From manual to intelligent: the evolution of lathe technology

What is a center lathe?

The term "center lathe" usually refers to the more common and basic traditional horizontal lathe, which is what we often call an ordinary lathe or engine lathe. It is called a "center lathe" mainly because its more classic and core working method is to use the top of the spindle box and the tailstock to clamp and support the center holes at both ends of the workpiece, so that the workpiece rotates around its own axis. It is mainly used for turning, end face processing, grooving, knurling, thread processing and other operations on rotating workpieces.

What components does a center lathe consist of and what are their functions?

Spindle box: The spindle box is one of the core components of the lathe, responsible for driving the spindle to rotate, thereby driving the workpiece to rotate. It achieves multiple speeds through a speed change mechanism to meet different processing requirements.

Bed: The bed is the basic component of the lathe, used to support and connect other components and ensure the relative position of each component during work. It is usually made of high-strength materials to ensure stability during processing.

Slide box and tool holder: The slide box is used to control the longitudinal and lateral movement of the tool holder to realize the feeding movement of the tool. The tool holder is used to install the turning tool and drive the turning tool for cutting.

Tailstock: The tailstock is located opposite the spindle box, and is usually installed with a top, which is used to assist in supporting long workpieces to prevent bending during processing.

Feed device: The feed device transmits the power of the spindle box to the tool holder through a light rod or a screw to achieve precise feeding of the tool.

What is a turret lathe?

The turret lathe is an improved form of the center lathe, but the turret lathe and the center lathe have differences in core functions and structural design. The tailstock and screw are cancelled. It is characterized by a rotatable turret tool holder that can install multiple tools at the same time. This design allows the turret lathe to quickly switch tools during processing without manual replacement, thereby greatly improving production efficiency.

Can a turret lathe replace a center lathe?

The turret lathe can replace the center lathe in some cases, especially in mass production. Due to its ability to quickly switch tools, turret lathes are more suitable for complex processing tasks and continuous production. However, center lathes may have more advantages in processing accuracy and flexibility, so the two have their own characteristics, and whether they should be replaced depends on actual processing needs.

What is a CNC lathe?

A CNC lathe is a lathe controlled by computer numerical control technology. Through CNC system programming and control, it can achieve complex processing technology and high-precision processing requirements. CNC lathes have the advantages of high degree of automation, high processing accuracy, and high production efficiency, and are widely used in the field of mechanical processing.

How does a CNC lathe realize the functions of a center lathe and a turret lathe?

CNC lathes can realize the functions of center lathes and turret lathes through their advanced CNC systems and flexible configurations.

Realize the functions of center lathes:

Through the cooperation of the spindle and the tool holder, CNC lathes can complete all the basic functions of center lathes, such as turning, boring, threading, etc. The CNC system can accurately control the feed speed of the tool and the speed of the spindle, thereby achieving high-precision processing.

The tool holder of a CNC lathe can be equipped with a single tool. Through the control of the CNC program, the tool can be moved longitudinally and horizontally to complete various processing procedures, which is similar to the working method of a center lathe.

Realizing the function of a turret lathe:

The CNC lathe can realize the function of a turret lathe by configuring a power turret and a sub-spindle. The power turret can be equipped with multiple tools. Through the control of the CNC system, the tools can be quickly switched to achieve continuous processing of multiple processes.

The design of the sub-spindle enables the CNC lathe to process the other end of the workpiece while the spindle is processing, further improving the processing efficiency. For example, when processing long-axis parts, the sub-spindle can be used to support the tail end of the workpiece and perform turning processing at the same time, which is similar to the tailstock function of a turret lathe.

The CNC system of the CNC lathe can automatically control the switching of tools and processing paths according to the processing program to achieve complex processing technology. Its functions and efficiency are to traditional turret lathes in many aspects.

The Eastern CNC 200MSY CNC slant bed lathe with sub-spindle Y-axis is a high-performance CNC slant bed lathe. It adopts a 35° inclined bed design with high rigidity and good thermal balance, which is suitable for complex parts processing. The high-rigidity Y-axis is realized through the movement of the middle (inclined) and large (horizontal) slides, which involves continuous two-axis interpolation. This enables milling operations with big rigidity., which can process complex shapes such as eccentric holes. The spindle power reaches 22kW, equipped with a 12-station moving milling turret, supporting a variety of processes such as turning, milling, drilling and tapping. The machine tool can also be equipped with optional automation equipment to further enhance flexible production. Its control system is advanced and supports thermal displacement compensation technology to ensure processing accuracy. It is suitable for complex parts processing in industries such as automobiles, and is an efficient and multifunctional processing equipment.