Explain the working principle of Lathe, Drilling and Milling machine.

Working Principle of Lathe, Drilling, and Milling Machines


1. Lathe Machine Tool

Purpose: Used for producing cylindrical objects and performing metal cutting operations like turning, facing, threading, etc.

Working Principle:

A lathe machine works on the principle of a rotating workpiece and a stationary cutting tool.

  • The workpiece is held and rotated about its axis.
  • The cutting tool is fed in a linear direction, removing material in the form of chips.
  • This results in shaping the material into the desired size and form.

Main Parts:

  • Bed: Base of the machine.
  • Headstock: Houses the motor and spindle to rotate the work.
  • Tailstock: Supports the other end of the work or holds tools like drills.
  • Carriage: Holds and moves the cutting tool.
  • Feed Mechanism: Moves the tool automatically or manually.

Common Operations:

  • Turning
  • Facing
  • Knurling
  • Drilling
  • Thread cutting
  • Boring

2. Drilling Machine Tool

Purpose: To drill cylindrical holes in metal workpieces with precision and ease.

Working Principle:

A drilling machine works on the principle of rotating a drill bit to cut a hole in a stationary workpiece.

  • The rotating drill bit is fed into the material.
  • As the bit rotates and applies axial pressure, it cuts and removes material to create holes.

Main Parts:

  • Base: Supports the machine.
  • Column: Supports table and drill head.
  • Table: Holds the workpiece.
  • Drill Head: Contains the motor, spindle, and feed mechanism.

Common Operations:

  • Drilling
  • Reaming
  • Boring
  • Tapping
  • Countersinking
  • Spot facing

3. Milling Machine Tool

Purpose: To perform operations like cutting, slotting, gear shaping, keyways, and complex profiles.

Working Principle:

A milling machine works on the principle of a rotating multi-point cutter removing material from a stationary workpiece.

  • The workpiece is fed against a rotating cutter.
  • Material is removed in the form of small chips from the surface of the workpiece.

Types of Milling Operations:

  • Up Milling (Conventional Milling): Work is fed opposite to the direction of cutter rotation.
  • Down Milling (Climb Milling): Work is fed in the same direction as the cutter.

Main Parts:

  • Base: Foundation of the machine.
  • Column: Supports the spindle and overarm.
  • Knee: Vertical support that can move up and down.
  • Saddle: Mounted on the knee for crosswise movement.
  • Table: Holds the workpiece.
  • Arbor: Holds the rotating cutter.
  • Overhanging Arm: Supports the free end of the arbor.

Common Operations:

  • Face milling
  • Side milling
  • Slotting
  • Gear cutting
  • Profile milling

Comparison:

MachineTool MovementWork MovementOperation
LatheStationaryRotatesCylindrical turning & shaping
DrillRotatesStationaryHole making
MillingRotates (multi-point)Linear movement (via table)Cutting slots, surfaces, gears, etc.

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