Lathe Cutting.
Lathe Cutting is the specialized process for producing precision washers, seals, and bushings from cylindrical elastomer stock. This method involves rotating a cured tube of material on a high-speed mandrel while precision blades and grinding tools are used to achieve exact dimensions.
- Lathe cutting produces precision washers, seals, and bushings by rotating a cured tube of elastomer stock on a high-speed mandrel while blades and grinding tools achieve exact dimensions.
- It is designed for elastomers extruded or molded into tubes, including Viton, Neoprene, EPDM, Silicone, Nitrile (Buna-N), Natural Rubber, and SBR.
- We grind the outer diameter for roundness and then cut to exact thickness, giving square edges and tight dimensional consistency with no tooling charges.
Request a quote for lathe cutting.
The benefits of lathe cutting.
Lathe cutting offers distinct technical advantages for circular components:
Dual-Action Precision. One of the greatest benefits of this process is the ability to perform a two-step sizing operation. We can first grind the outer diameter (OD) of the tube to a specific size, ensuring perfect roundness and diameter. Once the OD is set, we return with a precision blade to cut the part to the exact thickness required.
Superior Edge Squareness. Because the cutting blade enters the material while it is rotating on a mandrel, the resulting edges are perfectly perpendicular to the part's faces. This eliminates the concave or hourglass effect common in die-cut rubber.
No Tooling Charges. Lathe cutting typically does not require a custom die. We utilize adjustable machine settings and existing mandrels, making it a cost-effective solution for precision washers, even in low-to-medium volumes.
Exceptional Dimensional Consistency. The process allows for extremely tight control over both the diameter and the width of the part. Since the OD is ground and the thickness is indexed mechanically, every piece in a run remains identical.