4 Common Types of CNC Lathes Are Used in the Precision Metal Machining Industry
Dec 02, 2021
The turning process uses many different types of lathe. Each type is suited to different processes.
Even though there are many, many types of lathe, the precision metal machining industry uses 4 common types.
Vertical CNC Lathes
Vertical lathes orient the spindle in a fixed position in the vertical plane. The workpiece moves up or down to place it in line with the appropriate tool necessary for the desired operation.
Vertical lathes are less complex than horizontal machines. They provide the best option for projects that focus on a single side, like large metal plates and sinking dies. They hold an advantage over horizontal lathes in circumstances where workpiece sagging might be a factor.
Horizontal CNC Lathes
Unlike vertical lathes, horizontal lathes do not have a fixed spindle but instead, they use a variety of heads mounted to a horizontal arbor. These machines accommodate a wider variety of shapes and sizes and gravity works to keeping the workpiece clean during machining. Most horizontal lathes have the capacity to incorporate automatic bar-stock feeders.
Horizontal Turning Centres
Horizontal Turning Centers are the most widely recognized CNC Machine here in Canada used by Parts Manufacturers for the Oil and Gas sector. With a horizontal turning center, the spindle is horizontally oriented, and tools are mounted out of the side of the tool holder and cut across the work-piece.
Vertical Turning Centres
A vertical turning center is a cross hybrid from the turning center and the vertical lathe. Shorter components not requiring sub-spindle, tailstock, or bottom turret can benefit from a vertical construction lathe rather than a horizontal to keep the machine footprint small.
