Definition

Noun: 1. A cylindrical shaft or spindle: A mandrel is a solid, typically cylindrical, bar or shaft used as a core, support, or axis around which material is shaped, formed, or assembled. It provides a precise form for machining or holding a workpiece. 2. An axle for rotating parts: In machinery, a mandrel can be a rotating shaft that serves as the central axis for larger rotating components, such as gears or pulleys.

Usage

A mandrel is a tool used in manufacturing and machining. It is inserted into a workpiece to support it during operations like turning, grinding, or bending, ensuring the workpiece maintains its correct shape and dimensions. It is also the central shaft in certain types of machinery.

Examples

• As a tool for shaping:
  • The jeweler used a steel mandrel to shape the silver ring.
  • The tube was bent around a mandrel to prevent it from collapsing.
• As a rotating axis in machinery:
  • The grinding wheel is mounted on the mandrel of the machine.
  • The larger gear rotates on a fixed mandrel.

Advanced Usage

• "Expanding mandrel": A type of mandrel that can be expanded radially to grip the inside of a workpiece, allowing for precise machining of the outer surface.
  • The machinist used an expanding mandrel to hold the hollow cylinder securely.
• "Lathe mandrel": A mandrel specifically designed for use in a lathe, often used to hold workpieces that have a pre-bored hole.
  • The part was turned on a lathe mandrel to ensure concentricity.

Variants and Related Words

• Mandril (noun): An alternative, less common spelling of "mandrel."
• Arbor (noun): A very similar term, often used interchangeably with "mandrel," especially for a shaft that supports a rotating tool (like a milling cutter or saw blade).
• Spindle (noun): A general term for a rotating axis; a mandrel is a specific type of spindle.

Synonyms

• Shaft
• Axle
• Spindle
• Core
• Arbor

Related Phrases

• To mount on a mandrel: The action of placing a workpiece or tool onto a mandrel.
  • The abrasive wheel must be correctly mounted on a mandrel before use.
• Mandrel test: A test, often for ductility, where material is bent around a mandrel of a specified diameter.
  • The wire passed the mandrel test without cracking.

Noun

1. any of various rotating shafts that serve as axes for larger rotating parts