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CNC Lathe Machining Application Guide
by：Yifeng Metal
2022-02-23
Lathes are traditionally used for wood turning, metalworking, metal spinning, thermal spraying, parts recycling and glass processing. One or two centers usually hold the workpiece, and at least one center can move horizontally to accommodate workpieces of different lengths. CNC lathes are rapidly replacing older production lathes due to ease of setup, operation, repeatability and accuracy. CNC lathe work is just one type of CNC machining.
But what is a CNC lathe? First of all, CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and refers to a machine operated by a computer system. CNC lathes operate according to precise design instructions to machine parts to precise specifications. A CNC lathe is a machine tool in which a material or part is held and rotated by a spindle, as the cutting tools that work on the material are mounted on and move on various axes.
A simple CNC lathe operates on two axes with cutting tools in fixed positions on turrets from 8 to 24 stations. The rotational action of the workpiece is called 'turning'. This is why certain types of CNC lathes are called CNC lathes. CNC lathes produce precise circles with outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID). According to the needs of different industries, the machine can process many different types of structures. They are commonly used in the oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, mining, power plants, steel and paper mills, and shipbuilding industries.
Modern CNC lathes are often equipped with tools that can work on multiple axes. Different types of machine tools can include X and Y axes, combine a second turret with other tools, or include a second spindle. this means
CNC lathes can perform additional milling, drilling and tapping operations, resulting in a complete and even complex part manufacturing process without the need to transfer the part to another machine for a second operation. This article looks at the different types of CNC lathes, their applications and considerations.
Types of CNC lathe machining.
Types of CNC Lathes
CNC lathes are classified by their number of axes. They have different axes to produce more complex parts without the need to manually switch machines or tools. Different axes affect how a machined part or tool is positioned, rotated and approached during machining.
Two Axis CNC Lathe
This basic CNC lathe has two linear axes and can perform OD/ID, basically cylindrical machining, as well as face machining, or drilling and tapping in the center of the part. It has an X and Z axis and does not allow milling.
3-axis CNC lathes
3-axis CNC lathes, with the addition of a C-axis and a live tool system, allow part positioning so that standard milling operations, boring and tapping operations can be performed. Helical milling operations that require slow synchronized rotation of the workpiece are possible.
4-axis CNC lathes
4-axis machines add a Y-axis so that eccentric machining operations can be performed. The fourth axis is suitable for more irregular and complex lathes.
5-axis CNC lathe
On the 5-axis lathe, a second turret was added to the 3-axis CNC lathe. Such a machine would have two axes on each of the upper and lower turrets, plus a C-axis on the rotating spindle. This makes it possible to use two tools simultaneously on the part, which greatly increases machining speed.
CNC Lathes with more than 6 axes
For more than five axes, the arrangement may include the following: Two C-axes with one and a second spindle; two turrets with an upper and lower turret , each with two linear axes; a Y-axis on the upper turret; and a second spindle, which can be moved toward the spindle to pick up parts. There are even machines with more than eight axes. However, 8-axis lathes are highly sophisticated and complex machines that are often not required for day-to-day manufacturing needs.
Applications of CNC lathe machining
The material being machined by the CNC lathe is slowly sheared away. The result is an accurate finished product or complex part. Because of the versatility of these machines, many industries use them, including automotive, electronics, aerospace, and more.
CNC lathes can produce flats and threads, or in the case of fancy lathes, very complex three-dimensional products. They can be used very precisely on small and large parts. The workpiece is usually held firmly in place by one or two centers, but the material can also be held in place with collets or clamps.
Some examples of items that CNC lathes can make include baseball bats, camshafts, bowls, crankshafts, clubs, signs, musical instruments, and table and chair legs.
Notes
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right CNC lathe, such as the quality of the fixtures holding the workpiece and the tolerance level of the CNC lathe. Weight is an important factor in choosing a CNC machine. Heavy-duty machine tools will withstand severe vibration and other operations that affect the efficiency of CNC lathes. Lightweight CNC lathes can lose balance more quickly, affecting output results.
Swing measurement is another consideration. It is the largest amount of diameter of any material that can be cut or machined on a lathe. The measurement is taken from the lathe bed to the center of the spindle. If the desired output size is known, this measurement will aid in the selection of a CNC lathe.
Most people who see a in operation for the first time are amazed at how well the custom metal works is managed.
Exceed our customers’ expectations by being the leading provider of safe, responsive, value-added services in the custom metal parts industry.
Many business owners and professionals use services like Dongguan Yifeng Metal Co., Ltd. to stay on top of manufacturing industry, monitor products’ quality and keep an eye on competitors.
sheet metal manufacturing custom metal parts may be adapted for use at any custom metal works and is suitable for sheet metal manufacturing.
