#Small cnc lathe series#

These are some of the moving parts of the CNC machine tool, and they include motors, gears, and the chuck (more on it later). Often known as the heart of a machine tool, the main spindle consists of a spindle assembly and the spindle drive system. This ensures that the parts machined are consistently accurate. These help to limit heat distortion and provides solid mechanical stability. To ensure longevity, Hwacheon manufactures machine beds using high quality Meehanite cast iron. For example, the spindle stock which houses the machine’s main spindle tailstock body X and Z axis slide optional Y-axis and sub-spindle. It is where the different components of the machine are mounted on. The bed of a CNC Lathe or CNC Turning Centre forms the main base for the whole machine. Swiss Type, Multi-spindle, B-axisĭepending on their configuration, CNC Lathes may have the following components. In general, CNC Lathe machines comes in the following main configurations:

What are the different parts of a CNC Lathe Machine? How do these different components of the CNC Machine Tool fit together? Taking a piece from raw part to finished product, such all-in-one machine tools significantly improves productivity. These sophisticated machine tools are capable of machining complex parts – these go beyond standard OD & ID turning operations and may incorporate milling, drilling and tapping operations to complete the part in one setting.

Lathe machines with additional options such as Y-axis, sub-spindles, or specific selected options for automation are commonly called Turning Centres. These could be found in 3-axis CNC Lathes or CNC Turning Machines. active tool) are mounted for axial or radial operational directions. Depending on the application, the life tools (i.e. Milling (cutting tool moves around stationery workpiece), boring and tapping (a tool that cuts threads inside hole) tools are normally driven by a separate drive system inside the turret. The rotating action of the part is called “turning”, hence certain types of CNC Lathes are called CNC Turning Machines. radially clamped) in the spindle.Ī simple CNC Lathe operates on 2-axis and the tool is located in a fixed position at 8 to 24 station turret. They are ideal for parts that have same symmetry around an axis that could be chucked up (i.e.

Operated with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) systems and provided with precise design instructions, CNC Lathes are machine tools where the material or part is clamped and rotated by the main spindle, while the cutting tool that work on the material, is mounted and moved in various axis.ĬNC Lathes are normally used for machining parts, where the material / part is clamped and rotated whereas the cutting tool is stationery mounted for OD (Outer Diameter) and ID (Inner Diameter) operations, e.g. Powering factories around the world, they are used in a wide range of applications. Unlike its predecessors, today’s CNC Lathes are much more sophisticated and automated. In this article, we will focus on CNC Lathe Machines, covering the following:Ĭonsidered the workhorses of the manufacturing sector, lathe machines have been around ever since the 19th century.

#Small cnc lathe series#

To help you better understand what each tool is about and how you can use them, we will be starting a new series on the basics of CNC Machine Tools. Wish to learn all about CNC Lathes but unsure where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place!įor those new to the industry, the sheer variety, sizes and specialised uses of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines used in manufacturing can be mind boggling -from lathes, milling machines, and multi-axis machines to other machine tools.