Pivot Points
Centers and pivot points for lathes
Centers, also known as centers, are tools that are part of the auxiliary equipment of industrial lathes and are designed to support the base part undergoing the turning process.
An industrial lathe is a machine tool used to machine parts made of various materials to produce finished products that can be used for any activity, including industrial operations.
To perform a turning technique, based on specific shape and design parameters, the machine tool rotates the work material while simultaneously executing feed movements of the selected cutting tool.
Revolving points or centers are those accessories that are attached to components of the main structure of the lathe, such as the heads or the tailstock, to hold the work material during the procedure.
Pivot points, specifically, are those elements located in the tailstock, a section that supports the lathe during machining between two points. Pivot points, as their name suggests, rotate on the same axis as the workpiece.
Characteristics of rotating points
Rotary points come in a variety of designs, distinguished primarily by the quality and precision they guarantee. These models range from the most basic for simple procedures to models with a wide variety of specifications and benefits for more complex processes.
Some of the features or functionalities that are taken into account when talking about rotating points in the different machining processes are the following:
- They are usually made of resistant materials, such as alloy steel, to minimize the effects of wear.
- They have precision bearings to ensure maximum concentricity of the material and much more effective results.
- They can support large amounts of load weight and work at high speeds, depending on the model and material.
- They come in various designs, including standard-tip shafts, copier-tip shafts, and special couplings, to suit the requirements of each part.
- They do not usually require maintenance, as they have their own constant lubrication system and a seal that prevents the penetration of contaminants or foreign bodies.
The main function of rotary points is to provide precision to the machining process , and their selection will always be subject to the characteristics of the work material, the specific turning technique to be developed, and the established manufacturing and production needs.