But what is a CNC lathe? First of all, CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and refers to a machine operated by a computer system. CNC lathes operate according to precise design instructions to machine parts to precise specifications. A CNC lathe is a machine tool in which a material or part is held and rotated by a spindle, as the cutting tools that work on the material are mounted on and move on various axes.
A simple CNC lathe operates on two axes with cutting tools in fixed positions on turrets from 8 to 24 stations. The rotational action of the workpiece is called 'turning'. This is why certain types of CNC lathes are called CNC lathes. CNC lathes produce precise circles with outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID). According to the needs of different industries, the machine can process many different types of structures. They are commonly used in the oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, mining, power plants, steel and paper mills, and shipbuilding industries.
Modern CNC lathes are often equipped with tools that can work on multiple axes. Different types of machine tools can include X and Y axes, combine a second turret with other tools, or include a second spindle. this means
CNC lathes can perform additional milling, drilling and tapping operations, resulting in a complete and even complex part manufacturing process without the need to transfer the part to another machine for a second operation. This article looks at the different types of CNC lathes, their applications and considerations.
Types of CNC lathe machining.
Types of CNC Lathes
CNC lathes are classified by their number of axes. They have different axes to produce more complex parts without the need to manually switch machines or tools. Different axes affect how a machined part or tool is positioned, rotated and approached during machining.
Two Axis CNC Lathe
This basic CNC lathe has two linear axes and can perform OD/ID, basically cylindrical machining, as well as face machining, or drilling and tapping in the center of the part. It has an X and Z axis and does not allow milling.
3-axis CNC lathes
3-axis CNC lathes, with the addition of a C-axis and a live tool system, allow part positioning so that standard milling operations, boring and tapping operations can be performed. Helical milling operations that require slow synchronized rotation of the workpiece are possible.
4-axis CNC lathes
4-axis machines add a Y-axis so that eccentric machining operations can be performed. The fourth axis is suitable for more irregular and complex lathes.
5-axis CNC lathe
On the 5-axis lathe, a second turret was added to the 3-axis CNC lathe. Such a machine would have two axes on each of the upper and lower turrets, plus a C-axis on the rotating spindle. This makes it possible to use two tools simultaneously on the part, which greatly increases machining speed.
CNC Lathes with more than 6 axes
For more than five axes, the arrangement may include the following: Two C-axes with one and a second spindle; two turrets with an upper and lower turret , each with two linear axes; a Y-axis on the upper turret; and a second spindle, which can be moved toward the spindle to pick up parts. There are even machines with more than eight axes. However, 8-axis lathes are highly sophisticated and complex machines that are often not required for day-to-day manufacturing needs.
Applications of CNC lathe machining
The material being machined by the CNC lathe is slowly sheared away. The result is an accurate finished product or complex part. Because of the versatility of these machines, many industries use them, including automotive, electronics, aerospace, and more.
CNC lathes can produce flats and threads, or in the case of fancy lathes, very complex three-dimensional products. They can be used very precisely on small and large parts. The workpiece is usually held firmly in place by one or two centers, but the material can also be held in place with collets or clamps.
Some examples of items that CNC lathes can make include baseball bats, camshafts, bowls, crankshafts, clubs, signs, musical instruments, and table and chair legs.
Notes
CNC lathes must be used with care. Although the process is automated, operators must be aware of computer programming parameters, safety standards and other important information. Due to the attention to detail in lathes, the machine must be operated by a qualified professional. The manufacturing process is made easier thanks to automation consisting of complex commands and speeds dictated by internal computers, but operators still have to oversee the entire process. This means that special training to develop the necessary skills is essential.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right CNC lathe, such as the quality of the fixtures holding the workpiece and the tolerance level of the CNC lathe. Weight is an important factor in choosing a CNC machine. Heavy-duty machine tools will withstand severe vibration and other operations that affect the efficiency of CNC lathes. Lightweight CNC lathes can lose balance more quickly, affecting output results.
Swing measurement is another consideration. It is the largest amount of diameter of any material that can be cut or machined on a lathe. The measurement is taken from the lathe bed to the center of the spindle. If the desired output size is known, this measurement will aid in the selection of a CNC lathe.
Most people who see a in operation for the first time are amazed at how well the custom metal works is managed.
Exceed our customers’ expectations by being the leading provider of safe, responsive, value-added services in the custom metal parts industry.
Many business owners and professionals use services like Dongguan Yifeng Metal Co., Ltd. to stay on top of manufacturing industry, monitor products’ quality and keep an eye on competitors.
sheet metal manufacturing custom metal parts may be adapted for use at any custom metal works and is suitable for sheet metal manufacturing.
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