News & Events

3 Types of CNC Lathe Machines

Brief Background: Lathe Machine

Invented at around 1751 by Jacques de Vaucanson, the Lathe machine is a tool used even during the ancient times, dubbed as the “Standard Machine Tools’ Father/Mother” and is considered as the machine that is the most flexible, in terms of function, among all the other machines.

Purpose and Types: CNC Lathe Machine

The machine tool’s main purpose is to produce the desired size and shape a workpiece by removing excess metals through:

  • Drilling
  • Cutting
  • Sanding
  • Knurling

The Lathe machine is commonly used for Parts Reclamation, Metal Spinning, Wood Turning, Metalworking, and Thermal spraying. It is typically used for producing workpieces that have plane and/or cylindrical surfaces.

It is important to remember the parts of a CNC Lathe machine as the variety of machines existing are based on the parts (number and type) present. A CNC Lathe machine is mostly made up of:

  • Headstock
  • Tailstock
  • Machine Bed
  • Tool Turret
  • Main Spindle
  • Sub-spindle
  • Chuck
  • Guide Way

There are various types of Lathes that are utilised by manufacturing industries, it can be classified into three types based on their:

  1. Number of Axes (2,3,4, and 5 axis CNC Lathe)
  2. Work Requirements (Speed, Engine, Turret, and Tool)
  3. the Position of its Lathe Spindle (Horizontal and Vertical CNC Lathes

However, in this article, we will only be highlighting the three (3) primary types of CNC Lathe machines based on its Work Requirements:

Types of CNC Lathe machines

Speed Lathe
Also known as the “Wood Lathe”, this type of CNC Lathe machine is the most basic. It is recommended for any light machine work as it is composed of a Tool Post, Bed, Headstock, and Tailstock. Its spindle speed is high/fast but it only operates on up to three or four speeds.

Recommended for metal polishing, metal spinning, centering, and wood turning. It is also used for cutting, drilling, sanding, and deforming wood. The most common workpieces that CNC Wood Lathes produce are:

  • Stair Handrails
  • Furniture Legs
  • Wood Crafts
  • Wood Cups
  • Roman Columns
  • Baseball Bats
  • Barrels
  • Gourd Pendants
  • Beads
  • Buddha Head
  • Other workpieces that are cylindrical in shape

Engine Lathe
Also known as the, “Center Lathe ”, and the most common machine used by manufacturing industries. This machine can measure up to 60 ft and is versatile as it is great for both lower-powered and high-powered operations. It can measure up to 60ft. Depending on the drive source, this type CNC Lathe could be divided into three – Reduction Gear, Belt, and Motor Drive. In contrast to the Speed Lathe, the Engine Lathe is able to operate on a broader range of speed ratio.

This type of CNC Lathe works with various metals and shape it to its desired design. An example of its workpieces are vehicle engines. Its cutting tool can work both in lateral and longitudinal directions. It performs operations such as:

  • Knurling
  • End Face
  • Threading
  • Turning
  • Grooving

Turret Lathe Machine
Highly recommended for speedy, large, and high-volume operations. The machine has a hexagonal head, works well with materials made of metal, and perform operations such as –

  • End face
  • Reaming
  • Turning
  • Boring

The machine is also highly reputed for its interchangeable cutting tools, it removes the need for operators to replace tools in between operations. This machine utilizes a turret and performs a sequential process on the non-moving workpiece avoiding misaligned workpieces.

Another primary type of CNC Lathe machine is the Tool Room Lathes. With a small bed, around 135 to 180 CM, this type of lathe is Praised for its ability to provide enhanced finishing and is used for producing screw thread, boring, reaming, drilling, turning, and knurling.

The machine is packed with extra attachments for more accuracy and precision. Its attachments include: Collets, Turning Attachments, Chucks, and Driver support.

Depending on your purpose/work requirements, there are various CNC Lathe machines that are able to provide the needed operations to make your production successful and less hassle. Small or Large operations, materials made of wood or metal, or accuracy & precision — thanks to CNC Machines, these are attainable and guarantee success (plus, quality) but with less hassle and could mean high profit but less effort for your organization. Whatever you need, there is a type of CNC Lathe machine that will be perfect for your operation.

If you’re interested in purchasing a lathe machine, browse our extensive inventory of used vertical lathe machines and used horizontal lathes. Contact us at Tramar Industries and we’ll help you find the right machine for the job.

3 Types of CNC Lathe Machines

Brief Background: Lathe Machine Invented at around 1751 by Jacques de Vaucanson, the Lathe machine is a tool used even during the ancient times, dubbed as the “Standard Machine Tools’ Father/Mother” and is considered as the machine that is the most flexible, in terms of function, among all the other machines. Purpose and Types: CNC […]

The History of FANUC Corporation

About FANUC Corporation FANUC, which stands for Fuji Automatic Numerical Control, was a company founded by Doctor Seiuemon Inaba – the person who developed the concept of Numerical Control (NC) – at Minamitsuru, Japan in the year 1956. The company is currently considered as the “Largest Robotics company in the World”. The company initially developed […]

What is a CNC Lathe and How Does it Work?

