Lathes for metalworking
How turning machines work
A turning machine is an essential piece of equipment in modern manufacturing technology, widely used in metalworking and many other industries. It plays a central role in the production of precise, cylindrical workpieces such as bolts, shafts and many other predominantly rotationally symmetrical components that are used in machines and devices.
Basic principle of a turning machine
At its core, a turning machine is a machine that removes material by rotating a workpiece while moving a cutting tool along two axes. This movement allows the tool to make precise cuts to shape and size the workpiece. The turning machine makes it possible to machine both external and internal diameters, cut threads and produce complex geometric shapes with high precision.
The operation of a turning machine can be divided into several basic steps. First, the workpiece to be machined is clamped in the machine, often between the centers of the machine or in a chuck. Once the workpiece is securely fastened, it is set in rotation. The rotational speed can vary depending on the material and the desired cutting quality. A precision cutting tool is then guided against the rotating workpiece to remove material and shape the workpiece to the desired form.
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Turning machine or lathe
The difference between a turning machine and a lathe is primarily terminological, as these terms are used interchangeably in many contexts. Traditionally, a lathe refers to a simpler, manually controlled machine that is primarily used in trade and training. It is used to process workpieces by rotating, whereby material is removed with a stationary tool (turning tool). A turning machine, on the other hand, can be seen as a more advanced version, which often has computer-controlled technology (CNC) and a tool carrier (turret) for several different tools, some of which are also rotationally driven for different tasks, and enables more precise and complex machining. Regardless of the name, both are essential for the production of cylindrical parts and make a significant contribution to modern production technology.
Areas of application for CNC turning machines
CNC turning machines are high-precision machines that play a central role in numerous industrial sectors. Thanks to their computer-controlled programming, they enable the production of complex parts with high precision and efficiency. One of the main areas of application for CNC turning machines is the automotive industry, where they are essential for the production of engine and transmission parts such as shafts and bearings. They are also used in aerospace engineering to produce high-precision components for airplanes and satellites. In mechanical engineering, they enable the production of gears, couplings and many other mechanical components. CNC turning machines are also used in medical technology, for example in the production of surgical instruments and implants, which are then preferably manufactured from bar stock. Their versatility makes CNC turning machines an indispensable part of modern manufacturing processes that require the highest precision and quality.
Types of turning machines
There are different types of turning machines in industrial manufacturing, each with specific advantages for certain requirements.
Horizontal turning machine
A Horizontal turning machine holds the workpiece horizontally in a chuck or between centers while it rotates. A stationary cutting tool is moved along one or more axes to remove material and cut the workpiece to the desired shape and size. These machine tools enable precise machining operations such as turning, drilling and tapping on cylindrical workpieces. Driven tools in one or more tool carriers (turrets) are available for axial or inclined drilling, threading or other geometries, which can also be brought into engagement at an angle via adjustment axes. By integrating a counter spindle, it may also be possible to machine a workpiece from the rear and thus largely completely.
Vertical turning machine (Pick-up)
A vertical turning machine (pick-up) fixes the workpiece on a horizontal faceplate that rotates vertically. One or more cutting tools move vertically or horizontally to remove material and machine the workpiece. This configuration is particularly suitable for heavy, large or unwieldy workpieces and enables operations such as turning, drilling and tapping with high precision. If the machine is designed as a pick-up machine, a workpiece can be picked up directly from a revolving unfinished/finished part feed belt via the vertical spindle and also deposited again after machining, which is efficient for larger quantities and very economical due to autonomous operation via a tool supply.
Fixed head automatic turning machine
A fixed head automatic turning machine specializes in the fast and precise production of smaller workpieces. It works automatically and can use several tools simultaneously. The workpiece is held in the spindle and machined by rapid rotation while various tools remove material, drill, mill or cut threads. Ideal for mass production of small parts, it offers high efficiency and accuracy.
Sliding head automatic turning machine
A sliding head automatic turning machine is optimized for machining long, slender workpieces. The raw material is usually fed in bar form through the hollow main spindle, whereby it is rotated and moved axially during machining. Several tools simultaneously perform different operations such as turning, drilling and tapping. These machines are particularly efficient for the precise production of long, complex parts in series production.
Turning Center
A turning center, also known as a CNC turning center, is a sophisticated variant of the CNC lathe that also has milling functionality. It combines turning and milling operations in a single machine, allowing complex parts with different geometries to be machined in a single pass. The workpiece is held in the spindle and rotated while CNC-controlled tools perform precise cuts. In addition, driven tools in the turret or full milling spindles supplied by a tool changer enable milling, drilling and tapping on the rotating work surface. This integration of functions increases efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple machine setups and workpiece transfers between different machines.
Multi-spindle turning machine
A multi-spindle turning machine enables the simultaneous machining of several workpieces or the synchronized step-by-step machining of a component by using several spindles. Each spindle holds a workpiece and rotates it for different machining processes. While one spindle is being machined, other operations such as drilling, milling or thread cutting can be carried out simultaneously on the other spindles. This leads to a considerable increase in production speed, as several production steps run in parallel, making the multi-spindle automatic lathe ideal for mass production.
