Many Uses Of CNC Lathe Machines

First developed in the late 1940s by John T. Parsons, CNC lathe machines are a modern version of lathes that were used during Biblical periods. Using Computer Numerical Control (CNC), this unique machine has the ability to make intricate cuts on different types of material, specifically wood, plastic, and metal.

With an extremely fast spinning spindle, CNC lathe machines are versatile. For this reason, they are used to create parts for a wide range of industries. For example, this type of machine is commonly used in glass working, parts reclamation, metal spinning, metalworking, woodturning, and thermal spraying.

As a production turning machine, a CNC Lathe Machine is designed with bed, which usually lies flat. These lathes come in different sizes according to actual need. For instance, a Small lathe is typically used for low production and therefore, found in maintenance facilities and shops whereas larger lathes are used when there is a need for mass production.

Uses for CNC Lathe Machines

With CNC lathe machines, the material being worked is slowly sheared away. The result is a beautifully finished product or intricate part. Because these machines are so versatile, they are used by many industries to include automotive, electronics, aerospace, firearm manufacturing, sporting, and much more.

A CNC lathe can be used to produce plane surfaces and screw threads or in the case of ornamental lathes, three-dimensional products that are quite complex. In any case, the work piece is held firmly in place by one or two centers, with at minimum one being moved horizontally. However, material can also be secured with clamps or collets.

Some prime examples of finished items as a result of using CNC lathe machines include:

• Baseball Bats
• Bowls
• Camshafts
• Crankshafts
• Cue sticks
• Dining Room Table and Chair Legs
• Gun Barrels
• Musical Instruments

Because the work is so detailed, a qualified professional must run the lathe. Even though manufacturing processes are made easier due to automation, which consists of complex commands and speed rate instructed by an internal computer, a qualified operation oversees the overall operation. Therefore, special training to develop the necessary skills is mandatory.

Although automated, there are challenges with CNC lathe machines. For this reason, an operator must understand parameters of computer programming, safety standards, and an array of other vital information.