Types of Lathes

Engine Lathe (General-Purpose Lathe)

Capable of handling a wide range of workpieces, these lathes offer a broad adjustment range for spindle speeds and feed rates. They can machine internal and external surfaces, end faces, and both internal and external threads. Operated manually, they have relatively low production efficiency and are best suited for single-piece or small-batch production, as well as maintenance and repair workshops.

Turret and Capstan Lathes

Equipped with a turret or rotary tool post that holds multiple cutting tools, these lathes allow an operator to perform various machining operations in sequence without needing to re-clamp the workpiece. They are well-suited for batch production.

Automatic Lathes

These machines automatically execute multi-step machining processes on small to medium-sized workpieces according to a pre-set program. They feature automatic loading and unloading capabilities and are designed for the repetitive production of identical parts, making them ideal for large-batch or mass production.

Multi-Tool Semi-Automatic Lathes

Available in single-spindle or multi-spindle, and horizontal or vertical configurations. The single-spindle horizontal version resembles a standard engine lathe but features two sets of tool posts—positioned either in front of and behind the spindle, or above and below it. These are used for machining discs, rings, and shaft-type components, offering a production rate 3 to 5 times higher than that of a standard engine lathe.

Copying (Tracing) Lathes

These lathes automatically follow the shape and dimensions of a template or master workpiece to complete the machining cycle. They are suitable for small-batch or batch production of complex-shaped parts, with a production rate 10 to 15 times higher than that of a standard engine lathe. Types include multi-tool post, multi-spindle, chuck-type, and vertical configurations.

Vertical Lathes

The spindle is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal plane, with the workpiece mounted on a horizontal rotary table. The tool post moves along a cross-rail or column. These machines are designed for large, heavy workpieces that are difficult to mount on standard horizontal lathes; they are categorized into single-column and double-column types.

Relieving Lathes

During the turning process, the tool post undergoes periodic radial reciprocating motion. This is used to machine the relief (clearance) surfaces on the teeth of milling cutters, hobs, and similar form tools. They are typically equipped with a relieving-grinding attachment, which uses a small grinding wheel—driven by a separate motor—to finish the tooth surfaces. Specialized Lathes

Lathes designed for machining specific surfaces on certain types of workpieces—for example, crankshaft lathes, camshaft lathes, wheel lathes, axle lathes, roll-turning lathes, and ingot lathes.

Combination Lathes

Primarily designed for turning, these machines can be equipped with additional specialized components and accessories to perform boring, milling, drilling, slotting, and grinding operations. Offering "multi-functional" capabilities, they are well-suited for maintenance and repair tasks on engineering vehicles, ships, or in mobile repair units.

Saddle-Type Lathes (Gap-Bed Lathes)

These lathes feature a recessed section in the bed near the headstock, allowing for the accommodation of workpieces with large diameters. Because the bed is higher at both ends and lower in the middle—resembling a saddle—it is known as a "saddle-type" (or gap-bed) lathe. They are ideal for machining parts with large radial dimensions but short axial lengths. Capabilities include turning external and internal surfaces, facing, grooving, and cutting various types of threads (metric, imperial, modular, and diametral pitch), as well as drilling, boring, and reaming. They are particularly well-suited for single-piece or small-batch production environments. The gap (saddle recess) allows for the machining of workpieces with larger diameters. The machine's guideways are hardened and precision-ground, ensuring reliable and convenient operation. These lathes are characterized by high power, high rotational speeds, excellent rigidity, high precision, and low noise levels.