Rolling-Element Guide Boosts Lathe Efficiency.

The article focuses on the contribution of Rolling-Element Guide in enhancing the efficiency of industrial lathe. To support heavy tools, the original design used V-groove slide guides. But the drawback was that these machines had to be accurately machined into the lathe table. Moreover, their poor anti- friction properties required large amounts of power and lubricating oil to function smoothly. By replacing the slide guides with heavy-duty, rolling-element guides, the manufacturer reduced machine assembly time and costs by almost a third. The new guides save design, machining, and assembly time. Besides offering greater efficiency and lower costs, the new guides also improves the lathe's tool-positioning accuracy and precision of travel.