SUBJECT:-PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY (MECH.
2ND YEAR)
NAME:-ABHAY SUNDRIYAL DATE:-07/04/2020
Capstan and Turret Lathe
A capstan and turret lathe is a production lathe. It is used to manufacture any
number of identical pieces in the minimum time.
In semi-automatic lathes machining operations are done automatically.
Functions other than machining like loading and unloading of a job, the positioning of
tools coolant operations are done manually. The turret head is mounted on the ram
fitted with turret slides longitudinally on the saddle.
Turret head has a hexagonal block having six faces with a bore for mounting six or
more than six tools at a time. The threaded hole on these faces is used to hold the
tools.
In the case of a Capstan Lathe, the hexagonal turret is mounted on a short slide or
ram which again fitted with a saddle. The saddle can be move accordingly throughout
the bed ways and can be fixed to the bed if necessary.
It is specially used for bar type jobs. But in the case of Turret Lathe, the hexagonal
turret directly mounted on the saddle. The saddle can be move through the bed ways.
Turret lathe is generally used for chucking type work.
Diagram of a Capstan Lathe:
Diagram of a Turret 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.
According to the sequence of operation, the tool is moved with the help of a turret head.
Drilling, boring, turning, reaming, threading tools are mounted on the turret head.
Capstan and Turret Lathe Advantages:
The advantages of Capstan and Turret Lathe is the following:
The rate of production is higher
Different ranges of speeds are obtained.
A number of tools can be accommodated.
Chucking of larger workpieces can be done.
Operators of less skill are required hence lowers the labor cost.
Higher rigidity so can withstand heavy loads.
Bar Feeding Mechanism in Capstan and Turret Lathe:
In the bar feeding mechanism, the bar is pushed after the chuck is released without
stopping the Lathe Machine. We use this mechanism for minimizing the setting time.
The bar is passed through the pedestal bushing, bar holding chuck, headstock spindle,
and the collet chuck.
The collet chuck is screwed on the headstock spindle and holding the feed bar and also helps the
bar to rotates as per spindle speed.
Bar holding chuck rotates within the sliding block with the rotation of the feeding bar.
Also, you can see a rope and a deadweight in this mechanism.
One side of the rope is attached with the sliding block with the help of pin and another
side of rope passes through 2 different pulleys and then connecting with a deadweight
at its end.
So now when the collet chuck released by the lever the dead weight tends to move in the
downward direction, due to this it exerts thrust on the bar holding chuck and feed the bar until it
touches the workshop.
As we already have seen that Capstan Lathe is best for bar types jobs that’s why we are generally
seeing Bar Feeding Mechanism on Capstan Lathe.
Difference Between Capstan and Turret Lathe Machine:
S NO. Capstan Lathe Turret Lathe
1. In capstan lathe, the turret tool head is In turret lathe, the turret tool
mounted over the ram and that is head is mounted over the saddle
mounted over the saddle. like a single unit.
2. For providing feed to the tool, ram is For providing feed to the tool,
moved. a saddle is moved.
3. Capstan lathe is a Lightweight machine. Turret Lathe is a Lightweight
machine.
4. The turret head cannot be moved in The turret head can be moved crosswise i.e.
the lateral direction of the bed. in the lateral direction of bed in some turret
lathe.
5. In capstan lathe, the collet is used In turret lathe, power Jaw chuck
to gripping the Job. is used to gripping the Job.
6. Capstan lathe is usually horizontal Turret lathes are available
lathes. in horizontal and vertical lathes.
7. Because of no saddle displacement, Turret tool head moves along
Movement of turret tool head over the with the saddle over the entire
longitudinal direction of bed is small bed in the longitudinal direction.
along with the ram.
8. For indexing turret tool head, the For indexing turret tool head, a
handwheel of the ram is reversed and turret is rotated manually after
turret tool index automatically. releasing clamping lever.
9. Capstan lathe working operations are Turret lathe working operations
faster because of lighter in construction. are slower because of heavier in
constructions.
10. Capstan lathe used for shorter Turret lathe used for longer
workpiece because of limited ram workpiece because of saddle
movement. movement along the bed.
11. In Capstan lathe used for machining In Turret lathe used for
workpiece up to 60 mm diameter. machining workpiece up to 120
mm in diameter.
12. Heavy cuts on the workpiece cannot be Heavy cuts on the workpiece can
given because of non-rigid construction. be given because of
the rigid construction of the
machine.
Let’s see the difference between Capstan and Turret Lathe from
the Engine Lathe:
S NO. ENGINE LATHE CAPSTAN AND TURRET LATHE
1. The direction of rotation is mostly It can rotate in both directions.
anti-clockwise
2. Required less power as these Requied 4-5 times more power because of
machines are design for doing a handaling 2-3 operations at a time.
single operation at a time.
3. Less number of spindle speed The vast amount of spindle speeds are
available in these types of lathe available
4. Setting and machining time is Setting and machining time for mass
higher. production is very less, as its handle
sevaral operation at a time.
5. The skilled operator needed. Semi-skilled operators can be run the
machine
6. The lead screw present in these Lead screw is not present but short
types of lathe is long threads can be easily cut by chaser.
7. Any type of taper turning can be Only short length taper can be done with
done by this machine the help of the form tool.
