Primary Features and Applications of CNC Lathe Machines

07 April 2022

Manufacturers use various types of machining tools in generating parts and products out of their intended designs and specifications. One of the tools they use is the lathe.

A lathe is a machining tool that can shape workpieces like metal or timber. It primarily works through rotating the workpiece around a fixed cutting tool. As this tool moves, it discards unwanted parts of a workpiece. The remaining workpiece is then expected to have the dimensions needed by the manufacturer. Over time, processes that involve the use of lathes have been automated thanks to computer numerical control (CNC) technology.

CNC Lathe Machines Primary Components

The operations of CNC lathe machines can be carried out conveniently through the help of their dependable components. The machine bed, for instance, intends to mount other machine components. The main spindle is then utilised to receive the material and drive it through the cutting operations. The sub-spindle, alternatively, works alongside the main spindle by performing additional cutting operations. A chuck, which is connected to the main spindle, is designed to hold and rotate the workpiece.

Tool turret is another component that is necessary to hold various cutting tools. The CNC controller, ultimately, handles and stores all CNC programs. This part is necessary for the operator to start or stop the machine, move the tools, introduce new programs, and regulate the control of the whole process.

Benefits of Utilising CNC Lathe Machines

CNC generally is a method for automating the movement and control of machining tools. Commands are often sent to the tools through software that is integrated into a tool’s integrated microcomputer. The working principle of CNC removes the manual operation of a tool.

As lathes are integrated with CNC, they can effectively move without the manual labour from workers. The only activities that require manual labour are the loading of raw materials into the machine, starting the program, and conducting an inspection.

Given the capabilities of CNC lathe machines and their components, they can conveniently craft products with precise dimensions and specifications. These machines can likewise craft parts and products without wasting too much time and resources. These benefits can then ensure that the CNC lathe machines can boost the performance of production as well as increase its revenues.

Main Applications of CNC Lathe Machines 

A wide array of products can be produced by CNC lathe machines. Some of these products are camshafts, crankshafts, cue sticks, screw threads, gun barrels, bowls, chair legs, and many more. Industries that can take advantage of CNC lathe machines and their notable features are aerospace, automotive, electronics, firearm manufacturing, and sporting industries.

CNC lathe machines do not only remove parts of a workpiece, but they can also be useful in forming, contour turning, ultra-precision machining, and hard turning.

To know more about the wonders of CNC lathe machines, you can call us at Kinetic Engineering.

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