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CNC Lathe is a machine tool that uses Computer Numerical Control (CNC) systems and is programmed with exact design commands.
The element or part is restrained and turned by the primary spindle, while the cutting tool that works on it is attached and controlled in multiple axes.
CNC lathes mainly utilize machining items, such as shafts and piping, where the component is gripped and revolved while the blade is stationary fixed for outer and inner diameter functions.
They’re great for pieces with a similar layout around an axis that can be thrown up in the lathe.
Types Of CNC Lathe
CNC lathes now come with a variety of axes, enabling the production of more complicated pieces without commonly switching machines or equipment. They include the 2,3,4,5 and more than six-axis CNC lathe.
Parts Of A CNC Lathe
CNC lathes are available in the following progression arranging:
- Standard
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- Multi-axis
- Flatbed
Lathes can include the following aspects, based on their design;
Machine Bed
The bed of a CNC lathe serves as the device’s necessary foundation.
It is where the machine’s many parts are attached.
The spindle arm, for example, contains the machine’s primary shaft, as well as the X and Z-axis slide, additional Y-axis, and sub-spindle.
Machine beds are made of high-quality Meehanite cast iron to ensure a long-life span.
These aid in heat dissipation reduction and structural strength and enhance that the machined pieces are correct.
Major Spindle
The central spindle, sometimes known as the core of a machine tool, comprises a spindle unit and a rotary driving system.
These are among the CNC lathe tool’s moving parts, including motors, gears, and the chuck.
The C-axis motor, which aids in material position, is built alongside the spindle.
Tool mounts, including permanent and life device holders, are often put at the turret disk, a spinning platter that allows objects to be placed and swapped.
The driving mechanism for the life tool is established.
Chuck
A chuck is a vice-like apparatus that holds the workpiece processed in place while being machined.
It’s linked to the central spindle, which rotates the chuck as well as the platen.
CNC lathes with many choices, enabling you to shift to the proper tool for your spinning duties, can help you increase production productivity.
Several machine tools can accommodate extra-long oil pipe milling and other lengthy shaft applications.
Guide Way
The guide path allows the tool to move vertically and horizontally to create a clean-cut operation.
This project requires stiffness and the utmost precision to ensure its longevity.
For its Hi-Tech range of machines, very stiff solid box guides are integrated on all axes to reduce the time between processes and improve machining accuracy.
Headstock
The primary motor is housed in the headstock. Similarly, it houses the main spindle on which the chuck is fixed.
Consider if your lathe tool’s headstock can take maximum torque speed to perform better.
This is a crucial factor to consider when working with resistant materials.
Sub-Spindle
The sub-spindle can be bought separately from the primary spindle.
It operates in tandem with the main spindle to finish the first and second cutting tasks in a CNC lathe.
The process increases efficiency and rotation rate, and the mechanism has the same capability and energy as the primary spindle.
Uses Of CNC Lathe
A CNC lathe machine is often used to perform exact round forms with outer and inner diameters.
Based on the demands of different sectors, this machine tool could manufacture any structure.
Oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, mining, power plants, steel, paper mills, and shipbuilding are just a few sectors that employ CNC lathes.
Life tools that can function in many axes are usually included with modern CNC lathes.
They might, for example, have both the X and Y axes, a second turret with different equipment, or a sub-/second spindle.
These features make varied milling, drilling, and tapping process more accurate and adaptable.
Programming CNC Lathe
The following is how a modern CNC lathe can be programmed:
- Using a modern CNC Programming Support System like FANUC manual guide or Shop Turn, directly on the machine.
- Using a CAD/CAM system, off-line. These commonly involve machining more complex shapes or a series of operations.
In many circumstances, CNC Lathes should handle one CNC program while establishing and programming the next. It enhances the production process’ capacity while saving time and labor.
Conclusion
A CNC lathe is worth it. It is useful when great precision is needed, and the CNC simplifies the process by cutting precise parts more quickly than a human operator.