Capstan Lathe Working Principle | Lathe Turret Head

CAPSTAN LATHE

A Capstan lathe is one of the types of semi-automatic lathes. In semi-automatic lathes, machining operations are done automatically. Functions other than machining, like loading and unloading of jobs, positioning of tools, and coolant operations, are done manually.

BED

The bed is the base part of the lathe. It is made of cast iron. Guideways are provided on the top of the bed. The cross slide and turret head are mounted on the guideways. The bed should be strong and rigid to withstand load forces and vibrations during the machining process.

HEADSTOCK

The headstock assembly is permanently fastened to the left end of the bed. The headstock of the capstan lathe is similar to that of the ordinary lathe. But it is heavier in construction. A powerful motor with a 30 to 2000 rpm speed is fitted.

The four main types of headstocks are

• Step-cone pulley-driven headstock.
• Direct electric motor-driven headstock.
• All geared headstock.
• Pre-selective headstock.

TURRET HEAD AND SADDLE

The turret head is mounted on the ram and fitted with a turret that slides longitudinally on the saddle. The turret head has a hexagonal block having six faces with a bore for mounting six or more tools at a time. The threaded holes on these faces are used to hold the tools. The actuation of the ram is done by hand or power. An adjustable stopper is used to control the forward movement of the ram. The Ram is returned to its initial position in order to index the cutting tool. The tools are indexed to 60 by rotation of a circular plate, which is indexed automatically along with the turret head. A mechanism called the Geneva mechanism is used to bring the next tool into the cutting position.

It is an H-shaped component fitted across the lathe bed. It moves along the guideway. It can be moved anywhere along the bed and locked into the required position. In the capstan lathe, the turret head is mounted upon the ram, which slides upon the saddle.

CROSS SLIDE

There are two types of cross slides:

• Reach over type
• Slide hung type

Reach over type

The cross slide has two tool posts, giving a total of four faces of the square turret for mounting the tools. Tools are indexed at an angle of 90. While indexing, the motion of each tool is controlled by stop bars.

Slide hung type

This type of cross slide is entirely supported on the front and has no rear tool post. This enables a greater swing capacity to hold a large-diameter workpiece.

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF CAPSTAN LATHE

The workpiece is held in collet or chucks which are actuated hydraulically or pneumatically. All the needed tools are held in the respective holes on the turret head. The tool is moved with the help of the turret head according to the sequence of operations.

• Drilling, boring, turning, reaming, and threading tools are mounted on the turret head.
• Forming, chamfering, and knurling tools are mounted on the front end of the turret.
• The parting tool is mounted in an inverted position on the rear end of the turret.

After completing each operation, the turret head is moved back to its initial position, which indexes the tools automatically.

ADVANTAGES OF CAPSTAN LATHE

• The rate of production is higher.
• Different ranges of speeds are obtained.
• A more number of tools can be accommodated.
• Chucking of larger workpieces can be done.
• Operators of less skill are required, hence lowering the labor cost.
• Higher rigidity, so it can withstand heavy loads.