Primary Operations Of A CNC Metal Lathe
A metal lathe is actually comprised of several different classes, each designed to produce precise machining for a variety of hard materials. Originally, this type of lathe was designed specific to metal but over time, lathes have been designed to work on different plastics and other materials. Even the applications of metal lathes are unique but the concept consists of material being removed from a work piece being rotated.
You will also find that often a metal lathe is linear but they all use several tools to create different cuts and movements. One of the most innovative is the CNC metal lathe, which uses a Computer Numerated Control type of machine. With this, the program of the machine does all the work while the operator oversees the process. The results of a CNC metal lathe are much more precise than with other types of metal lathe.
Keep in mind that the actual design of a CNC metal lathe depends on the actual application. However, all machines share many features and have the same parts. As an example, any CNC metal lathe would have a headstock, tailstock, carriage, and bed. While these machines are built to handle different jobs, which require stability, the higher-end options of the CNC metal lathe feature broad-bearing surfaces, which enhance stability and improve precision.
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The following is basic information for the shared parts found on all types of CNC metal lathe: • Headstock – This part houses the main spindle, change gears, and speed-change mechanism, which work together to handle challenging cut jobs. If the components are not made from high quality material, they can create harmonic vibrations that ultimately affect the precision cut of the work piece, causing subpar quality. • Carriage – The basic function of the carriage is to hold the tool bit and then turn it or move it to face the underside of the control. The CNC metal lathe operator then moves the carriage manually using the hand wheel or through the automated system of feed shaft engagement. If the automated system is used, it reduces strain on the operator by doing a significant amount of the work. In addition, the carriage typically has a saddle, which is a top casting, along with an apron or side casting. • Bed – The last main part of a CNC metal lathe is a strong base connected to the headstock. With this, the carriage and tailstock can align parallel to the spindle axis. Using a rack and pinion system, the carriage is designed to travel. In addition, to ensure accurate pitch, the lead screw is used. Each CNC metal lathe has a different type of carriage, which could be a V bed, flat bed, or a combination of V and flat beds. Keep in mind, for lighter projects and better precision, V and combination beds are used, but for heavy-duty work, flat beds are required. |
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