Numerically controlled turning allows to increase efficiency, reduce costs and achieve precision incomparable to manual machining. The efficiency of the process depends on the optimal selection of the machine. What do you need to consider before buying a lathe?
CNC turning services vs. lathe selection
The decision to purchase a CNC lathe is an important moment in the life of a company. The desire to develop the machine park involves a greater expense. Therefore, in order not to overpay or fall victim to underestimation of equipment capabilities to needs, it must not be taken hastily.
Before a potential buyer decides to buy a lathe, he should determine exactly what type of production it will be used for. Properly posed questions about the scope of work and frequency of use of the machine will give an answer about the expected performance of the device. After a preliminary review of the offers – with emphasis on the armament of the proposed lathes – the customer will be able to estimate how large a budget he needs to allocate for its purchase.
If a particular model catches our attention, if possible, we should consult experts and other users about it. Before buying a CNC lathe, it is worth consulting an experienced advisor and providing him with a detailed plan of the work for which it will serve us.
What mistakes to avoid when buying a CNC lathe?
Insufficient product knowledge and lack of a broader business outlook can hurt the unwary entrepreneur. When looking to purchase a good lathe for CNC turning services, avoid the situations described below.
Buying the cheapest machine to provide cnc turning services
Buying the most attractively priced lathe among others that fit the customer’s assumptions, contrary to appearances, can cost dearly. The low price usually balances with weaker quality materials and difficult access to spare parts. You can learn about the detailed specifications of each device from the manufacturer or brand distributor. To minimize the risk of an unsuccessful purchase, it is worth rejecting extreme offers and concentrating on lathes from the middle price range.
Lack of forward thinking on providing cnc turning services
A lathe is used for years. With this in mind, the customer should consider future production goals in addition to current needs arising from the provision of CNC turning services. An economical, cool calculation will save money. Adapting a machine will cost less than acquiring a new one. Before buying, make sure that the manufacturer anticipates the possibility of using a newer version of software or using more advanced technology in the lathe.
Improper selection of tools and work area
If your work will involve machining harder materials, choose a lathe with more cutting power. For high-volume, mass-production workpieces, attention should be focused on the speed of machining processes. For turning more extensive parts, you will need a larger work table. Pay attention to the number of axes in the lathe. The more there are, the more complex a workpiece you can create.
No additional accessories
To get the return on your investment in a lathe as soon as possible, you need to use it to its full potential. This will not be possible if a lack of components to facilitate your work stands in the way of full-scale production. Depending on your needs, you should invest in auxiliary lighting, chip transporters, tool heads or chucks.
Inadequacy of the workspace during cnc lathe operation
The operation of a lathe should undoubtedly not generate danger for the operator. A machine designed for CNC turning services must have adequate working space and safety features in the form of guards. We should get all the necessary guidelines in terms of space, foundation or type of power supply from the manufacturer. The CE marking on the lathe indicates that the machine meets European safety standards.
Failure to check the terms of the warranty
A good warranty should certainly cover mechanical and electrical parts and controls. The parts most prone to failure include seals, bearings, filters and rubber belts. The warranty usually does not include replacement of light bulbs, fuses or oil. The period and detailed scope of protection depends on the manufacturer.
No verification of the printer’s efficiency
Before taking delivery of the lathe from the dealer, it is important to assess whether it is up to our expectations. It is worth conducting a test with the operator and the workpiece you plan to machine. If you notice any errors or defects, you should have them corrected before taking delivery of the machine.
CNC turning services – where to look for lathe quotations?
In search of suitable machines for CNC turning services, it is worth visiting industry events – such as the Fair of Metalworking, Machine Tools and Tools STOM-TOOL in Kielce Trade Fair. This is a good space to learn about the capabilities of different types of equipment and components, meet with experts and exchange experiences. Comments can confirm our observations or be an impulse to change our beliefs. If our order is unusual, we can ask engineers from a design office cooperating with the lathe manufacturer for extended advice. We can also look for offers on manufacturers’ websites and in thematic catalogs.