Estimation of machining time for Lathe machine operations

Lathe machines are one of the most commonly used machines in manufacturing shops for turning, facing, boring, threading and allied operation. Cylindrical or profiled round components (symmetrical about an axis)  is a major class of components required for all kinds of machineries / equipment. Lathe machines in variety of forms,  of various sizes and capacities, configurations, including CNC control, are versatile machines. Capstan, turret, automats are the high productivity, settable versions of basic centre  lathe, and are still in use in spite of take- over by CNC turning machines.

Estimating time that will be required for completing various operations, is essential for many reasons. Predicting delivery time, calculating cost of operation, production planning, are some of the reasons. Generally this is the responsibility of a person associated with production dept. viz production engineer, shift supervisor, shift engineer, and production manager level persons. In procurement dept / purchase dept, the vendor development engineer also need to know this. Ultimately, calculating the production cost of any product is the aim of collecting cost data at every stage of manufacturing. Machining operation cost is a major cost head.

Hence machining time estimation has assumed immense significance. Also it suggest factors which can reduce manufacturing cost. Value analysis techniques can be used for that.

Persons having the capability of doing this are always preferred by industry. Manufacturing cost of any product is very important and essential information for every manufacturer. Selling price of any product is generally 'Cost-based'.  

Lathe uses one of the basic cutting action i.e. "Rotating job - sliding tool', using single point cutting tool. Selecting proper feed, RPM, depth of cut etc need sufficient skill.   

This short course is designed to impart essential skill required to calculate the of time each operation needs for finishing machined components. It explains the process involved in calculation, step by step and formulae used.  

This knowledge is very essential for all who are associated with manufacturing activities in any capacity, Viz •

·        Engineers responsible for production related activities 

·        Purchase / vendor development engineers 

·        Middle level managers responsible for day to day smooth operation of manufacturing activities as per production plan and within budgeted costs. 

·        Fresh engineers looking for job. This course will improve their employability. 

·        Owners / Directors of small and micro scale industries 

·        Final year students of engineering colleges.   

·        Persons planning for start up

This knowledge will further help in cost analysis and possibility of cost reduction improving marketability of their products. Suggestions for time reduction without hampering quality are always welcome by companies and are rewarded directly or indirectly like more responsible positions, higher remunerations. 

It is advisable to do similar course on Milling machines operations since that machine is also widely used by industry. Other useful course will be on Tool Signature.