The slant-bed CNC lathe is a type of computer numerical control lathe used to machine rotationally symmetrical parts. It is one of the most advanced machines in the metalworking industry, as it automates processes and requires minimal human intervention.
What are CNC lathes?
CNC lathes machine rotationally symmetrical parts using computer software that works with alphanumeric data. These machines follow the X, Y or Z planes and are used for series production or for designs that demand high precision. The machine's built-in computer controls the machining operations to be carried out on the workpiece.
Machining on this type of machine tool requires the part to be designed in advance. This is done on a separate computer using CAD and CAM software (computer-aided design and manufacturing, respectively). Once the part has been designed, the design is converted into alphanumeric code and loaded into the computer of the slant-bed CNC lathe. The machine interprets the design and sets the machining parameters required for production.
Benefits of CNC lathes
One of the great advantages of CNC lathes, whatever their type, is that they can carry out operations in a single set-up. In other words, if a part needs both turning and drilling, the CNC lathe can perform both operations without having to reposition the part. Generally, and depending on the lathe model, the machine itself changes between cutting tools and positions the part as the machining requires. This is a real benefit for production because otherwise separate machine tools would be needed, and the same part would have to pass through several machines such as a lathe, drilling machine, milling machine and so on.
CNC lathes can also perform operations normally done on other types of lathe, such as copying, engine, turret, automatic and vertical lathes. Because CNC lathes move simultaneously along two interpolated axes, they can machine conical or spherical shapes.
Finally, the tool turret on this type of lathe can hold up to 20 different cutting tools, which rotate into position at the main head depending on the type of turning.
What is a slant-bed CNC lathe?
Thanks to technological advances, there are now three different types of lathe running on computer numerical control; one of them is the slant-bed CNC lathe. As its name suggests, this machine tool features a one-piece slanted bed. This gives the machine greater rigidity, precision and durability, whatever the machining carried out on it: turning, drilling, milling and so on.
The movements of the cutting tool are controlled by a highly advanced digital system that ensures the tool machines exactly as it should.
If you are wondering what these lathes are used for in the metalworking industry, they are ideal for manufacturing pipe fittings. Fittings are metal parts widely used in industry to join pipes, and they may be threaded or unthreaded. Almost every industry supplied by the metalworking sector uses fittings, which is why slant-bed CNC lathes are among the most popular machines with manufacturers of these parts.
Slant-bed CNC lathes are usually more compact than traditional production lathes. The bed itself has an angle of inclination of between 35 and 45 degrees. As you can see, this type of machine tool is ideal for series production (identical parts). It requires minimal intervention from the operator, and some models include a bar feeder. This means a single operator can run several CNC machine tools at the same time.
Other types of CNC lathe
Besides slant-bed lathes, there are also flat-bed lathes and vertical lathes using CNC technology. Flat-bed lathes are also known as toolroom lathes and are used to machine large parts. Unlike slant-bed CNC lathes, flat-bed lathes work at a more moderate production rate (still very efficient, even though they are not as fast as slant-bed machines). Thanks to their horizontal structure, they offer great stability and rigidity during production.
Vertical CNC lathes, for their part, have box guideways along which the cuts on the part are made. With their vertical orientation, these lathes can machine large parts.