The Parts of a CNC Lathe
A CNC, or computer numerical control, lathe is very similar to its older predecessor, the manual lathe. With a CNC lathe, more than one tool can be used during a program, whereas only one tool can be held and used on a manual lathe. All of the information is entered into the CNC control and the machine follows these guidelines to complete a part, from start to finish.
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CNC Control
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The CNC control is the brain of the lathe. It contains a computer that translates the program into machine movements. It also contains all of the pertinent information regarding the tools and the start dimensions of the program. You must "teach" each individual tool so that the machine is aware of each tool's tip to cut accurately. You must also reset the Z-axis for every new program so the control knows where to start cutting. The X-axis is preset in the machine and is dead center of the chuck.
Chuck
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The chuck is the central part of the CNC lathe and holds and spins the raw material to be cut. It is usually 8 or 10 inches in diameter and is precision ground to exact dimensions so that it spins smoothly and concentrically. The chuck is driven by a large motor located to the lower left of the chuck and uses hydraulic power to open and close the jaws of the chuck. There are three jaws that are removable by loosening two bolts and sliding the old jaws out and the new ones in.
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Tool Turret
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The tool turret holds all of the tools you need for the program. Each position is marked with a number and that number is inserted into the program, so you must match the tool slot with its corresponding number on the turret. There are six positions for tool blocks and six for cylindrical holders for boring bars, drills and reamers. The CNC control moves the tool turret into position using the numbers entered into the program to cut the raw material.
Tail Stock
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The tail stock serves an important function on a CNC lathe. It has a free-spinning conical piece that holds any raw material that is too big to be held only by the chuck. It adds support for outside diameter cutting. The CNC control guides the cutter around the tail stock body; it knows its location at all times. The tail stock is only useful for larger pieces of raw material and moves back out of the way when it is not in use.
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References
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