conventional lathes designed for high-speed, repetitive production of parts. They reduce machining time and improve precision, making them ideal for mass production.
1. Turret Lathe
🔹 A semi-automatic lathe with a hexagonal turret mounted on the saddle.
🔹 Used for repetitive operations without resetting the tool.
🔹 Suitable for medium to large batch production.
Features:
✅ Hexagonal Turret: Holds multiple tools, reducing tool change time.
✅ Automatic Tool Indexing: The turret rotates to bring the next tool into position.
✅ No Tailstock: The turret replaces the traditional tailstock.
✅ Ideal for Mass Production: Used for making identical parts efficiently.
Types of Turret Lathes:
🔹 Horizontal Turret Lathe – Common in industrial use.
🔹 Vertical Turret Lathe – Used for large, heavy workpieces.
🔹 CNC Turret Lathe – Computer-controlled for precision and automation.
2. Capstan Lathe
🔹 A lighter version of the turret lathe, designed for small to medium workpieces.
🔹 The turret (capstan head) is mounted on a sliding ram, allowing quick forward/backward movement.
🔹 Suitable for small batch production and precision work.
Differences Between Turret and Capstan Lathe:
| Feature | Turret Lathe | Capstan Lathe |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Heavy-duty, rigid | Lighter and more compact |
| Turret Movement | Mounted on the saddle | Mounted on a sliding ram |
| Workpiece Size | Large and heavy parts | Small to medium parts |
| Production Capacity | Higher, for mass production | Moderate, for small batch production |
| Tool Indexing | Fully automatic | Semi-automatic |
3. Automatic Lathe
🔹 A fully automated lathe where all operations (feeding, cutting, tool changing) are done automatically.
🔹 Used for high-volume, precision production.
🔹 Examples include single-spindle and multi-spindle automatic lathes.
Types of Automatic Lathes:
🔹 Single-Spindle Automatic Lathe – One workpiece is machined at a time.
🔹 Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe – Multiple workpieces are machined simultaneously.
🔹 Swiss-Type Lathe – Used for long, slender components with high precision.
🔹 CNC Automatic Lathe – Fully controlled by a computer for complex parts.
Advantages of Turret, Capstan, and Automatic Lathes
✅ High Productivity – Reduces cycle time with automatic tool indexing.
✅ Precision & Accuracy – Suitable for large-scale production with minimal errors.
✅ Less Operator Fatigue – Semi-automatic and automatic features reduce manual effort.
✅ Cost-Effective for Mass Production – Ideal for producing identical parts in bulk.