All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(292 products available)
CNC lathe machines are cutting tools that can be computer-controlled. They usually hold the workpiece stationary while a cutting tool or cutter head is spun to perform various tasks, such as drilling to create pipes or other tubular shapes. The cnc conversion lathe comes in different types.
CNC turning centers
A CNC turning center is a computer-controlled machine that turns workpieces, giving them cylindrical shapes. These machines have automatic tool changers with a complex arrangement of tools performing various operations, such as boring and facing. Some may have additional features like live tooling and sub-spindles, allowing them to carry out multiple tasks within a single setup. A CNC turning center is typically enclosed and includes a chip removal system integrating a coolant system. Its process is similar to a traditional lathe but more automated and precise. When stocked as a product, it can be marketed as a high-end CNC lathe machine.
CNC lathes with sliding headstock
Also known as a head slide CNC lathe or CNC automatic lathe, a sliding head CNC lathe machine works like a traditional CNC lathe but can produce longer parts without needing to stop and reload the material. A disadvantage of the sliding head CNC lathe machine is that it's typically more expensive and may require more maintenance and repairs over time. This CNC machine is ideal for creating complex and high-precision metal parts in large quantities.
Swiss-style CNC lathes
A powerful tool for those requiring precision and speed, the Swiss CNC lathe machine is among the most automated and sophisticated of its kind. It can produce small, complex parts at a high level of accuracy. This machine incorporates bar feeding systems and CNC controls, eliminating the need for secondary operations to finish a part.
Multi-axis CNC lathes
A standard CNC lathes have 2-axis control, which means the tool movement is limited to the X and Z axes only. However, some more advanced CNC lathe models have multi-axis control. Depending on the model, they can have up to 12 axes. These additional robotic-like movements are possible due to the addition of linear and rotary axes integrating the machine with its CNC control system. The extra axes allow tools to reach the workpiece from more directions and carry out more operations, such as milling, without needing to move and set the workpiece down again.
Body Material:
The majority of CNC lathes are made with a combination of zinc and all-aluminum metal alloy. Usually, only an aluminum alloy of extreme quality known as 6061-T6 is used to create the metal parts of CNC lathes. This guarantees that none of the electrical components are ever subjected to electricity.
Pulses:
For them to operate, CNC conversion lathes require DC pulse current from a DC power source. The actuator is encouraged to move back and forth quicker and quicker as a result of this manipulation, closer to the DC full current.
Upgrade:
With a 3D printer, it is possible to upgrade the CNC lathe machine by constructing additional parts. While the majority of the CNC machine is made of metal, some elements, like as the holders, can be composed of plastic, which is an ideal material for 3D printing.
Controller:
The main part of a CNC conversion lathe is its controller. It is the brain that takes the digital design file and slice it to the G-code. The work of slicing it makes it to the increase and decrease of the part being cut. The basic process of CNC machining involves cutting parts into two, vertical and horizontal rows.
Protection:
An operator or technician's body is usually adequately shielded from any energy releases or other threats when manually loading and unloading parts in a CNC lathe machine. Because of this, older CNC lathes were not as secure. Before switching to CNC, some CNC lathes had to be converted from semi-automatic to automatic entirely. A fully automatic CNC lathe machine has an automatic feeder from which new parts are fed, and the used parts are always discharged.
Spindle Chucks:
The CNC lathe spindle chuck includes a spindle with timing belts, pulleys, and a gear that rotates the part being cut. The drive system requires a control system that depends on the part being machined.
Cutting Tool:
The CNC lathe tool holder includes the cutting tool, which varies depending on the part shape and lathe type. The tool holder usually clamps the cutting tool, usually the C7 tool holder. 3D printing can also help to enhance the quality of tools by designing new holders that can be made faster and cheaper under heat-treated.
Machinery industry
CNC lathes are extremely useful for creating parts for complex machinery. Because these components usually require high-precision machining, a CNC lathe machine is chosen due to its efficiency, speed, and precision.
Mass-production
If the same part needs to be created in a high quantity, a CNC lathe for the job is chosen. Its ability to produce duplicates to exact specifications makes it ideal for use in scenarios where many identical components need to be made.
Automobile industry
The automobile industry takes advantage of the efficiency and speed that CNC lathes offer, especially when creating complex automobile parts in high quantities and with high precision.
Woodwork and furniture
CNC lathes are extremely useful in the woodwork and furniture industry for making ornate components like spindles and can also be used to make, doorframes, windows, and other architectural elements.
Medical implants
Because CNC lathes allow for highly precise machining, they are often used in the medical industry to create implants or devices that require high-tolerance requirements.
When choosing a CNC conversion lathe for sale, it is vital to study the market demand. First, focus on the type of material customers use the lathe for. Generally, CNC lathes are made for metals, plastics, and wood. It's also important to look at the size and capacity of the CNC conversion lathe. Consider what the current customer base is using. What is their most-used size? What products are they making? This will help in deciding what kind of capacity and size will sell the most.
Customized features are becoming an essential must-have for a commercial CNC lathe conversion kit. These include things like automatic tool changers, rotational axes, and advanced clamping systems. These customized features can drive up the resale value of the lathe kit significantly. So, when choosing a machine for resale that has these advanced features, it will sell faster.
Also, understand different types of CNC lathes before stocking up. The most common one is the horizontal CNC lathe machine. At the same time, below 4 meters in length, Large CNC lathes are better for machining large workpieces. Look at the supplier's catalog and the specifications for each product before ordering.
Invest in a lathe machine with easy software or hardware upgrades. Many new customers want something with room for upgrades without spending too much money. A good way of attracting new customers is to offer upgrade kits for CNC conversion kits that new customers have purchased from a retailer.
Q1: What does CNC stand for in a lathe?
A1: CNC stands for computer numerical control.
Q2: Are CNC lathes worth it?
A2: Yes. CNC lathes introduce automation to the machining process and can produce large quantities of parts with little to no operator intervention.
Q3: What is the difference between a CNC lathe and a CNC machine?
A3: A CNC machine includes various types of machines used for CNC machining, such as milling machines and routers. But a CNC lathe is specifically a rotary machine good for making parts with radial symmetry.
