A Study on Retrofitting Conventional Lathe with CNC Technology

Retrofitting, CNC machine, industry 4.0, Conventional lathe machine, Automation, Low cost automation, value stream mapping

Authors

  • Sova Dootraj Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan
  • Dechen Tshomo Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan
  • Norden Wangchuk Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan

Abstract

The semi-automated conventional lathe machine is about to become obsolete as it does not meet the advance features of industry 4.0. Conventional lathe machine is widely used in educational institutes despite its limitations in precision and productivity. This
project focuses on retrofitting conventional lathe machine with the features of CNC technology by reducing the cost rather than buying a new CNC lathe machine. The objective of the project is to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting conventional lathe by examining the key components for retrofitting, designing their integrating parts and conducting a comprehensive cost analysis. The duration of the project evaluated by using value stream mapping and critical path method which is approximately 8 months. Further a case study was conducted to find out the retrofitting challenges. The result indicate that it is feasible to do the retrofitting of lathe with low cost by considering the initial cost, maintenance cost and set up cost.

Author Biographies

Sova Dootraj, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan

Dechen Tshomo, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan

Norden Wangchuk, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan

Downloads

Published

2026-02-28

How to Cite

Dootraj, S., Tshomo, D., & Wangchuk, N. (2026). A Study on Retrofitting Conventional Lathe with CNC Technology: Retrofitting, CNC machine, industry 4.0, Conventional lathe machine, Automation, Low cost automation, value stream mapping. JNEC Thruel Rig Sar Toed , 8(1), 34–48. Retrieved from https://trst.jnec.edu.bt/index.php/thruelrigsartoed/article/view/49

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): JNEC Thruel Rig Sar Toed

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 JNEC Thruel Rig Sar Toed

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

All articles published in JNEC Thruel Rig Sar Toed are registered under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.. unless otherwise mentioned. JNEC Thruel Rig Sar Toed allows unrestricted use of articles in any medium, reproduction, and distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and the source of publication.