Precision Benchtop Lathe Systems

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General

With a high level of precision in a small package, these lathes offer accuracy, repeatability, and versatility for many applications. We integrate the lathes with chambers and glove boxes or they are pre-packaged with a workstation for a complete welding system. The precision headstock rotation provides the required motion for a wide range of components from aerospace engine parts to end cap welding on metal hoses.

Coupled with our advanced weld controls, the lathes are highly customizable and versatile. They are configurable for circumferential welding, OD cladding, and even longitudinal welding using PAW, GTAW, GMAW, and Variable Polarity welding processes.

Capacities

The Precision Benchtop Lathes are purpose built to provide automated circumferential welding in a compact yet precise package. The lathes have the following capacities and capabilities:


  • Part Length: The maximum part length is 18 in (457 mm).

  • Part Diameter: The maximum part diameter (OD) that can fit within the workspace is 16 in (406 mm).

  • Part Clamping: The headstock is equipped with a manual chuck with a 6 in (152 mm) outer diameter clamping capacity.

  • Part Weight: Maximum weight capacity of 250 lb (113 kg) when headstock and tailstock are both being used

  • Headstock Rotation: Driven by a servo motor with encoder feedback, backlash is a maximum of 5 arc minutes.

  • Headstock Speed: Capable of 0 to 20 RPM.

  • Torch Lift: Precision motorized slide with 6 in (152 mm) of vertical adjustment.

  • Torch Tilt: Manual torch tilting of +/- 45 degrees to provide fillet welding capability.

  • Centerline Adjustment: Pneumatic slide with up to 6 in (152 mm) of In/Out (Y-Axis) motion for positioning the torch over the centerline of the part.

  • Tailstock Motion: Manually adjustable along the length of the rails (X-Axis) with a hand brake to lock the tailstock into position.

  • Tailstock Clamping: Pneumatically controlled and adjustable up to 190 lb (845 N) at 100 psi (6.89 bar)

Additional features are available to increase the capabilities of this Benchtop Lathe. Please see the Optional Features section for more information.

Advantages

The Precision Benchtop Lathe offers the following benefits over manual welding or non-automated welding systems:


  • The precision rotation of the headstock and motorized torch lift provides controllable motion for performing single or multi-pass circumferential welds without additional setup or stopping in between passes.

  • The torch tower is servo motor driven which allows for programmable location. This is essential for performing multiple welds on the same part with only one weld program. This increases productivity because a separate program does not have to be loaded for each weld, and the torch does not have to be manually repositioned for each weld.
  • The lathe is designed to be compact and self-contained. A workstation is included for mounting the headstock and tailstock, which also includes an equipment platform for the welding power supply and electronic components. This makes the system more portable while also minimizing trip hazards.

  • Once a program is created, it is repeated by simply pressing the Start button on the Controller until a new program is loaded. This increases throughput for large volume part runs.

  • These lathes are versatile. They can be used for a range of applications such as:
    • Circumferentially welding end caps
    • Cladding the outside of a part
    • Welding additional components to the outside of parts such as stiffener rings
    • Longitudinal welds

Controls

XM Controller
The XM Controller integrates into all of the major programmable components of the lathe. The following axes of motion and components are integrated into the system:


  • Headstock Rotation: The Rotary Module integrates with the servo motor driven headstock to provide programmable motion with override capabilities. The rotation can be programmed by degrees, RPM, or time. Continuous and jogging rotation are also available through the control panel on the XM.

  • Torch Tower: The Linear Motion Module integrates with the servo motor driven torch tower to provide programmable horizontal motion (X-Axis) with override capabilities. The motion can be programmed by distance (absolute or incremental) or time and includes jogging capability. This axis also includes mechanical oscillation to increase weld joint profile and cap-pass capabilities.

  • Welding Power Supply: The power supply is integrated with the XM via a module for programming and controlling the current or voltage.

