Views: 3 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2021-09-26 Origin: Site
Wish to learn all about CNC Lathes but unsure where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Before we introduced the "types of CNC lathes" and "what is a CNC lathe".
Today, I will introduce you to the definition of CNC lathes and what you can do with CNC lathes.
So, what is a CNC Lathe Machine?
Operated with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) systems and provided with precise design instructions, CNC Lathes are machine tools where the material or part is clamped and rotated by the main spindle, while the cutting tool that work on the material, is mounted and moved in various axis.
CNC Lathes are normally used for machining parts, where the material / part is clamped and rotated whereas the cutting tool is stationery mounted for OD (Outer Diameter) and ID (Inner Diameter) operations, e.g. shafts and pipes. They are ideal for parts that have same symmetry around an axis that could be chucked up (i.e. radially clamped) in the spindle.
A simple CNC Lathe operates on 2-axis and the tool is located in a fixed position at 8 to 24 station turret. The rotating action of the part is called “turning”, hence certain types of CNC Lathes are called CNC Turning Machines.
Milling (cutting tool moves around stationery workpiece), boring and tapping (a tool that cuts threads inside hole) tools are normally driven by a separate drive system inside the turret. Depending on the application, the life tools (i.e. active tool) are mounted for axial or radial operational directions. These could be found in 3-axis CNC Lathes or CNC Turning Machines.
Lathe machines with additional options such as Y-axis, sub-spindles, or specific selected options for automation are commonly called Turning Centres. These sophisticated machine tools are capable of machining complex parts – these go beyond standard OD & ID turning operations and may incorporate milling, drilling and tapping operations to complete the part in one setting. Taking a piece from raw part to finished product, such all-in-one machine tools significantly improves productivity.
A CNC lathe machine is normally used to perform / produce precise round shapes with both an Outer Diameter (OD), and an Inner Diameter (ID). Practically all kinds of structures could be machined with this machine tool, depending on their needs in different industries.
CNC Lathes are commonly used in industries such as oil & gas, automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, mining, power plant, steel & paper mills, and ship building, just to name a few.
Modern CNC Lathes normally come with life tools that could work in multiple axis. For example, they could include both X and Y-axis, incorporate a second turret with different tools, or include a sub- / second spindle. These features help to be more effective and flexible for different milling, drilling and tapping operations.
The result is a complete and even complex part manufacturing process, eliminating the need to transfer the part to another machine for a second operation e.g. to a CNC milling machine or CNC machining centre.
