Various Applications of Lathe Services

Lathes hold a fundamental role at any Calgary machine shop and are essential tools in various manufacturing processes. These versatile machines rotate the workpiece, facilitating operations such as forming, cutting, turning, facing, drilling, threading, and knurling. Lathes are capable of working with different materials, including metals, plastics, and wood. In the following sections, we will highlight common applications of lathe machines, with a focus on metalwork, while recognizing their relevance to nonmetal materials.

How a Calgary Machine Shop Uses Lathes 

Forming

In lathe metal work, the workpiece usually originates from bar stock, which can be made of steel, aluminum, copper (for new component manufacturing), or from an existing workpiece (for repair work). Profiles are formed on lathes using specialty cutting tools and inserts, resulting in convex, concave, or other desired irregular profiles. Material removal takes place as the workpiece rotates at high RPMs. The objective is for the remaining workpiece to match the intended shape after removing the appropriate amount of material. Forming applications often serves as the initial step in a broader manufacturing or repair process.

Cutting

Lathes excel at cutting off or cutting through diverse materials like steel, aluminum, or copper. During the creation of new metal components, lathes frequently convert larger input materials into smaller pieces. Suppliers offering longer lengths necessitate lathes to play a vital role in ‘parting off’ or slicing through the material to achieve the desired length.

Drilling

Drilling precision holes with a lathe machine is a widespread practice. Here, the rotating workpiece is subjected to the suitable drilling tool to remove material and form holes of the desired depth and diameter. Once the holes are drilled, secondary applications such as tapping, boring, or thread milling can be executed.

Threading

Threading stands out as the most useful and unique application of a lathe machine. It focuses on cutting various thread types and pitches at the ends of a cylindrical workpiece. Unlike forming, cutting, or drilling, threading is a more intricate process. It demands the precise utilization of specialized threading tools and inserts to cut through the input material. Stringent tolerances and specifications are essential for threading, given that threaded components typically connect to other parts.

Calgary Machine Shop For Lathe Services: Aaron Machine Shop

With nine manual lathes and six CNC lathes, Aaron Machine Shop has earned a strong reputation for its lathe services. Our shop excels in handling diverse turning work, encompassing both manual and CNC machining in Calgary. Customers depend on us for lathe services, be it for repairs, service, or manufacturing new components. Our Calgary machine shop specializes in repairing and producing various components such as bushings, shafts, rollers, augers, pins, wheels, gears, and more. Request a quote today by contacting us via email.

Aaron Machine Shop is your trusted one-stop machine shop in Calgary. For 26 years, our success has been attributed to our talented team’s ability to deliver premium workmanship and exceptional customer service. Unlike other welding shops in Calgary, we offer welding services that promise high quality – especially for aluminum welding. Our specialty in metal fabrication is how we provide optimal custom metal works, CNC machining, millwrighting, and line boring through state-of-the-art infrastructure to cater to emergencies and scheduled machining work on-site. We’re steel fabricators in Calgary guaranteed to do the job well, promptly, and cost-effectively. Get the help you need by calling or visiting our shop today!