  • Gas Control: Manual flow meters and a gas solenoid provide a constant gas flow rate. A soft button activates gas at the default flow rate until the button is deactivated or until the end of the weld program.

  • Wire Feeder: AMET’s precision wire feed assembly and wire feed module offer control over wire speed and wire retract.

Pneumatic Control:

  • Tailstock Clamping: Clamping force adjustable up to 190 lb (845 N) with a stroke up to 3 in (76 mm).
  • Centerline Adjustment: A pneumatic slide is utilized to provide centerline adjustment of the weld head.

Manual Control:

  • Tailstock Motion: The tailstock is manually adjustable along the length of the track and includes manual brakes.

Standard Features
Optional Features
End Use Applications

Standard Features on Precision Benchtop Lathe Systems


1

The precision headstock provides programmable and controllable rotation for part welding. The headstock features a manual 3-jaw chuck for holding the OD of parts up to 6 in (152 mm). The speed is controllable from 0 to 20 RPM.

2

A pneumatic slide is included for horizontal motion of the torch. When activated, the slide quickly moves the torch towards the centerline of the lathe. This motion can be programmed into the weld schedule to facilitate part loading and unloading, or controlled manually.

3

The vertical torch motion is provided by a precision motorized slide. The vertical motion is programmable for torch retraction after the weld to aid in part loading and unloading, and height adjustments for multi-pass welds.

4

The tailstock features pneumatic clamping to help hold the two pieces of the part in place during welding. The clamping is performed by a pneumatic cylinder that extends the tailstock horizontally towards the headstock to apply pressure to the two halves of the part being welded. The tailstock includes a live center to eliminate wobble during rotation.

5

Precision rails are included for both the tailstock and torch tower motion to ensure smooth and accurate positioning along the length of the lathe.

6

The lathe includes a workstation that provides a mounting location for the lathe assembly as well as the weld equipment. The welding power supply and other equipment are mounted beneath the workstation tabletop to provide a complete system that can easily be moved with a forklift. Only 1 pneumatic hose, 1 gas line, and 1 power circuit are required for this system to operate.

Bench lathe cleaned numbered sized

Optional Features on Precision Benchtop Lathe Systems


Offline programming
Offline Programming Software

Weld programs can be created, modified, or stored on a PC. These programs can be moved back and forth between the controller and the PC using a USB storage device or through an Ethernet connection. This software can increase productivity by allowing programs to be created/edited while the weld controller is executing another weld program.

Dual torches
Additional Torch Tower

An additional torch can be added to the system to perform two welds simultaneously to increase productivity. For example, two end caps can be welded at the same time.

Large weld screen
Weld Screens

Weld screens can be added to the perimeter of the workstation to help prevent exposure to the arc by other operators or workers on the factory floor.

3 jaw chuck
Manual Chuck for Tailstock

A manual chuck and an adapter plate are added to the tailstock faceplate to provide manual part gripping/holding on both ends of the lathe. The tailstock would still be equipped with the same amount of longitudinal clamping capacity.

Amet camera light attached smaller
Arc Viewing Camera

Arc Viewing Cameras can be added to a GTAW/PAW system giving the operator a view of the weld arc from a remote location. This keeps the operator in a safe location and reduces operator stress and fatigue. Additionally the image that is shown on the monitor is magnified and shows greater detail than what could be observed without the camera. Multiple cameras may be integrated for projects where a view of the lead and trail side of the weld zone is required. Please see the Arc Viewing Camera page for additional information.

Data acquistion
Data Acquisition and Tolerance Checking Software

Data is collected and analyzed in real-time to ensure all modules are within the set tolerances. The data points can be displayed graphically on the display and can also be exported as a .csv file and viewed on a program such as Microsoft Excel. These files can be exported through one of the USB or Ethernet ports on the XM or XPro Controller.

