Types of CNC Lathe Machining Processes

Processing technology of CNC lathes
The processing technology and tools used in CNC lathes are the same as those of ordinary lathes. The difference is that the processing process of CNC lathes is automatically executed under the control of computers according to pre-programmed programs. Reasonable processing technology is crucial to improving the processing efficiency and processing accuracy of CNC lathes.

Types of parts processed by CNC turning
The main motion of CNC lathe turning is the rotation of the workpiece mounted on the spindle, which is matched with the movement of the tool in the plane. The main parts processed are rotating parts. Rotating parts are divided into sleeves, wheels and other types. The difference between sleeves and wheels lies in the aspect ratio. Generally, parts with an aspect ratio greater than 1 are considered sleeves, and parts with an aspect ratio less than 1 are considered wheels.
(1) Sleeve parts. The length is greater than the diameter, and the processing surface is mostly the inner and outer circumference. The contour of the circular surface can be a straight line parallel to the Z axis, which is cut to form a stepped shaft, and the shaft can have threads and back-cut grooves, etc.; it can also be an oblique line, which is cut to form a conical surface or conical thread; it can also be an arc or a curve, which is cut to form a curved surface.
(2) Wheel-type parts. The diameter is greater than the length. The machining surface of wheel-type parts is mostly the end face. The contour of the end face can be a straight line, an oblique line, an arc, a curve or an end face thread, a conical thread, etc.
(3) Other parts. CNC lathes are the same as ordinary lathes. When equipped with special chucks, they can machine eccentric shafts or machine holes or cylinders on boxes and plates.

Machining characteristics of CNC turning
CNC turning is one of the most widely used machining methods in CNC machining. Compared with conventional machining methods, it has the following characteristics.
(1) High machining accuracy and good versatility. The machining accuracy of CNC machine tools is generally higher than that of ordinary machine tools. The machining process of CNC machine tools is controlled by computers according to pre-input programs, which avoids differences in product quality caused by differences in operator skills. For some workpieces with complex shapes, it is almost impossible to complete them with ordinary machine tools, while CNC machine tools can achieve the purpose by compiling more complex programs. If necessary, computer-aided programming or computer-aided processing can be used. In addition, the processing process of CNC machine tools is not affected by physical strength or emotional changes.
(2) Strong processing capability, suitable for processing small batches of parts of multiple varieties. When processing a new part on a traditional automatic or semi-automatic lathe, it is generally necessary to adjust the machine tool or machine tool accessories to adapt the machine tool to the requirements of the processed parts. When using CNC lathes to process parts of different shapes, as long as the processing program (software) is re-compiled or modified, the processing requirements can be quickly met, which greatly shortens the technical preparation time for replacing lathe hardware. Therefore, it is suitable for processing multiple varieties, single pieces or small batches.
(3) It has higher productivity and lower processing costs. Lathe productivity mainly refers to the time required to process a part, which includes maneuvering time and auxiliary time. The spindle speed and feed speed of CNC lathes vary in a wide range and can be adjusted steplessly. The best cutting speed and feed speed can be selected during processing, and constant speed and cutting speed can be achieved to optimize cutting parameters, greatly improving productivity and reducing processing costs, especially for parts produced in large quantities. The larger the batch, the lower the processing cost.
(4) It is easy to establish a computer communication network. Since CNC machine tools use digital information to control the movement of machine tools, they are easy to connect with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems to form an integrated system that closely combines computer-aided design and manufacturing with CNC machine tools.

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