What are CNC Lathes and How Can They Benefit Businesses?

18 November 2021

The manufacturing industry uses a lot of machining tools in shaping a wide array of materials. What is great about machining tools is that they can execute processes that would yield parts with the desired surface finish and dimensions. Most of their processes involve the removal of excess materials.

One of the machining tools that the industry utilises is the lathe. Lathes are machining tools that can shape metal workpieces. They can even be used in forming wooden workpieces. These machining tools generally operate by rotating the workpieces around them. Once the excess materials have been removed, they are expected to generate precisely-shaped parts and products.

Since manufacturing processes have been evolving continuously, many machining tools like the lathes can now be automated. One manufacturing process that is being integrated with the lathes is computer numerical control or CNC machining.

An Overview of CNC Lathes

CNC machining is a manufacturing process that permits pre-programmed computer software to dictate the movement and actions of various tools and machines. This particular process can be effective in controlling simple to complex equipment pieces. It can even save a lot of time as it can perform numerous cutting tasks in just one set of prompts.

Now, integrating the CNC machining process into the lathes can make the latter much more efficient and effective. Similar to the regular lathes, CNC lathes can also move by spinning the workpiece along one axis while the cutting tool is moving to cut and remove the excess materials.

Different types of CNC lathes can be maximised by the manufacturing industry. Some of them are engine lathes, centre lathes, speed lathes, bench lathes, and turret lathes.

Advantages of CNC Lathes

If you want to maximise CNC lathes for your manufacturing business, then you can effectively enjoy tons of advantages or benefits from these tools.

• Easier Machining: One of the advantages of CNC lathes is that they can make your machining processes easier. Since the movement of the CNC lathes heavily depends on the control systems, your employees do not have to manually move them and perform the cutting operations. And even with automated work, you can still expect results that are precise and accurate.
• Fewer Operators: Another advantage of CNC lathes is that they can cut the need to hire operators. The processes and operations of manual lathes are used to be done by multiple highly skilled operators. Most of the time, they would control the actual movement of the lathes. Today, the operation of CNC lathes can already be done through a computer with the help of one operator. This advantage can easily cut labour costs.
• Product Versatility: CNC lathes can likewise ensure that various parts and products can be produced. The materials used for the CNC lathes can easily handle different workpieces. They can even ensure that different specifications and dimensions of parts and products can be generated.

If you want to find out more about CNC lathes, you can call us at Kinetic Engineering.

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