Why are rotary lip seals and ball bearings used in lathe machine?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reasons for using rotary lip seals and ball bearings in the input and output shafts of lathe machines. Participants explore the implications of potentially replacing these components with alternatives, such as dry running bronze bushes, and consider the characteristics of different bearing types.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the necessity of rotary lip seals and ball bearings, suggesting that understanding the consequences of using alternatives like bronze bushes could clarify their importance.
  • There is speculation about the type of ball bearings used in lathes, with a suggestion that radial ball bearings are preferred due to their ability to handle radial loads and some axial loads, while being cheaper to produce than roller bearings.
  • One participant mentions the importance of keeping oil contained in the bearing area and references experiences with machinery where contact with oil was discouraged to protect components like motor belts.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the purpose of the inquiry, with some suggesting that the question may lack depth or context, potentially indicating a homework-related query.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the reasons for using rotary lip seals and ball bearings, with multiple competing views and uncertainties expressed regarding the implications of using alternative components.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including a lack of specific details about the types of seals and bearings that could be used as alternatives, as well as the absence of clear reasoning or context behind the inquiry into these components.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals involved in mechanical engineering, maintenance of lathe machines, or those considering modifications to machinery components.

sorayahya
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The title says it all Why are rotary lip seals and ball bearings used in the input and output shafts of a lathe machine?
 
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Why do you want to know? Are you considering replacing ball bearings with dry running bronze bushes??! Considering what might happen if you do that could answer your question.
 
Unrest said:
Why do you want to know? Are you considering replacing ball bearings with dry running bronze bushes??! Considering what might happen if you do that could answer your question.

Well what I want to know is why exactly are rotary lip seals and ball bearings used and not any other seal and bearing type?
 
not sure what type of ball bearings are used in lathes but I am thinking radial, which means that they permit radial loads and a little bit of axial. then another good thing is that they are cheaper to produce than roller bearings(which don't tolerate axial loads).

now I am guessing that the radial shaft seals are used so that the oil is contained in the bearing area of the shaft. i know from uni that motor belts arent supposed to come into contact with oil or any other sharp objects, and i remember from last year when i worked on a MORI SEIKI over the summer that its really important nothing comes into contact with the belt, even when vacuuming the engine compartment i wasnte allowed to touch the belt with the vacuum cleaners nozzle.

if any of my points are wrong someone please correct me
 
sorayahya said:
Well what I want to know is why exactly are rotary lip seals and ball bearings used and not any other seal and bearing type?

As I said, if you see what would happen with a bronze bush, you'll know why those aren't used. And that will give you insight into why ball bearings are used. Similarly, consider what would happen with some other seal type.

Can I ask again what this is for?
 
Unrest said:
As I said, if you see what would happen with a bronze bush, you'll know why those aren't used. And that will give you insight into why ball bearings are used. Similarly, consider what would happen with some other seal type.

Can I ask again what this is for?

Because I want to change some parts so I wanted to know If I can put a better seal and bearing.
 
Are you asking for the same reason you were asking about why oil is used in a car engine? This seems like another vaguely worded question with no purpose other than homework, without showing any thoughts or reasoning you might have had on the matter.
 

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