APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISCHARGING CHIPS FROM A LATHE

摘要

A method and apparatus for removing chips from a workpiece on a lathe (44) including a spindle (40) with a through hole (46) formed therein, a chuck (52) having a through hole (54) formed therein and affixed adjacent a forward end (48) of the spindle, a cutting mechanism (56) cooperative with the chuck so as to remove metal chips from a workpiece (58) mounted on the chuck, and a coolant line (76, 78) connected to the cutting mechanism (56) and directed generally toward the through hole (54) of the chuck (52) so as to drive metal chips through the through hole (46) of the spindle (40) and outwardly of a rear end of the spindle. A guide sleeve (108) is positioned within the through hole (46) of the spindle (40) so as to be fixed and nonrotatable therewithin. The coolant line includes a high pressure coolant line (76) and a low pressure coolant line (78). The cutting system includes a turret (84) with a cutting tool (62) affixed to a station of the turret. The coolant line is connected to the turret (84) and extends so as to have an outlet adjacent to the cutting tool(62).