The introduction of computer numerical control (CNC) has been a revolution for the metalworking industry. Thanks to this technology, not only are production costs reduced, but so are lead times and labour. The CNC lathe is a machine tool widely used in machine shops across many industries thanks to all the advantages it brings to production.
What is a CNC lathe?
The lathe was the first machine tool ever invented. Its origins go back thousands of years and, over time, it has adapted to new technologies so as not to fall into disuse. One of these is numerical control. Thanks to this alphanumeric language, lathes work automatically and carry out the same operations as manual lathes, but with much greater precision, speed and autonomy.
On a CNC lathe, various cutting operations (horizontal, vertical or curved) can be carried out in a short time and with minimal human intervention. To do so, the operator must program the machine’s built-in computer and code the functions needed to operate the various tools held in the machine’s turret.
How a CNC lathe works
The CNC lathe works using CNC alphanumeric code, previously programmed into the machine’s computer. Before this programming is done, however, an expert – usually an engineer familiar with conversational programming – must design the part using CAD and CAM programs on external computers. Once the design is ready, it is translated into CNC code, which works through G-codes.
This language is a type of vector programming made up of very simple actions and parameters that the operator sets on the lathe’s computer, such as shapes, straight segments, curves, cuts, drilling and so on; the machine is also given the right speed to perform these tasks.
Once the design has been entered into the machine, the operator only has to load the part and clamp it in the lathe’s workholding system, and the lathe does all the work. The lathe itself selects the tools it needs to execute the commands it has been given. It is also worth noting that today, thanks to collaborative robotics, many lathes can be fitted with robotic arms or cobots that reduce labour even further, as it is these cobots that load the parts into the machines.
Advantages of the CNC lathe
Why use a CNC lathe? This machine tool brings nothing but advantages to machine shops. Work is carried out with much greater precision and at high speed, making series production possible – something that does not happen with manual lathes, whose operation depends entirely on the turner’s skill and effort.
In addition, a CNC machine can machine parts with very complex designs and achieve high-quality results, whereas on a manual lathe it would be very difficult to achieve the right precision and production costs would be higher.
CNC lathes are very easy to operate and, depending on the number of axes, the operator does not need to handle the machine or switch between cutting tools; the machine itself tilts and manipulates the workpiece as required, so that it can work on its surface from different angles and perspectives.
Applications of the CNC lathe
There are different types of CNC lathe on the market, each performing specific tasks according to production needs. There are CNC centre lathes and vertical lathes, copying lathes and even turret lathes. Thanks to the axes of these machines, the tool head can move very easily over the workpiece, whatever its shape; so a CNC lathe can machine conical, straight, square, cylindrical and other shapes.
These lathes are used to machine highly complex parts in very diverse materials: metals (stainless steel, iron, aluminium), wood, glass and others. It follows that CNC lathes are machine tools characterised by their versatility. Not only can they work with a variety of materials, they can also carry out various machining operations such as cutting, threading, hole-making or drilling, engraving, grooving and straight turning of geometric parts; all these operations are completed in a few minutes, boosting production.
Metalworking is the main industry in which the CNC lathe is used. In this industry, the CNC lathe is used to give metals a specific shape; the parts are then sent on to other industries, such as automotive, manufacturing and food. In metalworking, the main application of CNC lathes is chip-removal machining, as well as drilling and grooving.