Abstract
The micro lathe having a machine base size of 150x100 mm (postcard size) was developed by the authors. The use of downsized machines for small parts is effective to decrease energy consumption and a space occupation. The cutting ability of this lathe is limited by the torque capacity of work spindle motor. Some cutting tests of brass aiming high efficiency were carried out with 3 conditions of which the product of cutting depth and feed was set constant. In case of the cutting depth is ø0.36 mm, the feed is 80 mm/min and the rotary speed of workpiece is 12000 min–1, the circularity and the roughness become 0.53 micron and 0.12 micronRa, respectively. The different tendency of measured curve of circularity is obtained depending on the diameter of workpiece.
