Ultimate Guide to CNC Lathe Machining Process
At Creatingway, we avail of a variety of CNC machining services, all of which have different operations and functionalities. One example is CNC milling that involves the removal of excess material using rotatory cutters. Another one is CNC turning that involves cutting through a material using a helix path. These CNC machining processes normally require unique machining tools to enable us to work on the workpiece. One such critical tool is the CNC lathe that is a renowned ground-breaking machine for metal cutting. Therefore, Here is further insight into how we achieve CNC lathe machining.
What Is a CNC Lathe and How Does It Work?
With the ever-changing technological tide, more machines are incorporating computer numerical control into their systems. One such machine is the CNC lathe. We are increasing utilizing them in our CNC machining operations due to how easy they are to set up and operate. They also allow for tremendous repeatability as well as top quality accuracy during production.
Turning refers to the act of cutting any material by using a lathe machine. The CNC lather is normally able to use modern versions of carbide processes and tooling. For one to come up with a customized part, we usually program CAD or CAM processes to guide the machine’s tool path. We then proceed to upload the resultant G-Code computer code to the CNC machine which allows it to automatically produce the designed parts. Therefore, the technology allows our machine operators to simply oversee the machine’s operations and not necessarily have a deep comprehension of its complicated inner workings.
What Are the Components of a CNC Lathe Machine?
A CNC lathe is essentially a combination of several parts. The proper assembly of the machine is vital for it to be able to withstand the resistance that arises when it is handling heavy metallic materials. Some of the critical parts include the
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Headstock
It is mainly made up of three parts which are namely the speed change mechanism, gear shifts, and spindle. It normally the strongest component as it contains 3 main parts of a CNC machine and it has to withstand resistance and vibrations arising from the CNC operations.
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Spindle
We house the spindle in the headbox and attach it to the pipe then link it to the chuck. The chunk essentially holds the workpiece in place and also causes it to rotate as per the requirements of the design.
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Tailstock
We place it on the opposite side of a spindle and is normally moveable. It has a barrel that is able to move either forwards or backward as well as provide support to the material.
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Gearbox
The gearbox is crucial to regulating the speed of the motors as it turns the chuck and is normally in the headstock.
What’s The Kind Of The Types of Lathe Machines?
There are two main types of lathe machines: Horizontal lathe machines and Vertical lathe machines.
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CNC horizon lathe
It is the most common amongst manufactures. The machine rotates a piece of metal in a cylindrical manner. As the entity rotates, the CNC horizontal machine works on the material to give it the desired shape and form through using tools. It normally leaves a larger footprint than the vertical type. We prefer using it on lighter materials.
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CNC vertical lathe
In this machine, the material rotates in a vertical position which allows for the spindle to the seemingly hard to reach positions and angles. We normally use them when working on heavy and large materials. One key advantage that this machine offers is that gravity favors its operations which, therefore means that the workpiece is always stable while we work on it. This ensures top-notch cutting and better spindle movement.
What’re The Categories of Lathe Operation?
There are quite a few operations that the lathe machine conducts. Some of them include sanding, cutting, grooving, and turning. Therefore, by being fully aware of the nature of operations and about the input details, you may be able to comprehend how serious the slightest of mistakes may end up being fatal. Some of the unique operations are namely:
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Tapering
It is an operation that involves narrowing the shape of metal to cone through the use of a compound slide. If you would like to change the angle of the slide, then you simply achieve it by adjusting the compound slide.
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Facing
It involves the shearing of the metal material from the end so that it may be able to fit into the right angle of axis and also eliminate any markings.
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Parallel Turning
It is an operation that involves cutting a workpiece parallel to the axis. It allows us to reduce the metal’s diameter.
Other common lathe machine processes include
- Taper turning
- Threading process
- Drilling process
- Boring process
- Step turning
- Reaming process
The guide above will help you understand how CNC lathe machining operates and what it has to offer. For any further inquiries, simply contact us.
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