What you need to know about CNC lathe

 

Introduction to CNC Lathes

Want to learn all about CNC lathes, but not sure where to start? Well, you've come to the right place!  

For those new to the industry, the variety, size and specialized uses of CNC (computer numerical control) machines used in manufacturing can be incredible - from lathes, mills and multi-axis machines to other machine tools.

To help you better understand what each type of tool is used for and how to use them, we're starting a new series on the basics of CNC machines.

In this article, we will focus on CNC lathes, including the following.

- Definition of a CNC lathe

- CNC lathe parts

- Uses of CNC lathes

- Programming a CNC lathe

- Types of CNC lathe

- Price of CNC Lathe

Lathes are considered the workhorse of manufacturing and have been around since the 19th century. Unlike their predecessors, today's CNC lathes are more sophisticated and automated.

The power factories around the world and are used for a wide range of applications.

 

Definition of CNC Lathe

So, what is a CNC lathe?

A CNC lathe, which operates using a computer numerical control (CNC) system and provides precise design instructions, is a machine tool in which the material or part is clamped and rotated by a spindle, while the tool that processes the material is mounted and moves various axes.

CNC lathes are typically used to machine parts where the material/part is clamped and rotated while the cutting tools are fixedly mounted for OD (outside diameter) and ID (inside diameter) operations, such as shafts and pipes. They are very suitable for parts with the same symmetry around an axis which can be stuck in the spindle (i.e. radial clamping).

A simple CNC lathe runs on 2 axes with the tool in a fixed position on a turret of 8 to 24 stations. The rotating action of the part is called "turning", so some types of CNC lathes are called CNC lathes.

Milling (where the tool moves around a fixed workpiece), boring and tapping (a tool that cuts threads in a hole) tools are usually driven by a separate drive system within the turret. Depending on the application, life tools (i.e. active tools) are mounted for axial or radial direction of operation. These can be found in 3-axis CNC lathes or CNC lathes.

Lathes with additional options, such as Y-axis, sub-spindle or specific selected automation options, are often called turning centers. These sophisticated machines are capable of machining complex parts - they go beyond the standard OD and ID turning operations and can combine milling, drilling and tapping operations to complete the part in one setup. From raw material to finished product, these integrated machines dramatically increase productivity.


CNC lathe - what you need to know

 

The different parts of a CNC lathe

What are the different parts of a CNC lathe and how do these different components of a CNC machine fit together?

In general, CNC lathes have the following main configurations.

● Horizontal

● Vertical

● Inclined bed

● Flat bed

● Standard

● Multi-axis

● Other types, such as Swiss-type, multi-axis, B-axis

 Depending on their configuration, CNC lathes may have the following components.

 

Beds

The bed of a CNC lathe or CNC turning center forms the main foundation of the entire machine. It is the place where the different components of the machine are mounted. For example, the spindle frame that houses the machine's spindle; the tailstock body; the X and Z axis slides; the optional Y axis; and the sub-spindle.

 

Spindle

Often referred to as the heart of the machine, the spindle consists of the spindle assembly and the spindle drive system. These are some of the moving parts of a CNC machine, and they include motors, gears, and chucks (more on these later). The C-axis drive, which helps position the material, will also be assembled with the spindle.

Tool holders are typically mounted on a turret disc (a rotating disc that allows tool positioning and switching) and they include fixed tool holders and life tool holders. The life tool drive system is built in.

 

Sub-spindle / Second spindle

The sub-spindle is separated from the spindle as an option and works synchronously with the spindle to complete the first and second cutting operations of the CNC lathe. This increases the efficiency and throughput of each cycle. When named the second spindle, this mechanism has the same capacity and power as the spindle.

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