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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-03-07 Origin: Site
MAXNOVO MACHINE Tips : Conventional Machines and CNC Machines feature a number of intricate moving parts, and lathe machines are no exception. There is the motor in the lathe headstock driving the spindle, which may rotate thousands of times per minute. Add to that the slide for the tailstock on the lathe bed, and you’ve got lots of moving parts all generating friction – and in theory, needing some oil to keep things moving. So which kind of oil is best to use? Do lathes require specialized oils, and if so, what makes them special? In this post, we will cover a bit about lathe oils, what they are, and how to use them.
When it comes to lubricating the intricate moving parts of lathe machines, choosing the right oil is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, there are some key considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it's important to select oils specifically designed for machine tools like lathes. These oils are formulated to withstand the high-speed rotation and heavy loads typically encountered in machining operations. They often have additives that enhance lubricity, reduce friction, and provide better protection against wear and corrosion.
One common type of oil used in lathe machines is way oil. Way oil is specially formulated to lubricate the sliding surfaces, such as the carriage and tailstock, on the lathe bed. It has high adhesive properties, which help it stay in place and provide continuous lubrication even under heavy loads and high speeds.
For the spindle and bearings in the headstock, spindle oil is typically used. Spindle oil is designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated by the rotating spindle while providing excellent lubrication and cooling.
When selecting oils for your lathe machine, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications. Using the wrong type of oil or using oils with incorrect viscosity can lead to premature wear, reduced performance, and potential damage to the machine.
The short version first: you can’t just drop some old car engine oil into your lathe and call it good. You’ll want a particular viscosity on your oil, and you’ll want it to a particular standard. Those standards are set by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), and the same standards apply across the industry. This simplifies things a bit,you just need to determine what viscosity oil you need for your lathe, and find an oil that matches that standard.
The well-known standardization institutes ISO (International Standards Organization), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung = German Institute for Standardization), and others, started an attempt to create a common viscosity classification. The result is known as the International Standards Organisation Viscosity Grade - ISO VG.
This classification applies mainly for use with industrial lubrication. The viscosity of each grade ranges ± 10 % from the mid-point. The step inbetween two subsequent viscosity grades is approx. 50 % of the lower one. The temperature of 40 °C is related to the operating temperature in machinery.
The ISO viscosity classification uses mm2/s (cSt) unit and relates to viscosity at 40 °C (1 mm2/s = equals 1 cSt). It consists of a series of 18 viscosity brackets between 1.98 mm2/s and 1650 mm2/s, each of which is defined by a number. The number indicate to the nearest whole number, the mid points of their corresponding brackets. This is illustrated in the table below, which shows the ISO viscosity grade numbers, the mid-points of each bracket, and the viscosity limits. This system is now used to classify all industrial lubricating oils where viscosity is an important criterion in the selection of the oil. Cutting oil and some other specialized products are more important in relation to grade selection.
The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) have issued specifications and recommendations for gear lubricants used in various types of gear application. AGMA Standard 250.04 details specifications for rust and oxidation inhibited (R and O) and extreme-pressure (EP) lubricants used in enclosed gear drives. The viscosity brackets correspond to those given in ASTM D2422 “Standard Recommended Practice for Viscosity System for Industrial Fluid Lubricants”.
AGMA Viscosity Grades for Enclosed Gearing :
ISO 68
What is the recommended viscosity for lathe oil? The preferred standard for most machinists is ISO 68 hydraulic, non-detergent gear oil. Confused ? Let us break it down a bit. As mentioned, this refers to the viscosity of the oil, as measured against ISO standards. The right viscosity of the oil is critical to ensure that the oil reaches all the necessary parts and keeps them moving smoothly.
Hydraulic oils and hydraulic fluids help the transfer of power in hydraulic systems. They also are typically mineral-oil based. Mineral oils are derived from petroleum, but by a slightly different process – typically a distillate process.
The engine oil in your car likely contains a number of additives, known as detergents. These additives are intended to help keep the engine running clean and clear by attracting any stray particles and allowing them to be caught by the oil filter. This system works well in most automobiles but isn’t ideal on smaller and more delicate motors. Non-detergent oils are free from any additives. Add all this together, and what do you need for your lathe? An oil with a fairly heavy viscosity, ISO 68, mineral-oil based, intended for use in hydraulic systems, and without any additives.
Avoid using grease on your lathe. Grease will attract shavings and cuttings, trapping them against your lathe machine and causing gunky build-ups and extra wear. If you see something that looks like a grease nipple, it’s almost certainly for oil instead. I know – we just said the opposite. There is one part that might require some grease from time to time – the main spindle, where it passes through the bearings on the headstock. Most instruction manuals will call for a small amount of grease on this part but use it sparingly.
Slide-way Oils
The ISO 68 oil appears to be the most commonly-accepted lathe oil for headstocks. Slide-ways on the lathe bed may require something a little bit lighter, to prevent any sticking in the middle of a delicate adjustment. Try your ISO 68 oil first, however, in case it does work and you can save the hassle of purchasing entirely different oil.
Absolutely, getting the viscosity correct matters much more than the brand when it comes to lathe oil. While different machinists may have their favorite brands, what truly matters is finding the right viscosity for the job at hand. That's the key to keeping your lathe machine running smoothly and producing high-quality work.
