Discover the features of a CNC lathe

The CNC lathe is a machine tool that, through the machining process, produces turned parts such as screws, shafts, threaded rods, pins and much more. The acronym CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which means that settings are defined using specialized software, usually with a license that enables its use. A series of alphanumeric data is controlled on the computer, and the machine applies it to manufacture a specific part in quantity.

The CNC lathes represent a step forward in turning, since all the jobs previously done by flat-bed, vertical, automatic and copy lathes are now done by a single machine. Starting from semi-finished products, such as billets or ingots made of materials like copper, stainless steel, aluminum or magnesium, among others, the CNC lathe produces the specified parts to whatever dimensions you give it.

Computer control is the latest technological advance in a machine, the lathe, that has been part of industrial manufacturing processes for a very long time. In fact, the first lathe prototypes date back to the beginning of the industrial revolution.

How does a CNC lathe work?

The CNC lathe works on the basis of Cartesian X and Z axes, and the machining process. This process consists of shaping parts by abrasion or chip removal. Starting from material of a given size, CNC lathes machine it until the desired part is obtained.

First, the prefabricated workpiece is placed in the tool holder compartment, which starts to rotate when the program is started. The X and Z axes move according to the parameters previously defined on the computer, and in this way the part is shaped. All the parts produced will have an identical finish, with the same dimensions and measurements.

Using software programs such as BobCAD-CAM or AlphaCAM, among others, you can model the part you want in great detail. These programs include all kinds of configuration features, as well as a preview of the part. The most advanced CNC lathe software even shows you a production simulation, that is, how the lathe will work until the product is finished. Once you have defined the parameters in the program, you enter the data into the CNC lathe and load the material to be machined. The machine takes care of the rest.

Advantages of CNC lathes

CNC lathes have a number of advantages over traditional lathes. They are high-cost machinery, so they represent a real investment. However, the investment pays off with returns in the medium and long term, as these industrial tools more than make up for the shortcomings of mechanical lathes or manual work.

• The turned parts obtained by machining are highly precise. In some cases precision is at the nanometer level.
• Changing the setup to produce a different part is quick.
• It can produce highly complex parts quickly and efficiently.
• Production times are shorter, so more parts can be produced in the same period.
• Manufacturing errors are reduced. If there are any, they can be easily detected and corrected in the software program.
• Likewise, human error is reduced.
• In the long term it lowers costs, and machines are becoming ever more efficient and affordable.

Types of CNC lathes

There are three types of CNC lathes. On the one hand there is the flat-bed CNC lathe, which, depending on the subtype, is used to manufacture either small parts or medium-sized or large parts. These are the most widely used because they have varied applications and can produce all kinds of parts with a coolant system.

Then there are vertical CNC lathes, better suited to large, heavy parts and working with the aforementioned X and Z axes. This type of lathe is very useful for producing automotive parts such as engine blocks.Finally, there are slant-bed CNC lathes, which are the most sophisticated in terms of digital control and operation. They also offer the greatest precision and rigidity in the finish of the parts. They perform drilling, milling and turning, and are suitable for both small and large parts.