What Kind of Workpieces are Suitable for a Gap Bed Lathe?
What is a Gap Bed Lathe?
A Gap Bed Lathe Machine is a specialized version of the conventional horizontal lathe. It has a removable "gap" section in the bed near the headstock. This "sunken" design creates a layout that is high at both ends and low in the middle, looking like a saddle.
Because of this gap, the swing diameter in this specific area increases significantly. When a large-diameter Face Plate is used, a gap bed lathe can easily and securely clamp various irregularly shaped workpieces or flat components that would otherwise be too large for a standard lathe.
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Why Does Your Workshop Need It?
A Gap Bed Lathe maintains all the functions of a conventional lathe, such as turning and thread cutting. However, it offers unique advantages for special workpieces:
- Large Diameter Capacity: It is perfect for flat parts with a large radial size but short axial length. Examples include large flanges and disk-type parts, as well as various irregular-shaped workpieces.
- Multi-Process Integration: Beyond standard OD turning, ID turning, facing, and grooving, it also excels at drilling, boring, and reaming.
- Versatile Threading: It supports multiple thread types, including Metric, Inch, Module, and Diametral pitch.
- Target Users: It is ideal for R&D departments, maintenance workshops, and small-to-medium batch production companies.
How to Choose a Gap Bed Lathe at JingOne?
At JingOne Machine, we understand the strict requirements of different industries for machining ranges. We offer the classic CA series Gap Bed Lathe and the CW series Heavy Duty Gap Bed Lathe.
Here is the machining capacity list for our primary models:
| Model | CA6240 | CA6250 | CA6261 | CA6266 | CA6280 | CW6263B | CW6280B | CW6294B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Swing over bed | 400mm | 500mm | 610mm | 660mm | 800mm | 630mm | 800mm | 940mm |
| Max. Swing in gap | 630mm | 720mm | 830mm | 880mm | 1020mm | 830mm | 1000mm | 1140mm |
| Effective gap length | 210mm | 210mm | 210mm | 210mm | 210mm | 300mm | 300mm | 300mm |
| Max. Workpiece weight | 300kg | 300kg | 300kg | 300kg | 300kg | 1000kg | 1000kg | 1000kg |