Parts of CNC Lathe Machine: Understanding The Benefits and Functionality

The lathe was originally an ancient instrument used by Eqyptians, mostly for woodwork. However, with technological advancements, the use of lathes has significantly changed. With better and more durable materials, lathe machines can now process not only wood, but also other materials, including alloys and metals.

The tool has excellent precision with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining. However, of course, this will not work without all important parts. In this article, we will discuss the CNC lathe machine parts, including their functionality and unique benefits.

What Are CNC Lathe Machines

While there are some machines used for manufacturing, many would agree that the lathe is the only universal CNC machine, as it is able to make all the parts needed for other machines. It operates by spinning the workpiece in a spindle. The cutting tool then approaches the wood piece in a fixed position to cut some parts.

Because of this structure, lathes are just great to cut some parts that have symmetries that can be cut by the spindle.

CNC lathe machines have the least ability to drive the cutting tool into a material that is placed in two axes, X and Z. Additionally, they may carry many other functionalities for different purposes. For example, a variation of lathes, Swiss Lathes, is used to make even more precise cuts using variants of supported tools.

As mentioned above, lathes were originally used for wood cutting. This process is called “Turning.” However, as CNC lathes have become more advanced, they have rapidly replaced traditional cutting machinery with better precision.

In addition to easier operation, CNC lathes are also beneficial for processing many different types of materials. These are also precise. The level of tightness can be as tight as ±0.0127 mm or ±0.0005 in.

Owing to this capability, CNC lathe machines may support the needs of different industries, including the manufacturing of automotive, aerospace, and medical parts. Additionally, CNC lathe machines also have a higher repeatability, which ensures consistent cutting quality from time to time.

Different Types of CNC Machines

Currently, there are several types of CNC lathe machines with multiple axes. The more axes a machine has, the more complex parts it can process. The different axes represent the position and rotation of the machine during the process.

2-Axis CNC Lathe

This is the basic setup of the CNC lathe machine. Two linear axes are used to perform OD/ID, tapping, and drilling. Owing to this limitation, the machine cannot be used for milling.

3-Axis CNC Lathe

This machine adds the C-axis along with the basic X and Z. With the new axis, it is now possible to perform milling operations. Additionally, tapping and boring operations can be performed using this machine.

4-Axis CNC Lathe

A new Y-axis is added to the machine so that it is possible for the machine to perform off-center machining operations. The lathe machine handles complex and irregular operations well.

5-Axis CNC Lathe

This is basically a 3-axis CNC lathe with an additional turret. This combination makes it possible to have a 2-axis on each turret, with one of them having a C-axis. The 5-axis lathe machine is a way to reduce the production time dramatically, as two processes can be performed simultaneously.

6-Axis CNC Lathe

It is now possible for manufacturers to have a CNC lathe with six axes or more. The construction may be complex because it consists of

● 2 X Turret (which is used for upper and lower with 2 liner axis for each of them)

● 2 X C-axis (Consists of two spindles: main and secondary)

● 1 X Y-axis

● A 1 × second spindle moves towards the main spindle to pick up some parts.

How Do These Machines Work

Looking deeper into the CNC lathe, one may encounter a beautiful symphony of great precision from engineering and clever adjustment through computerization. However, traditional lathes require craftsmanship to produce high-quality parts. Then, the operator was the only one to ensure the quality of craftsmanship.

With advanced technology, CNC lathes have become easier to use to accommodate higher production rates without sacrificing their quality.

The process of part creation using a CNC lathe begins in the design phase. This is where the operator creates CAD or Computer-Aided Design using software. The design itself may cover all production needs. Thus, it consists of detailed information, including shapes and other specifications.

The next step is programming. The CAD design will be put into G-Code. It is a programming language for CNC machines. If the CAD design covers how a part should be created, the code tells the machine how to achieve it. The code tells the machine how to create, shape, and move the part.

Once the preparation is done, you will need to set up the CNC lathe machine. The setup process involves the installation of specific tools and ensuring that the workpiece is secured to the machine.

