Headstock: Also known as the spindle head, its main function is to transmit the rotary motion from the main motor through a series of speed-changing mechanisms to achieve the required forward and reverse rotational speeds of the spindle. Simultaneously, the headstock also distributes some power to the feed box. The spindle in the headstock is a critical component of the lathe. The smoothness of the spindle's operation on the bearings directly affects the machining quality of the workpiece; if the spindle's rotational accuracy decreases, the machine tool's usability diminishes.
Feed Box: Also known as the toolbox, the feed box contains the speed-changing mechanism for the feed motion. Adjusting this mechanism allows for the acquisition of the desired feed rate or pitch. The motion is transmitted to the tool post for cutting via the lead screw or feed rod.
Lead Screw and Feed Rod: These connect the feed box and the apron, transmitting the feed box's motion and power to the apron, enabling longitudinal linear motion. The lead screw is specifically designed for turning various threads. When turning other surfaces of the workpiece, only the feed rod is used, not the lead screw. Students should distinguish between the feed rod and the leadscrew based on the information about the apron.
The slide box is the control box for the feed motion of a lathe. It contains a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the feed rod and the lead screw into the linear motion of the tool post. The longitudinal feed motion, transverse feed motion, and rapid traverse of the tool post are realized through the feed rod transmission, and the longitudinal linear motion of the tool post is driven by the lead screw to turn threads.
Tool Post: Composed of two sliding plates (medium and small plates), a saddle, and the tool post body. Used to mount the cutting tool and drive it in longitudinal, transverse, or oblique motion.
Tailstock: Mounted on the bed guideways and moves longitudinally along them to adjust its working position. The tailstock is mainly used to mount the tail center to support longer workpieces, and can also mount drills, reamers, etc., for hole machining.
Bed: A large, fundamental component of the lathe with high-precision guideways (v-shaped and flat guideways). Used to support and connect the various components of the lathe, ensuring accurate relative positions of each component during operation.
Cooling System: The cooling system primarily uses a cooling water pump to pressurize the cutting fluid in the water tank and spray it onto the cutting area to lower the cutting temperature, flush away chips, and lubricate the machined surface, thereby improving tool life and workpiece surface finish.
