Abstract: A number of annular or short tubular elements are obtained from an elongate tube having a length calculated as a multiple of the length of the elements. A tube is automatically transferred into a chuck of a twin-spindle lathe to turn the inner bore of an end portion of the tube. The end portion is then cut off the tube, thereby obtaining an annular element. The element is automatically reversed and fitted to a mandrel for turning its outer surface and its end where the cutting was performed. The so finished or partly-finished element is then automatically delivered to an outfeed conveyor. Such a sequence is repeated cyclically until the last portion of the tube is processed, leaving no waste tips of the tube. A numerically controlled lathe for performing the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The chuck, the bar which operates it, and the cylinder and piston assembly which moves the bar are axially hollow and form a vertical duct which is open at the top next to the workpiece and which is open at the bottom over a conveyor with a filter and a unit for collecting and pumping the cutting fluid. The chips from the piece are channelled and removed downwards through the said duct by at least one jet of fluid at high pressure, which has a location and direction such that it strikes the chip after its formation without interfering with the normal jet of fluid at low pressure which is applied to the tool. The said jet or jets of fluid at high pressure consist of the same cutting fluid as that which is directed against the tool at low pressure. The chips leaving the lower end of the said duct fall on to the conveyor which removes them and separates them from the cutting fluid which, when suitably filtered, is returned to circulation by low-pressure and high-pressure pumps.