What is a CNC lathe machine?

How does a CNC lathe work?

During the operation of a CNC lathe machine, the workpiece or raw material to be modified is held in a spindle that rotates at high speed. The cutting tool moves towards the workpiece according to the coordinates programmed in the CNC software, applying the desired process in a controlled and precise manner.

In this process, a cooling system may or may not be used, which comes into play to keep the cutting tools fresh and prevent deformations or damage. This system uses water or cooling liquids, which are substances that absorb the heat generated by the cutting and dissipate it outside. These liquids are applied to the tool and the workpiece while the cutting is carried out.

Why use a CNC lathe?

The use of a CNC lathe offers numerous benefits in modern manufacturing. Some of these advantages are:
• Greater capacity to machine cylindrical or revolving parts: The CNC lathe can create parts with different diameters, lengths, and profiles, as well as thread the outside or inside of the part. This allows for the manufacture of various components such as shafts, screws, nuts, bushings, gears, etc.
• Easy to switch from one part to another: They can be programmed to machine different types of parts without the need to change the tool or setup. This reduces setup time and increases process flexibility.
• Greater material utilization: They are capable of machining parts from bars or tubes of material that are fed into the spindle. This reduces material waste and cost, as well as loading and unloading time.
• Possibility of combining turning and milling operations: Some CNC lathes have additional tools that allow milling operations to be performed on the same machine. This allows for the creation of parts with more complex shapes and saves time and space.