The machining process will begin shortly after. Guided by the G-code, the CNC lathe machine works by following the programming language. The secured workpiece will be quickly rotated and pierced with the cutting tool to shape the material.

After the machining process is done, the next step is a quality check. By using this machine, the operator checks the cutting conditions. Additionally, they can make real-time adjustments, if necessary. The final result will be checked with the specifications to ensure the accuracy.  

The Functions of CNC Lathe Machines

With CNC lathe machines, manufacturers can create highly detailed materials. Because the machine can be equipped with more axes, it is also possible to increase the production rate.

As these machines are versatile, many different industries can use them to produce high-quality and precise products. Some products created by CNC lathe machines are

● Gun barrels

● Crankshafts

● Camshafts

● Bowls

● Baseball bats

● Musical Instruments

● Tables

● Chairs

● And many others.

Main Parts of CNC Lathe Machine

There are two main parts of the CNC lathe, namely:

1. Mechanical Parts

2. Control/Controlling Section

Let us see each part in more detail.

Mechanical Parts

a) Main Motor

The main motor is a chuck to rotate the workpiece. This motor is a (DC) or direct current type motor with varying rotational speeds. The classification of the motor is:

● Rotation rate 600-4000 revolutions/minute

● Input power 500 watts

● Power output 300 watts

b) Sledding

It is a movement in axis with the running of the machine for the TU-2A CNC lathe, differentiated into:

● Longitudinal slide (z-axis) with a track distance of 32,760 mm

● Transverse slide (x-axis) with a track distance of 59.99 mm

c) Step Motors

The motor drives the sled on each of them. Having x-axis and z-axis drives, the type and size of each step motor are the same. The identification of step motors is:

● Total rotation is 72 steps

● Rotating moment 0.5 Nm

● Movement speed:

● Move fast, max. 700 mm/min

● Manual operating motion 0-400 mm/min

● Programmed CNC operating motion 2400 mm/min

d) Cutting Equipment House/ Tool Turret

The type of tool used to clamp cutting tools during the process of machining a workpiece is called a revolver. This revolver is used by a step motor so that it can rotate manually or be programmed.

e) Chuck

Used to clamp workpiece during workpiece cutting process. This chuck is connected directly to the main spindle with a belt drive using belt transmission for safety reasons, meaning that if damage occurs to the machine, the belt will slip.

This way, the main motor does not catch fire. If a chain is used when the engine stalls, it will not slip, and the main motor will catch fire.

f) Tailstock

It is a machine tool that is used to carry out work process tasks manually, for example, for drilling. In addition, it is also used to support long workpieces during the turning process, which prevents deflection and keeps the workpiece centered.

g) Machine table

Functions as a sliding board for the movement of the machine slide; therefore, cleanliness must always be maintained because damage to the surface of the machine table will greatly affect the results of the workpiece.

Controlling Section

It is a CNC machine control component that contains buttons and switches and is equipped with a monitor. The control section is a service element that is directly connected to the operator.

Operating CNC Lathe Machines

Before starting the machine, ensure that the electric current is connected to the CNC machine. The steps to begin operating the machine are as follows:

● The hydraulic oil pump (which is to the right of the slide) is pumped three times until the lubricant exits the slide.

● Turn on the machine by positioning the power supply key and main switch in the ON position.

● Turn on the CNC / Monitor control by pressing the NC ON button, then wait a moment until the boot process is complete and a display appears on the screen, as shown in the image below.

● Activating Machine Reference. To activate the machine reference, press the reference button and then press the tool movement button in the +Z direction until the reference is found (look at the position of the feed rate, not at the zero position). After that, press the +X button until the reference is found.

● The spindle is turned on by pressing the spindle start button, the screen displays the spindle rotation rpm, and the machine spindle rotates.

Conclusion

This concludes the article on parts of the CNC lathe machine. Without these parts, it is impossible for the machine to work properly. Therefore, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that the machine works as efficiently as expected.

CNC lathe machines can provide many great benefits and solutions, as they can cover a wide range of production needs. Yangsen is the one you should call to find the best machine solutions,