Which of the following statements best describes a special-purpose lathe used for heavy-duty applications?

Question

Question

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RRB JE CBT 2 (Mechanical Engineering) ReExam Official Paper (Held On: 04 Jun, 2025)

A wheel lathe is designed for machining railway wheels, including journals and treads
A gap bed lathe is mainly used for cutting small, high-precision components.
A missile lathe is designed for lightweight parts with small diameters.
A T-lathe is used for machining flat plates and sheet metal components.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Special-Purpose Lathe:

A special-purpose lathe is designed for specific machining applications that cannot be efficiently performed using standard lathes. These machines are tailored for specialized tasks, offering enhanced precision, productivity, and functionality in handling unique or heavy-duty machining requirements. Among the various types of special-purpose lathes, a wheel lathe stands out for heavy-duty applications, particularly in machining railway components like wheels, journals, and treads.

Key Features of Wheel Lathes:

Heavy-Duty Design: Wheel lathes are robust and designed to machine large, heavy components, ensuring stability and precision during operation.
Specialized Machining: They are equipped with tools and features specifically for machining railway wheels, including their journals and treads.
Precision and Efficiency: These lathes ensure accurate machining of components, which is critical for the safe operation of railway systems.
Automated Functions: Many modern wheel lathes come with automation features for enhanced productivity and reduced manual intervention.

Applications:

Machining railway wheels to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
Repairing worn-out journals and treads of railway wheels.
Ensuring the safety and reliability of railway components by maintaining strict tolerances.