Lathes indirectly help shape, cut, and sand workpieces, in that they rotate pieces on axles so that other tools are applications can do the actual work. Metalworking lathes, also called metal lathes, are specifically meant to work with metal materials, although they can also be used with plastics, something that is becoming increasingly common.
All lathes are built with certain standard parts, regardless of the job they actually perform. Lathes parts include the carriage, headstock, tailstock, and bed. Lathes are made very solidly and manufactured very precisely because they must undergo heavy and continuous use. This is especially important in metalworking, because lathes have to repeat actions over and over and over again -- a common fact, and even more important given that the manufacturing environment is becoming increasingly automated.
Newer machine tool: the CNC lathe
Lathes have been around for machine work for many years, but CNC lathes are new. These lathes are new because they are fully modernized, and can be programmed so that they run absolutely automatically, with only minimal operator supervision and the barest hands-on involvement, if any. This is important to machine tools, because automation brings better production and lower costs overall.
Fully modern, CNC lathes are streamlined machine tools for efficiency
The CNC lathe is very easy to operate and set, although the operator will need some training. The CNC lathe uses processes that are fully modern, and they can be used in a variety of applications, including CAM or CAT processes. These processes are fully automatic, and only need the barest of supervision. The file is simply uploaded to the machine, and the machine can operate pretty much independently with some basic and occasional attention. This is very efficient in comparison to older lathes, which required operators to perform significant hands-on operations.
CNC lathes are computer-based
Today's CNC lathe is completely integrated with the computer interface, in that the same menu styles and electronic controls are used. As CNC lathes complete their processes, these processes are simulated for "at a glance" viewing on an ongoing basis. Although the operator, again, will need to have significant skill in the operation of the CNC lathe, the operator's focus can be broader, in that he or she can set up and operate more than one machine at the same time.
Today's CNC lathes are oftentimes enclosed completely because occupational safety and health issues are a concern. With this setup, the turret holds machine tools and indexes them as needed, with a human operator operating more as a supervisor than as a hands-on operator, as would be traditional.
All lathes are built with certain standard parts, regardless of the job they actually perform. Lathes parts include the carriage, headstock, tailstock, and bed. Lathes are made very solidly and manufactured very precisely because they must undergo heavy and continuous use. This is especially important in metalworking, because lathes have to repeat actions over and over and over again -- a common fact, and even more important given that the manufacturing environment is becoming increasingly automated.
Newer machine tool: the CNC lathe
Lathes have been around for machine work for many years, but CNC lathes are new. These lathes are new because they are fully modernized, and can be programmed so that they run absolutely automatically, with only minimal operator supervision and the barest hands-on involvement, if any. This is important to machine tools, because automation brings better production and lower costs overall.
Fully modern, CNC lathes are streamlined machine tools for efficiency
The CNC lathe is very easy to operate and set, although the operator will need some training. The CNC lathe uses processes that are fully modern, and they can be used in a variety of applications, including CAM or CAT processes. These processes are fully automatic, and only need the barest of supervision. The file is simply uploaded to the machine, and the machine can operate pretty much independently with some basic and occasional attention. This is very efficient in comparison to older lathes, which required operators to perform significant hands-on operations.
CNC lathes are computer-based
Today's CNC lathe is completely integrated with the computer interface, in that the same menu styles and electronic controls are used. As CNC lathes complete their processes, these processes are simulated for "at a glance" viewing on an ongoing basis. Although the operator, again, will need to have significant skill in the operation of the CNC lathe, the operator's focus can be broader, in that he or she can set up and operate more than one machine at the same time.
Today's CNC lathes are oftentimes enclosed completely because occupational safety and health issues are a concern. With this setup, the turret holds machine tools and indexes them as needed, with a human operator operating more as a supervisor than as a hands-on operator, as would be traditional.
About the Author:
Dudley Meredith is Manager of Victor Fortune Machine Tools, a CNC Lathe Supplier situated in Johannesburg, South Africa. To get more information, go to CNC Lathes
