A computer numerical control (CNC) metal lathe is a machine that rotates a workpiece around a central spindle while a stationary cutting tool shapes the material. Instead of relying on manual labor, the movement of the material is controlled by coded instructions inputted through a computer.
CNC metal lathe tooling refers to various fixtures, tools, and auxiliary devices used for fixing, clamping, positioning, supporting, cutting, and other functions when machining the workpiece on the CNC lathe. CNC lathe tooling is essential to CNC lathe machining; its quality and use directly affect the machining quality and production efficiency. CNC lathe tooling, according to its function and use, can be divided into the following categories:
1. Fixture: used to clamp the workpiece, fixed workpiece position, to process.
2. Tool: used for cutting workpieces, including turning tool, cutting tool, tapping knife, etc.
3. Positioning device: used to locate the workpiece to ensure the machining accuracy of the workpiece.
4. Pupport device: used to support the workpiece to avoid workpiece deformation or vibration.
5. Measuring device: used to measure the size and position of the workpiece to adjust the processing parameters and achieve processing accuracy.
6. Other auxiliary devices, such as coolant, pneumatic, lubrication, etc., assist CNC lathe processing operations.
The machine bed of a CNC metal lathe or CNC turning center is the main foundation for the entire machine. It is where various components of the machine are mounted. The bed is a base plate that rests on the table and supports other machine elements. The carriage is heat-treated to withstand the machining forces exerted on the bed.
The main spindle, often regarded as the central component of a machine tool, comprises a spindle assembly and a drive system. These components encompass the essential moving parts of a CNC machine tool, such as motors, gears, and the chuck. Additionally, the spindle assembly incorporates a C-axis drive, which plays a crucial role in accurately positioning the material during machining. With its comprehensive assembly and drive system, the main spindle is instrumental in enabling precise and efficient operations in CNC machine tools.
Different types of CNC lathe machines, such as flatbed CNC lathes, utilize a headstock, an essential component of a CNC machine that houses the motor and powers the spindle. The headstock is located at the front of a CNC turning machine. The motor drives the spindle and connects to the chuck or collet, which grips the workpiece during turning.
The jaws of the chuck grip the machined component. It directly attaches to the spindle but can be removed, allowing for the machining of various-sized pieces. A collet is a smaller version of a chuck used for parts up to 60 mm in diameter. It provides a more secure grip for small parts.
The tailstock is positioned at the opposite end of a CNC turning center to support longer workpieces. It attaches directly to the bed and utilizes hydraulic controls to provide support through the tailstock quill. While the spindle remains the driving force, the tailstock moves by the component’s motion. However, it should be noted that the tailstock hinders face-turning operations and is not suitable for such tasks.
The tool turret allows for the convenient changing of cutting tools required for machining operations. It is mounted on the machine, and its size is determined by how many tools it can accommodate.
The CNC lathe is a highly versatile CNC machine tool with extensive applications in various industries. It is primarily utilized for machining shaft or disk parts, allowing for precisely shaping their internal and external cylindrical surfaces. Additionally, it enables the machining of internal and external conical surfaces of any cone angle, intricate rotary internal and external surfaces, cylinders, and taper threads. The CNC lathe excels in cutting, drilling, reaming, and boring operations, making it a valuable tool in modern manufacturing.
A lathe is traditionally used in woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, thermal spraying, parts reclamation, and glassworking.
CNC lathe is molding equipment mainly used for molding hard materials such as metal and wood. A rotating device in the machine acts as a fixed cutting tool. With the help of CNC computers and programming, these machines have higher accuracy than the cutting tools used before these technological advances. The industrial applications of lathes include cutting, drilling, sanding, turning, or forming. Used in factories and machine shops, these machines have the versatility of CNC programming and software, rather than relying on factory workers’ hands.
A CNC lathe machine is primarily employed for precisely machining and producing round shapes, encompassing both outer diameters (OD) and inner diameters (ID). This versatile machine tool finds extensive application across various industries, catering to various structural requirements.
Industries commonly utilizing CNC lathes include oil & gas, automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, mining, power plants, steel & paper mills, and shipbuilding. These machines play a vital role in manufacturing components and parts for these industries, contributing to their operations and production processes. CNC lathes enable efficient and accurate machining, making them indispensable tools in modern industrial settings.
When configuring work-holding devices in a CNC lathe, it is crucial to prioritize tool safety precautions. This involves considering the following factors:
In general, pay attention to the following safety measures：
CAD/CAM software plays a pivotal role in CNC machining processes by generating toolpaths based on CAD software drawings. When utilizing a CAD/CAM system, programmers can:
By leveraging CAD/CAM software, CNC machines benefit from improved efficiencies. This is achieved by enhancing productivity, automating the conversion of designs into precise instructions, and facilitating program modifications for similar job specifications. CAD/CAM software optimizes CNC machining workflow, enhancing performance and time-saving advantages.
Standard methods and requirements:
The most common types of jaws are automatic and manual three jaws. However, four jaw chucks are often used depending on the machined job type.
>CNC Basic operating mode
In general, CNC Lathe machines come in the following main configurations:
1. Horizontal.
2. Vertical.
3. Slant Bed.
4. Flat Bed.
5. Standard.
6. Multi-axis.
7. Other types： Swiss Type, Multi-spindle, B-axis.
