The CNC lathe is one of the most versatile — and thus, common — pieces of equipment used in manufacturing. At its core, the lathe is a piece of equipment that facilitates the machining of raw material stock using one or more tools. With a CNC lathe, the tooling operates according to a program written and uploaded to the machine, allowing for highly precise and repeatable production.
How does a CNC lathe work? Read on to learn the answer — as well as some tips for operation in the process.
How to Use a Lathe
There are several steps in understanding how to operate a lathe correctly. The computer-programmed aspect of the CNC lathe, as well as the complexities of this highly versatile machine, means that training and skill are required.
With this overview, you’ll understand the basics — and be ready for the next steps — in how to use a metal lathe:
- Ensure the machine is fully powered down. Don’t leave any risk of the machine turning on by accident.
- Securely load the part. In a CNC lathe, the stock is held in a “chuck” by tightening screws at each end.
- Select and load your tooling. CNC lathes can handle a wide variety of tools and machining techniques. Choose the right ones for the program you’re about to run, and load them into the tool turret.
- Correctly calibrate the tools and the part. Through the CNC lathe’s “learning eye,” you can assure that tools are operating where expected. By zeroing the piece properly, you’ll guarantee that everything is operating in sync.
- Enter and execute the program. Now that you know how to set up a CNC lathe, the final step is execution. Upload or input the program, and let it run.
Tips for How to Use a Lathe Machine
While lathe operation may seem fairly straightforward, there are several tips you can keep in mind and mistakes to avoid in the process. These include:
- Note — and use — your offsets. Specific tools have precise axis offsets in order to cut properly. Not only do these axes differ from manufacturer to manufacturer — they can differ minutely from individual tool to tool. For this reason, it’s important to be careful when setting the axis offset. Noting the correct offset for each tool (which may be slightly different from that recommended by the supplier) can save you time in the future.
- Be open to manual speed control. Automation is one of the great benefits of CNC machining, and it can be tempting to allow a machine to run at constant speed all the time. Taking over with manual speed control, however, can help with the accurate and successful machining of softer or difficult-to-machine materials.
- Understand the program. Especially if you’re using a program written by someone else, be sure you are aware of the proper tooling and setup offsets and calibrations required. If you don’t, you may end up with one or more pieces that aren’t to spec.
CNC Exchange offers a broad range of CNC machinery, including CNC lathes for a variety of applications. For more information on how you can buy or sell used machinery via CNC Exchange, contact us today.