CNC turned components are produced by CNC turning machines that are typically referred to as CNC lathes. Lathes found within CNC turning can be found in a large variety of designs and sizes, and they are also found working both horizontally as well as vertically. The most common lathes are horizontal, vertical lathes generally only being used on large diameter pieces.
Lathes used for producing turned components can be manual or CNC controlled, CNC lathes gradually taking over manual alternatives due to the accuracy and precision they provide. A CNC lathe will rotate the workpiece, moving the cutting tool based on commands that have been programmed to offer a high speed and precision. Below are the basic components that you will find in a CNC lathe:
CNC Turned Components: The Different Parts of the Lathe
First and foremost you will find the bed of the turning machine; this being the base that it sits on. Depending on the size of the CNC lathe in question, it may sit on the ground or alternatively on a table. The front section of the assembly is known as the headstock. This is attached to the bed of the CNC lathe and contains the motor and drive system that give the lathe power. The spindle will rotate the workpiece, supporting it as it moves, and it is secured to the piece being worked on with a fixture such as a collet or chuck.
The rear end of the CNC lathe used in the production of CNC turned components is known as the tailstock assembly. It is attached to the bed in the same way as the headstock is, and its purpose is to support the tail end of the workpiece. The tailstock assembly is sometimes removed from the assembly, allowing for material to be removed as the workpiece is turned.
The carriage is a platform. This platform will slide along the workpiece as it is being turned, allowing the tool being used to cut away at the material. The carriage sits on tracks in the same way a train carriage rests on tracks, these tracks laying on the bed of the lathe. Attached to the top side of the carriage you will find the cross slide. The cross side allows for the depth of the cut to vary as the tool moves across the piece being worked on.
On the tip of the cross slide you will find the compound, the compound supporting the cutting tool. The tool being used for cutting is fixed to a tool post that in turn is fixed to the compound. The compound is able to rotate, this meaning that the angle of the cut can be altered.
Some CNC lathes will include a turret. A turret can hold multiple tools at one time, rotating the required tool into position for cutting. A turret will speed up the CNC operation, moving along the workpiece and feeding the cutting tool. Tools in the turret can be stationary or live, live tools being such tools as drills, reamers, and other powered tools.
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