Centre Lathe - Quality checks

Centre Lathe Quality checks

Exceptional quality comes from perfecting the smallest details. Every stage in the production chain from raw materials inspection to machining, testing, final product assembly and delivery must repeatedly pass specialized tests and strict quality control procedures to ensure every lathe is defect free. These rigorous quality controls extend machine life and improve the overall functionality and value of machines.

Correct measuring tools

Correct measuring tools must be selected for measuring different dimensions and machining operations. The selection of measuring tools will depend on the tolerances given on drawings. The following are some of the operations and measuring tools that can be selected:

Turning operation	Measuring tool	Turning operation	Measuring tool
Parallel turning outside	Vernier calliper or outside micrometer	Boring and drilling	Vernier calliper, inside micrometer
Facing - bring to length	Vernier calliper or outside micrometer	Taper turning	Vernier calliper or micrometers
Screw cutting	Thread gauge or wire thread gauge	Grooving	Vernier calliper or inside micrometer

Go no go gauges can also be used during final inspection without measuring work. This can be performed by semiskilled staff.

Surface finish Videos

Surface finish, also known as surface texture or surface topography, is the nature of a surface as defined by the three characteristics of lay, surface roughness, and waviness. Each manufacturing process (such as the many kinds of machining) produces a surface texture.

A surface comparison block can be used. This method is very subjective and is increasingly been replaced with surface texture gauges.

Surface texture comparison plate	Electronic surface texture gauge

Recognise machining problems and correcting them

Here are some of the more common faults: Video Metal lathe chattering Chatter is the presence of vibrations that occur when tool pressure is too high, spindle speed is too high, or feed rate is too low. The cause of chatter can be located in either tool setup or work piece setup. Chatter is usually due to too high tool pressure or insufficient rigidity. Vibration on a lathe Vibration can be cause by blunt cutting tool, using wrong cutting speeds and feeds. Worn headstock bearings can also cause vibration. Carriage problem Poor maintenance, lack of lubrication, corrosion. Cuttings tapped in guides. Threads cutting issues Worn cutting tool. Not selecting correct feed. Lack of cutting fluid. Cuts to big. Poor surface finish Poor surface finish occur when tool pressure is too high, spindle speed is too high, or feed rate is too low. Cutting tool blunt or clearance angels is wrong. Lack of cutting fluid. Work not accurate Operator at fault. Worn lathe components. Measuring instruments worn. Do not take up backlash and play before cutting.