This is the CNC lathe at work

The computer numerical control (CNC) lathes, are among the most widely used machine tools in machine shops. This machine offers many benefits for industry: they are very easy to use and safe, and, in addition, a CNC lathe at work does not require an operator to be present at all times, which also reduces these costs.

CNC lathes, a revolution for the machining industry

The lathe is one of the machines used to machine parts by chip removal. This type of machine is considered a revolution for the machining industry thanks to computer numerical control, CNC. 

These lathes carry out machining using computer software; the software uses alphanumeric data that follow the X and Z axes. Machining parts on this type of machine is much more precise than on manual lathes, since the computer controls the part being machined, as well as the execution of the chosen turning program.

Turning

Turning is a type of machining that creates surfaces of revolution by removing chips or small amounts of waste. The workpiece is placed in the lathe chuck and rotates on its own axis; this is when the lathe's cutting tool, mounted on a turret, moves directly towards the workpiece to remove excess material, following a specific path. 

The turning process is characterized by the large amounts of material that can be removed, as well as by well-defined, precise finishes. Numerically controlled lathes can do all the work that many types of lathes would do separately. On a CNC lathe you can perform any task carried out by a copy, flat-bed, vertical, automatic or turret lathe.

The different types of CNC lathes

In the machining industry, there are different types of CNC lathes. These include:

• Flat-bed lathes, which can in turn be divided into two types: some have a glass safety door and a coolant system and are used to machine small parts or parts requiring very complex work. Others have a coolant system and a programmable electric four-station turret. They are used for precision work on larger parts. 
• Slant-bed lathes: thanks to this bed, the work is very precise and the machine offers greater durability and rigidity. In addition to turning, this machine can also perform milling and drilling. 
• Vertical CNC lathes: have box guideways on their axes to improve cutting quality. They are ideal for machining large parts.

CNC lathe at work

The CNC lathe is a very easy tool to use and does not require expert turners. All it takes is someone who knows how to use the programming software and loads the parts when necessary. On a CNC lathe at work, the machine's X and Z axes move simultaneously, as well as alternately; this makes it possible to create tapered or spherical parts. 

The tools must be mounted in a tool holder and fitted into the lathe head. Several tools can be fitted in this head at the same time and used within the same machining process to give different finishes to the workpiece. The vast majority of CNC lathes can hold up to 20 different tool holders, which are rotated according to machining needs. 

From the computer, the operator can control the cutting speed, carriage feed, head rotation and, in general, the entire turning process. This type of machine tool is a major step forward for industry, since jobs are not only easier but also take less time; CNC lathes operate at high cutting speeds and feed rates that make manual lathes obsolete. 

Numerical control

Numerical control on a CNC lathe at work is the key component. Without it, the machine simply could not work. This technology dates back to the 1940s and is a system that makes it possible to automate machines using numbers, symbols and letters. But to program the machine, two special software packages are required: CAD and CAM. 

CAD runs on a computer, where a design of the part is created and saved. This design is then passed through the CAM software , which translates it into CNC language and sets the parameters the lathe must follow to machine the part. The CNC language, as well as those used by CAM software, is governed by the DIN 66024 and DIN 66025 standards. These standards define the characters of the programming language, such as the N, which is used as a block number and is followed by a number between 1 and 999. We also find the letters X, Y, Z which refer to the coordinates and axes; in the case of the lathe, only two axes are used.