How to use CNC vertical lathe to process automobile wheels?

CNC vertical lathe is a machine tool used for metal processing. It controls the relative movement between the tool and the workpiece through the CNC system to achieve precise processing of the workpiece. Compared with traditional ordinary vertical lathes, CNC vertical lathes have a higher degree of automation and easier to control processing accuracy. It is mainly used to process rotating parts, such as discs, short shaft parts, etc.

Recently, Shanghai ANTS Machine Equipment Co., Ltd. successfully received a trader from the Middle East. The customer needs to purchase a CNC vertical lathe to process automobile wheels, with a minimum diameter of 40mm and a height of 65mm.

The customer’s workpiece quantity is as many as more than 800, and multiple machines are required to work simultaneously. We recommended two of our VL25A (L&R) double-door machines to the customer.

According to the customer’s needs, ANTISHICNC engineers successfully matched a CNC vertical lathe for the customer, with a rotary diameter of 400mm on the bed. The maximum turning diameter is 250mm, and the center distance is 400mm.

The following are the basic parameters of the VL25A CNC vertical lathe:

Next, the engineers of ANTISHICNC will introduce you to the general process of processing automobile wheels in detail:

1.Processing preparation

Interpretation of parts drawings: Carefully analyze the drawings of automobile wheels to clarify key parameters such as their dimensions (such as wheel diameter, wheel width, center hole size, etc.), precision requirements (tolerance, form and position tolerance) and surface roughness requirements.

Blank inspection and clamping:

Check the quality of the blank. Automobile wheel blanks are usually cast or forged. If the blank is cast, check for pores and sand holes; if the blank is forged, check for cracks and other defects.

Clamp the blank on the workbench of the CNC vertical lathe, generally using a three-jaw chuck or a special fixture. When clamping, ensure that the center of the blank coincides with the center of the machine tool spindle. After clamping, the concentricity can be adjusted by dialing, and the spindle should be controlled within a small range as much as possible, for example, within 0.05mm.

2.Tool preparation:

Select the tool according to the processing position and precision requirements of the wheel. For external cylindrical machining, carbide tools can be used for rough machining, which can withstand greater cutting forces and increase the allowance; cubic boron (CBN) tools can be used for fine machining, which can obtain good surface quality.

For center hole and bolt hole machining, twist drills and drill bits are required. When installing the tool, pay attention to the moderate extension length of the tool and install it on the tool holder quickly to avoid vibration or loosening of the tool during machining.

3.CNC program compilation:

Determine the tool path according to the machining process of the wheel hub. Generally, the center hole is machined first as a reference, then the outer circle is machined, and finally the bolt hole is machined.

4.Machining process

(1) Center hole machining:

Start the machine tool and rotate the spindle. According to the CNC program, control the tool (twist drill) to move to the center of the blank and start the workpiece. During the workpiece process, pay attention to the cutting situation, such as whether the chip discharge exceeds.

After completion, you can decide whether to make a channel hole based on the accuracy requirements. The channel hole can improve the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the center hole, so that the surface roughness reaches about Ra0.8 – Ra1.6μm.

(2) Rim outer circle processing:

Rough processing: The tool holder spindle is controlled by the CNC program to perform rough processing on the rim outer circle according to the set cutting depth and feed speed. During rough processing, it is important to note that the cutting force should not be too large, which will cause vibration of the workpiece or tool and affect the processing accuracy.

Finishing:

After the rough processing is completed, replace the finishing tool and adjust the cutting parameters (such as increasing the spindle and reducing the feed speed) for finishing to achieve the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness required by the drawing (such as surface roughness Ra1.6 – Ra3.2μm).

(4) Bolt hole processing:

According to the design requirements of the wheel hub, the tool is controlled by the CNC program to move to the position of the bolt hole.

The position accuracy of each bolt must be ensured during the drilling process using a twist drill. The position deviation between adjacent holes should generally be controlled within ±0.1mm. If tapping is required, perform the corresponding tapping operation after the queue.

Processing after processing

5.Dimensional accuracy detection:

Use measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, three-coordinate measuring machines, etc.) to measure the dimensions of the processed wheel hub. Focus on checking key parameters such as the center hole size, outer diameter, rim width, and bolt hole position and size.

Compare the measurement results with the drawing requirements. If there is a dimensional deviation, analyze whether it is a program problem, tool problem or other main reasons, and take corresponding measures to correct it.

6.Surface quality inspection:

Observe the wheel surface with the naked eye for scratches, vibration marks and other defects, and use a surface roughness measuring instrument to check whether the surface roughness meets the requirements.

If the surface quality does not meet the requirements, the wheel may need to be reprocessed or appropriate surface treatment measures may be taken.

7.Cleaning and rust prevention:

Use special cleaning equipment and cleaning agents to clean the wheel to remove surface chips, oil stains, etc.

After cleaning, perform rust prevention according to the material of the wheel (such as aluminum alloy). Anti-rust oil spraying or anti-rust spraying agents can be used to prevent the wheel from rusting.

If you have any questions, please contact Shanghai ANTS Machine Equipment Co., Ltd. through our website information. Engineers will match you with efficient machine tools and professional services.

If you have any questions, please contact Shanghai ANTS Machine Equipment Co., Ltd. through our website information. Engineers will match you with efficient machine tools and professional services.

Keywords: CNC machine tools, CNC vertical lathe, CNC vertical lathe processing automobile wheel hub