CNC lathe machining turning

What can a CNC lathe make?

What kinds of things can a CNC lathe machine make? A CNC lathe machine can make everything from automotive frames and airplane engines to surgical instruments, gears, and garden tools. It may also make various structures, such as flat surfaces, threads, and cylindrical components with inner and outer diameters.

What does CNC lathe stand for?

Computer numerical control

Computer numerical control (CNC) is a manufacturing method that automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools through the use of preprogrammed computer software, which is embedded inside the tools. CNC is commonly used in manufacturing for machining metal and plastic parts.

The different types of CNC lathe can be determined by the number of movement axes: 2-axis – can perform outer/inner diameter machining, facing, drilling, and tapping. 3-axis – adds a live tool system for milling, boring, etc. 4-axis – typically adds a second tool carrier or turret.

A lathe is an essential machine used in the manufacturing industry. Among other things, it can be used to cut, sand and turn workpieces. Not to be confused with milling machines, lathes are designed to rotate a workpiece against a tool bit. The workpiece rotates against a stationary tool bit, such as a blade or drill bit. While there are different types of lathes, most feature a few basic parts to facilitate their operations.

Bed

The bed is a large horizontal structure or beam that’s used to support other parts of a lathe like the headstock and tailstock. With the exception of woodworking lathes, nearly all lathes have a bed. It’s the long platform on which these parts are mounted.

Headstock

Found on the end of the bed is the headstock. Once clamped to the end, the headstock provides the rotational power for the lathe’s operations. It contains the bearings used by the lathe to rotate the workpiece against the tool bit.

Tailstock

As you may have guessed, the tailstock is found on the end of the lathe opposite to the headstock. Also known as a “loose head,” the tailstock features a non-rotating barrel that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as holding tool bits or supporting workpieces while they turn.

Carriage

Lathes also have a carriage, which is found nestled between the headstock and tailstock. The carriage is responsible for guiding the tool bit as it cuts or otherwise manipulates the workpiece.

Legs

Of course, legs are the vertical structures on a lathe that provide an elevated working surface. Lathes don’t use just any type of legs, however. Because of their heavy weight, commercial-grade lathes usually feature legs that bolt onto the floor on which it’s placed. By bolting the legs down, the lathe will remain stable even under heavy load.

Cross Slide

The cross slide is a component found on the top of a lathe that allows the tool bit to slide back and forth.

Saddle

Found on the top of a lathe is the saddle. Technically, the saddle is part of the carriage. Featuring a H shape, it’s responsible for supporting cross slide movements.

Apron

The apron is a part of a lathe that’s clamped to the saddle. It’s designed to hold the gears, levers and other components that push the cross slide. Along with the saddle, the apron is a key component of the carriage, which as mentioned above, is used to guide the lathe’s tool bit.

The lathe machine tools can be classified into different categories. The most common classifications include: Use: turning tool, boring tool, chamfering tool, grooving tool, etc. Material: high-speed steel tool, carbide tool, diamond blade, other materials, etc.

Many types of cutting tools used on lathes or CNC lathes can be divided into four main categories: material, operation, design, and feed direction. Below are the various turning tools that fall into each category.

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