I want to learn more about CNC lathes, but I don’t know what to understand first and where to start. Ok, now let ALLES CNC take you to understand the composition of CNC lathes.
What are the different parts of a CNC Lathe Machine? How do these different components of the CNC Machine Tool fit together?
In general, CNC Lathe machines comes in the following main configurations:
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- Slant Bed
- Flat Bed
- Standard
- Multi-axis
- Other types, e.g. Swiss Type, Multi-spindle, B-axis
Machine Bed
The bed of a CNC Lathe or CNC Turning Centre forms the main base for the whole machine. It is where the different components of the machine are mounted on. For example, the spindle stock which houses the machine’s main spindle; tail stock body; X and Z axis slide; optional Y-axis; and sub-spindle.
Main Spindle
Often known as the heart of a machine tool, the main spindle consists of a spindle assembly and the spindle drive system. These are some of the moving parts of the CNC machine tool, and they include motors, gears, and the chuck. The C-axis drive which helps to position the material will also be assembled together with the spindle.
Tool holders are normally installed at the turret disk (a rotating disk allowing tools to be positioned and switched), they include both fixed and life tool holders. The life tool drive system is built-in.
To ensure greater quality, In order to ensure higher quality, ALLES CNC parts have a large inventory. These can tolerate standard or higher optional rpm ranges, run with minimized vibration levels, depending on the application requirements.
Sub-Spindle/ Second Spindle
Separate from the main spindle as an option, the sub-spindle works in sync with the main spindle to complete the first and second cutting operation in a CNC lathe. This improves efficiency and throughput per cycle. When named as a second spindle, the mechanism has the same capacity and power as the main spindle.
Chuck
A chuck is a vice-like structure that grips the workpieces to be machined. It is attached to the main spindle that rotates both the chuck and the workpiece.
Guide Way
The guide way enables the tool to move horizontally and vertically to achieve a smooth cutting process. To ensure durability, rigidity and the highest accuracy are needed for this structure.
Head stock
Comprising the main motor, the head stock holds the main spindle where the chuck is mounted on. To ensure high performance, you need to consider if your machine tool’s head stock can handle high torque at low speed. This is an important consideration for tough materials.
Tailstock
Tailstock are used to provide an extra support force on the other end of the component. This is necessary when machining long and extra-long work pieces (e.g. Shafts).
For Hwacheon’s Hi-TECH Series machines, the tailstock can be programmed to be positioned in semi-auto mode. This allows it to provide firm support and greater precision to the machined parts.
Tool Turret
The turret provides the possibility to change the cutting tools required for machining. Hence it is mounted on the tool turret. The size of the turret is determined by the number and size of tools that will be mounted on it.
Today, ALLES CNC will first introduce you to the composition of the lathe bed, spindle, Chuck, Guide Way, Headstock, etc.