To better navigate an object, having basic knowledge regarding its background (such as – what it is, its purpose, types, and outcomes) is important. CNC Machines, such as CNC Lathes, are required to be programmed to produce results. These machines can be programmed in two ways – either by using the CAD/CAM system or directly […]

Industries That Benefit from CNC Machines

In the manufacturing industry, the use of CNC machines has become dominant. It promises improved processing and quality results. It also holds the key for a fast, accurate and cost-efficient operation – it helps minimize expense as it cuts costs on paying workers that serve the same function as the machines. In terms of benefits, […]

Tips To Increase Your CNC Machine’s Longevity

CNC machines are reputed for their ability to work non-stop and produce quality outputs. However, in order to maximize its lifespan, it needs to be maintained. Much like humans, machines are prone to over-working and require regular maintenance. They need to be cleaned, lubricated and treated well in order to last long. If your CNC […]

Types of CNC Machine

Due to its efficacy, accuracy, and precision – Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines have become a vital tool for manufacturing companies, especially those that cater the demands of these industries – Medical, Optical, Military Defense, Commercial Goods, Aerospace, Transportation, Petroleum, Marine, and Electronics – these machine are vital for reproducing high quality and reliable parts […]

CNC Brands You Can Trust

The most trusted brand in the market – We often hear or read this phrase whenever we come across ads or in-person pitches from marketing assistants wherein they state/claim that they are part of the top most brands among their respective categories, if not the best. However, with all the brands claiming they are the […]

4 Reasons Why CNC Machines are Crucial for Manufacturing Industries

Industries such as – The Marine Industry, Medicine, Optical, Automotive, Consumer goods, Robotics, Telecommunications, Aerospace, and Military Defense – are all heavily reliant to Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Machines for the production of their parts and goods due to its speed, precision, accuracy, and timeliness. The machines’ ability to work with any materials and mass-produce […]

How to Maintain a CNC Mill

Computer Numerical Control Milling machines – also dubbed as the CNC Mill – works through removing excess parts from a material and comes in two variants: The Horizontal and Vertical Milling. They are typically used to produce flat and curved Parts. In an airplane, the flat parts are mostly created as transmission boxes, cavities, bearing […]

Most Common Types of Precision CNC Machining

Precision CNC Machining is a practice where machines function by trimming or cutting excess raw materials and shape work pieces according to its planned design. The objects produced are precise and achieve the specified measurement programmed to the CNC machines. The most common processes are milling, turning, cutting, and electrical discharge. These machines are applied […]

Makino Machine Tools

MAKINO: A REPUTED BRAND Around May 1937, Makino Shoten was founded by Tsuzeno Makino. Later in 1961, the company was renamed as “Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.”. True to its name, the company has created a reputation of being the manufacturer of the No. 1 Type Vertical Milling Machines. The company was also the one […]

Why CNC Machine Tool Preventive Maintenance is Worth it

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are heavy-duty and extremely accurate performers. Machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and multi-axis machining centers perform multiple complicated machining tasks at the same time and sometimes lead to long uninterrupted periods of production. Studies show that manufacturing and process industries lose an estimated $20 to $60 billion each […]

The Fundamentals of a Vertical Machining Center

Vertical Machining Center (VMC) is a machining center in which the spindle axis and the rectangular worktable are set vertically, which is suitable for processing workpieces with high accuracy and precision, even with multiple procedures and complex shapes. The spindle cartridge is mounted in a housing that moves vertically which is known as the z-axis […]

What CNC Lathes Are Used For

Turning Machines: Get to Know your CNC Lathes Due to its speed and accuracy, Computer Numerical Control Lathes (CNC Lathes), often referred as “Turning Machines”, are preferred by industries that mass produce symmetrically shaped objects. It is highly-praised since it is easier and more efficient to use. In the production process, human intervention is low […]

3D Printing vs. CNC Machines

CNC machining is computer-driven and is reliant on uploaded instructions and translated by a Computer Aided Manufacturing Software (CAM) for the precision of the tools. It is a subtractive manufacturing method wherein the outputs produced by the machines are from a larger block and are shaped to the desired design. It utilizes sharp tools for […]

Costs and Benefits of Horizontal Machining

As the name suggests, horizontal machining is the process of removing material from a workpiece with rotary cutters that operate in a horizontally oriented spindle. It is also known as “horizontal milling” and has shorter and more robust cutting tools in order to achieve deeper and more robust cuts. It occurs on a horizontal machining […]

Comparing a Vertical Milling Machine to a Horizontal Milling Machine

One of the most commonly used machines in the manufacturing industry is the milling machine, which has a rotating cutting tool that is used to remove unwanted material from a stationary workpiece. It is used for drilling, grooving, boring, producing slots, and shaping metals and irregular surfaces. The materials that can be used for milling […]

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Lathe Machine

A lathe machine is a commonly used machine that works through removing the undesired material from a rotating workpiece with a cutting tool that is fed against the work either crosswise or longitudinally to give its desired shape and size. This is also known as the “mother of all machines” and due to its versatility, […]

What Are The Components Used In A CNC Machine

Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) is a computerized manufacturing process in which pre-programmed software and code controls the speed and movement of the production equipment. CNC machining controls a range of complex machinery such as grinders, lathes and turning mills, which are used to cut, shape and create different parts and prototypes. CNC machines are automated […]

Lathe vs Milling Machine

In the manufacturing industry, some of the essential machines used are lathe and milling machines. These machines have the same machining principle known as subtractive machining, which involves the use of a cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece and shape that material into the desired specifications. However, both machines differ in terms of […]