| Modern production schedules require machines that | | | | ones can even have four spindles to perform multiple |
| can manufacture and finish parts at a rapid pace and | | | | jobs simultaneously, thereby reducing operations and |
| also with a very high level of consistency. The humble | | | | improving productivity. |
| lathe machine that at one time was purely mechanical | | | | The latest CNC lathes require an operator to oversee |
| has now morphed into modern CNC lathes with a | | | | the mechanical process, which in the past would have |
| very high degree of automation and accuracy. | | | | required one or two operators for actual physical |
| Uses of CNC lathes | | | | work. A programmer is also required to compile the |
| CNC lathes are usually used on metal components | | | | software commands needed to instruct the machine |
| that require some material to be cut out through | | | | to provide precise cuts or holes. The tool bits that are |
| turning. They are also used to drill multiple holes | | | | required to cut through steel are usually made of |
| including centered holes usually in blocks of metal. | | | | titanium carbide, tungsten carbide, etc depending on the |
| However, modern CNC lathes are also used on other | | | | material that needs to be cut. The tool bits are used |
| materials including plastic and wood. Lathe machines | | | | until the tolerance levels are maintained after which |
| are widely used for making cylindrical parts such as | | | | they are either sharpened, if possible, or simply |
| gears, crankshafts, etc which require a very high level | | | | replaced with a new bit. |
| of accuracy as manufacturers compete to produce | | | | Advantages of using CNC lathes |
| engines and gearboxes that are more silent and | | | | The advantage of using CNC lathes is that it offers a |
| efficient than their adversaries. Manual lathes such as | | | | very high level of accuracy in drilling, cutting, milling, etc |
| the turret lathes, engine lathes and special purpose | | | | while also maintaining optimum production speed. With |
| lathes were previously used but with a rise in | | | | the advent of computers, the risk of physical injury to |
| production levels automated CNC lathes offer higher | | | | the operator is also reduced while the software offers |
| production output with fewer errors, while the manual | | | | manufacturers a chance to give shape to products |
| ones are still used by smaller workshops. | | | | that would not be possible if manufactured by hand. |
| Modern types of these machines can make short | | | | While small and medium sized CNC lathes are used by |
| work of a job-work | | | | workshops to craft products that might have gone out |
| Modern types of these machines are a combination of | | | | of production a long time ago, such as parts for |
| a computer with a lathe machine and a controller that | | | | antique cars or even for older machines, larger lathes |
| converts each digital signal into the desired action. | | | | are usually used on the production line to manufacture |
| Specialized software is first used to create the | | | | parts in large quantities. |
| required design that needs to be replicated physically | | | | The advent of newer technologies has turned the |
| on metal, wood, etc. Next, the job-work, work or | | | | humble lathe machine into CNC lathes capable of |
| work-piece is fitted on the chuck and rotated at slow | | | | converting any creative thought into a real shape. |
| or high speeds depending on the material and the type | | | | Various models and sizes are used for specific |
| of cut or centering required. The program instructs the | | | | purposes and CNC lathes do not need to be taught |
| lathe machine on the type of cutting, drilling or centering | | | | the entire process every time a new tool is attached |
| required including the depth and width. While older lathe | | | | thus saving time, effort and money while offering |
| machines could only do cutting functions, newer | | | | safety, efficiency and accuracy. |
| machines can do cutting and milling and the high end | | | | |