Experiment # 01
To Perform Alignment Test for a Lathe Machine
Objectives:
To learn how to check the Lathe Machine Alignment as well as Job Alignment.
To have hand on practice on lathe Machine alignment test
Tools used:
Lathe Machine
Vernier caliper
Dial indicator
Spirit level
Material used:
Smooth & fine surface cylindrical Rod
Theory Background:
Lathe Machine
A lathe is a machine tool that rotates a work piece about an axis of rotation to perform
various operations such as cutting, knurling, drilling, deformation, facing, and turning, with
tools that are applied to the work piece to create an object about that axis.
Types of lathes:
1. Engine lathe
2. Turret lathe
3. Special purpose lathe
Parts of lathe machine:
Head stock
It is present at the left-hand side of the lathe. It holds the gear train, main spindle, chuck, gear speed
control levers and feed controllers. It is aligned with the tailstock. The head stock is made up of cast
iron.
(i) Chuck
It is that part of lathe machine which is used to hold the work piece. It is attached to the main spindle
of the headstock. It rotates with the spindle and also rotates the work piece. In the lathe machine we
generally use three jaw or four jaw check. The three jaw of the three jaw chuck is made to move
simultaneously but the jaws of the four jaw chuck moves independently.
(ii) Main Spindle
This part of the lathe machine is used to hold cylindrical work piece within it. It is a hollow shaft on
which the chuck is mounted.
(iii) Feed Selector
It is used to select the direction of the feed i.e. whether we want to move the tool from left to right or
right to left. Feed selector is present on the headstock.
2. Tailstock
It is present at right hand side of the lathe. It is used to provide supports to the work piece. It supports
the work piece from one end i.e. right end.
3. Bed
It is the main part of the lathe. All the parts of the lathe are bolted on the bed. It comprises of
headstock, tailstock, carriage guide ways and other parts. It is made of cast iron.
4. Guide ways
Guide ways are present on the bed. As its name indicates it is used to guide the tail stock and
carriage. The tailstock and carriage, slides over the guide ways. It is an inverted V.
5. Carriage
The carriage is present in between the headstock and tailstock. It carries apron, saddle, compound
rest, cross slide and tool post.
(i) Tool Post: It is used to hold the tool. It has T-slot for holding the tool. Tool post is bolted on the
carriage.
(ii) Compound Rest: It is used to set the tool at desired angle for taper turning and other operations.
(iii) Cross Slide: The cross slide is used to move the tool perpendicular to the axis of the lathe.
(iv) Saddle: The top portion of the carriage is called saddle. Cross slide is mounted on the saddle.
(v) Apron: The front portion of the carriage is called apron. It contains all the moving and control
mechanism of the carriage.
6. Lead Screw
Lead screw is used to move the carriage automatically during threading.
7. Feed Rod
It is used to move the carriage from left to right and vice versa.
8. Chip Pan
Chip pan is used to collect the chips that are produced during the lathe operation. It is present at the
bottom of the lathe.
9. Hand Wheel
It is the wheel which is operated by hand to move cross slide, carriage, tailstock and other parts
which has hand wheel.
Procedure:
Basically, there are two Methods used for alignment
1. Machine Alignment check
2. Work piece Alignment check
Observation & Calculation:
Error in alignment in transverse direction = ___ mm
Error in alignment in longitudinal direction = ___ mm
Diameter of work piece clamped =
Precautions:
First read the Lathe Machine Tools safety measure.
Keep the tools on its allocated toolbox
check the job for tight clamp.
Wear tight clothes and fit shoes
Use goggles before using Machine
Wear apron while working on lathe
Alert and full concentration while working on lathe
Don’t sabotage the running operation
Switch off the machine after performing operations.
Remove the chip at job completion
Conclusion & Comments:
Student comments in this experiment.
Video URL for alignment Test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26X4YELiA0I
Open Ended Lab:
Investigate the alignment errors and aligned it.