Vertical turning machine (carousel)
A vertical turning machine (carousel) is characterized by its vertical spindle arrangement and a large, horizontal faceplate on which the workpiece is mounted. This faceplate rotates around a vertical axis, while cutting tools are guided radially and axially along the workpiece to perform precise machining operations such as turning, drilling and milling. Its design makes it ideal for machining large, heavy workpieces by providing high stability and accessibility.
Ultra-precision turning machine
An ultra-precision turning machine is designed for ultra-low tolerance manufacturing and utilizes advanced control technologies to achieve exceptional surface finish and precision. These machines use special cutting tools and high-precision spindles to ensure minimal deviation and maximum machining accuracy. Ultra-precision lathes are capable of achieving nano-levels of surface roughness and are often used in optics, biomedical and microelectronics applications where sub-microscopic level precision is required.
Hard turning machine
A hard turning machine is specially designed to machine hardened materials that have a very high degree of hardness after the heat treatment process. It uses extremely hard cutting materials such as CBN (cubic boron nitride) or ceramic, which are able to machine the hard surfaces effectively. Hard lathes provide precise control over cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut to achieve the desired shape and surface finish while maintaining the integrity of the workpiece. They are often used for finishing operations to replace or supplement grinding processes.
Advantages of turning machines
Turning machines offer a number of advantages over other metalworking methods. Firstly, they enable high precision and repeatability in the production of cylindrical parts, which is essential for many applications. By precisely controlling the turning speed and feed rate, users can achieve fine tolerances and surface finishes that are difficult to achieve with manual methods or less specialized machines.
Secondly, turning machines are extremely versatile. They can be used for a wide range of materials, from soft metals such as aluminum to hard alloys. With the right configuration and tools, turning machines can not only turn, but also drill, mill and tap, making them multifunctional manufacturing equipment.
Thirdly, CNC-controlled turning machines significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of metalworking. Automation allows complex parts to be produced in a single pass, reducing machining time and the need for manual intervention. This results in faster production and enables cost-effective production of components in both small and large quantities.
Milling and shaping on turning machines
The boundaries between machine types are becoming increasingly blurred thanks to technological advances. Basically, a turning machine is primarily designed for turning work. However, modern CNC turning machines and specially equipped conventional lathes also enable milling and shaping operations through the use of additional devices and functions.
By using a driven tool, CNC turning machines can perform milling operations, enabling the machining of complex parts with different geometries in a single clamping operation. This increases flexibility and efficiency in production. Shaping operations are less common on turning machines and require special fixtures or adaptations.
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Structure of a turning machine
At the center is the bed, a heavy base plate that provides stability. The support, which holds the cutting tool and is adjustable in longitudinal and transverse directions, moves on the bed. At one end of the bed is the spindle in a headstock, which holds and rotates the workpiece. The tailstock, which supports long workpieces, is positioned opposite the headstock. In addition, the machine has a feed mechanism that controls the movement of the support and a control unit that enables the programming and automation of the machining processes on CNC turning machines.
Accessories and equipment
The effective operation of a lathe requires a range of accessories and equipment that enhance the versatility and functionality of the machine and enable precise machining. The essential accessories include:
- Lathe chucks and collets: For clamping and holding the workpiece during machining.
- Tool holder: For fastening and precise positioning of cutting/precision tools.
- Tailstock and steady rest: Support long or heavy workpieces to prevent deflection and increase precision.
- Coolant and lubricant: Important for reducing friction and heat generated during the turning process to minimize tool wear and improve surface finish.
- Measuring and inspection tools: For checking the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of the machined parts.
- Change gears: For setting different thread pitches on machines without CNC control.
The use of the correct accessories and the appropriate operating equipment is crucial in order to fully utilize the performance of the lathe, ensure workpiece quality and guarantee safety during operation.
Leading turning machine manufacturers
In our manufacturers directory you will find a number of companies that produce turning machines for industrial production.
The following machine tools are frequently searched for: Bernardo turning machine, EMCO turning machine, GDW turning machine, Gildemeister turning machine, Mazak turning machine, Optimum turning machine, Paulimot turning machine, Proxxon turning machine, Spinner turning machine, Wabeco turning machine
Choosing the right turning machine
When buying a turning machine, there are several important features and specifications to consider to ensure that the machine meets your requirements: Firstly, the size of the machine is crucial; pay attention to the center width and center height, as these determine how large the workpiece that is to be machined can be. The power of the motor will tell you how well the machine can handle heavy or lengthy machining tasks.
Another important aspect is the precision that the machine can offer, particularly the repeatability and accuracy of spindle rotation. The type of control, be it manual or CNC (Computerized Numerical Control), also plays a role, depending on how complex the parts you want to produce are and how automated you want the process to be.
Additionally, you should consider the availability of additional features such as live tooling, Y-axis capabilities or counter spindles if your work requires complex machining. Last but not least, the quality of customer service and technical support from the manufacturer is a crucial factor for long-term satisfaction with your investment.
Find the turning machine that suits your requirements now at machineselection.com.