Avc module
AVC for GTAW/PAW System

An AVC (Arc Voltage Control) Module is added to provide the weld head with automatic arc standoff. The module provides automatic height adjustments to maintain a consistent arc voltage throughout the entire weld, including automatic adjustments on multi-pass welds.

Plc controls opt
PLC Controls

We integrate components into our controls for automating additional functions other than the welding process. These components include safety equipment such as automatic weld screens or curtains that are programmable to automatically open and close at the end or beginning of each weld. We can also integrate additional tooling such as automated part loading equipment.

Virtual alignment
Virtual Alignment (Teaching Mode)

The operator can “teach” a weld path by manually moving the weld torch along the seam and selecting points. Up to 20 points can be selected to create a circumferential, longitudinal, or combination weld path. After all of the desired points are selected, the system will retrace each one to create a custom weld path. This can be helpful if parts or materials vary or have unique joint configurations. The path can be repeated for multiple pass welds, or offsets can be applied to repeat the motions of the original path in a new location.

Purge solenoid
Integrated ID Purge/Backing Gas

The headstock includes a thru hole for the inclusion of an additional gas line for backing gas or a purge system. This package includes a gas union, digital solenoid, manual flow meter, and a gas line from the solenoid to the gas union. The digital solenoid is integrated with the XM for programmable and manual on/off control of the gas.

Mechanical oscillation opt
Mechanical Oscillation

A precision servo motor driven ball screw slide with encoder feedback provides mechanical oscillation. The oscillation motion is completely programmable including dwell time, oscillation frequency and width, and travel speed.

Mag oscillator clean sized 1
Magnetic Oscillation

Magnetic probe is used to deflect the arc back and forth in a stirring motion for excellent sidewall tie in. The arc can also be deflected and maintained in a set position. This can be beneficial for fillet or otherwise hard-to-reach joints. Dwell time, oscillation frequency, and width are all programmable from AMET controls. Compatible with both magnetic and non-magnetic materials.

Bore torch
Spiral Path and Step-Index Cladding

The vertical or horizontal axis is integrated with the rotary axis to provide precise cladding motion. We offer both Spiral Path, and Step-Index cladding options. Spiral welds begin at the bottom of the part and spiral upward until the defined height is reached. Step-Index clads in a straight line for each revolution of the part. After each revolution is completed, the torch steps upward and begins the next pass. The pitch of the spiral and the step height are programmable.

Barcode scanner
Bar Code Program Selection

Weld programs can be automatically selected by scanning a bar code associated with a specific part. This can help eliminate the incorrect program being loaded and run. Beneficial if many different parts are to be welded and operator needs to frequently switch between weld programs. Includes the bar code scanner and the necessary software to integrate with the XM or XPro Controller.

End Uses For Precision Benchtop Lathe Systems


Exhaust main
Steel Hose Manufacturing

AMET has helped clients automate their welding processes for steel hose manufacturing. Seam welding is an efficient way of producing custom tubing from thin wall steel and stainless steel for use in a wide range of industrial and exhaust applications. Once welded, the tube may be outfitted with specialized end fittings or hydroformed into corrugated tube for flexible connections.

Jet engine
Engine Components

Precision engine components for the aerospace industry have tight tolerances and strict quality control. Precision motion and repeatability are essential when manufacturing these components. AMET's servo controlled axes of motion are well-suited to meet such stringent requirements.

Pipe fittings
Pipe Fittings

AMET's automated welding systems offer several options for welding pipe fittings such as tees, elbows, and flanges with butt or socket joint configurations.

Hydraulic cylinder
Hydraulic Cylinders

Circumferential welds are necessary to join the cylinder and the end cap fixture. AMET's lathes are ideal for welding hydraulic components like these because they can be set up to accommodate a wide range of weld processes and cylinder sizes.

Pipe cladding 1
Pipe Cladding

ID and OD pipe cladding are available on our systems. We offer spiral and step-index cladding to fulfill the needs of most applications.