The slant-bed CNC lathe is a type of lathe belonging to the family of computer numerical control (CNC) lathes. These lathes machine parts using computer software that uses alphanumeric characters and moves along the X-Y-Z axes to shape a part. This type of machine tool is very precise and helps cut production times and labour.
CNC lathe
CNC lathes are all machines that work with software using alphanumeric characters to machine a part. CNC lathes help reduce machining time and labour, which in turn lowers production costs. In addition, lathes using this technology deliver high-quality, much more precise results in a short time.
These machine tools are known for their versatility, as they can carry out many machining operations such as drilling, as well as turning; they are also ideal for some horizontal or vertical cuts, which used to take many hours with manual tools.
Computer numerical control lathes produce parts by rotation, that is, they shape the workpiece by rotating it at a certain speed, held on an axis, while the tool acts on the surface of the part following the instructions the operator has previously entered on the computer.
This machine has three axes: the first makes a longitudinal movement for straight turning; the second makes a crosswise movement for facing; and the third moves at tool height and contacts the workpiece from below or above.
Types of CNC lathe
There are three types of CNC lathe on the market:
- Flat-bed lathes, ideal for machining complex parts or for small-batch production. The carriage feed on this machine is slower.
- Vertical lathes, used to make large parts that cannot be machined on a horizontal lathe. The vertical lathe has a vertical spindle and a rotary table that turns in the horizontal plane.
- Slant-bed CNC lathes: highly recommended for mass production.
Slant-bed lathes: features and functions
One reason this type of lathe is chosen for mass production of parts is not only that it can produce large quantities, but also that it has parts that work automatically, which frees up space and allows more parts to be produced.
And why is it one of the most widely used CNC lathes today? Because, as its name suggests, the slant-bed CNC lathe has a one-piece bed that gives greater rigidity; it also provides high precision and durability in operations such as milling, turning and drilling. The machine’s functions can be controlled from a computer.
The slant-bed CNC lathe follows the design and development principle of CNC machining, which requires running CAD and CAM programs on computers. The first is used to design the part, while the second converts the design into the computer language used by the lathe. In other words, the operator does all the programming, so that all that remains is to place the part in the chuck and reposition it if necessary. This machine offers rigidity, precision and excellent chip-removal capacity.
Advantages of the slant-bed CNC lathe
This lathe offers high precision during machining. The machine is driven by a ball screw that delivers very precise work. The screw shaft is located in the machine’s X direction, so it is not affected by axial gravity. This is the main feature of this lathe, and undoubtedly also its greatest advantage.
The machine is also rigid. This is because its cross-sectional area is larger than that of a flat-bed lathe. In other words, a slant-bed lathe has much greater resistance to bending and torsion. The angle of inclination of the bed reduces the angle of the workpiece, as well as the cutting force and the effect of gravity, resulting in a much more stable spindle. Vibration on this machine is considerably lower than on other types of CNC lathe.
Finally, thanks to gravity acting on the slant bed, swarf evacuation is much easier. Its design also considerably reduces swarf build-up on the screw.