CNC lathe is an advanced tool for a wide range of applications. On the one hand, thanks to it, the machining process gains dynamics and quality, on the other – it reduces the participation of the operator. What kind of work can a CNC lathe be used for?
What can we use a CNC lathe for?
CNC lathes are versatile machines that can be used to machine a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics and wood. They can be used to make simple and complex shapes, as well as to perform precision operations such as threading and milling.
CNC turning services vs. machine type
Machining strictly depends on the type of machine on which it is performed. Among CNC lathes, we specify, among others, lathes:
- Claw lathes are the simplest and most versatile type of lathes. They have two or three tusks in which the workpiece is clamped. Claw lathes can be used to perform a wide range of operations, including turning, threading, milling and drilling.
- Chuck lathes are similar to claw lathes, but have a chuck in which the workpiece is clamped. The chucks can be made of various materials, such as steel, cast iron or aluminum. Chuck lathes are often used for machining irregularly shaped or large-diameter materials.
- Multi-knife lathes have multiple knives that rotate around the workpiece. The knives can be made of different materials, such as steel, tungsten carbide or diamond. Multi-knife lathes are often used to machine large numbers of similarly shaped parts.
- Turret lathes have a turreted headstock in which different tools are mounted. The tool that is currently in use is automatically selected from the headstock. Turret lathes are often used to machine parts with complex shapes or to perform multiple operations on the same workpiece.
- Disc lathes have a disc on which the workpiece is mounted. The disc rotates around the workpiece, and the tools are clamped to the machine bed. Disc lathes are often used for machining large parts with simple shapes.
- carousel lathes are similar to disc lathes, but have a carousel headstock in which different tools are clamped. The tool that is currently in use is automatically selected from the headstock. Carousel lathes are often used for machining large numbers of similarly shaped parts.
- CNC lathes are numerically controlled lathes. A CNC controller uses a computer program to control the movement of the spindle, tool and other machine components. CNC lathes are extremely accurate and efficient, and can be used to perform a wide range of operations.
What are the advantages of a CNC lathe?
Since CNC turning services are primarily synonymous with precision, they, like milling, are in high demand in industry. The extensive activity of machining tools allows for a wide range of tasks. Making delicate movements in the form of indentations or the desire to achieve the right texture are not a problem. CNC lathes, in contrast to their simplified, standard version, are used in high-volume machining, with an increased level of difficulty. Then, when it is useful to be able to correct the position of the tool in the span of up to a micron.
The market palette of quality CNC lathes allows you to choose a machine capable even of machining workpieces with complex shapes without compromising the accuracy or speed of the process. In addition, it is possible to program the lathe in such a way that, like an exemplary worker, it keeps the workstation in permanent order; removing residual chips from it. A CNC turning machine can be easily rearmed. Modern lathes provide uninterrupted double-sided machining, which uses manipulators that automatically turn the workpiece.
Lathe vs. degree of sophistication of CNC turning services
Classic lathes (universal)
Universal CNC lathes in the basic “one head, one spindle” formula are a compromise between capabilities and affordability. Their application includes standard operations, such as, for example, machining of steel, cast iron and metal materials. For more advanced work, there should be slant-bed lathes or automatic bar machines, which – in addition to turning – perform operations in the type of threading or drilling. For processing very heavy parts (weighing many tons), and at the same time requiring precision, it is worth using carousel lathes.
Workshop lathe
The workshop lathe is in fact structurally similar to conventional lathes. Its equipment includes a tool changer in manual or automatic versions, a manual three-jaw chuck or a tailstock with a crank-driven quill.
Production lathe
The production lathe is equipped with a turret located at the rear of the machine tool – in relation to the operator. The headstock contains either 12 or 24 tool positions. The machine has a hydraulic chuck and, of course, a programmable tailstock that allows automation of the work.
CNC two-spindle lathe
Equipping the lathe with an additional spindle – movable in the Z-axis – allows to automate the process of receiving the turned workpiece from the main spindle and machining the second clamped workpiece, without mutual interference. A two-spindle CNC lathe usually has a receiver for finished workpieces.
Lathe with torsion B axis
Multi-channel lathe
When a lathe has a torsion B axis, it acquires additional functionality. This allows the angle of the tool in the XZ plane to be adjusted smoothly. Consequently, the lathe even becomes capable of producing virtually any geometry achievable with cutting technologies.
The multi-channel lathe is a variation on the two-spindle variation of the machine. Its distinctive feature is that it is equipped with an additional tool head. Since machining on the main spindle is supported by a second set, the process of CNC turning service becomes faster. The presence of a second turret allows it to be used as a support / tailstock.
Longitudinal automatic machine (Swiss-type lathe)
In the case of an automatic machine with a moving headstock, the material in the form of a bar, in addition to rotary motion, simultaneously performs a longitudinal motion, which allows cutting. The Swiss-type lathe combines the functionalities from the previously mentioned machines and is very fast. Nevertheless, the limitation is, unfortunately, the size of the bar that can be machined on it. Automatic longitudinal machines originated in the watch industry today are designed for turning small, precise parts for the automotive, medical, electronics, etc. sectors.
Lathes with driven tools – machining centers
The machining center allows for multi-volume production with all assumptions taken into account at the design stage. It involves multi-sector process availability and automated tool feeding to the spindle. The machining center enables the smooth execution of various operations, namely threading, drilling or reaming or milling. The control of a lathe with driven tools is entrusted to a CNC system. A modern variation of standard machining centers are robotic turning centers, reducing the participation of the operator in the process and thus leading to lower machining costs.
CNC turning – a good choice
In summary, CNC turning services are a favorable choice for those looking for a “golden mean” between flexibility and the need to shorten the production chain and minimize operator errors characteristic of manual conventional machining
During EDM machining, the role of the working electrode is played by a brass wire. The cutting starts either from a pre-made starting hole or from the edge of the workpiece, the height of which, in the case of the machines used by CNC PARTNER, can be up to 400 mm.