The main function of CNC metal lathes is to achieve high precision and repeatability in metal processing, while also possessing multifunctional machining capabilities. It utilizes a computer control system to automatically execute pre-set machining programs and parameters, thereby enhancing processing efficiency and accuracy. CNC metal lathes are well-suited for the machining needs of various complex workpieces.
Ahmad, a Malaysian entrepreneur in the field of mechanical machining, found our website, where we showcase our expertise as a CNC lathe machine manufacturer. Consequently, he was seeking advice on a CNC lathe model that suits his requirements. In the following sections, we will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process, serving as a valuable reference for prospective clients.
The customer’s project involves machining a flange with specific dimensions (120mm diameter, 80mm thickness). The required operations include external turning, internal boring, and end-face hole drilling. While the complexity of the workpiece is relatively low, the requested configuration for the CNC metal lathes is of high importance. Factors such as motor power, tool turret, machine rigidity, chip removal, and spindle configuration must align precisely with the customer’s processing requirements. Additionally, the machine’s capability should accommodate the customer’s future machining needs.
Hence, we recommended Ahmad an 11kW servo main motor, which offers a high output capacity to drive larger loads and enable high-speed machining. With precise position control and dynamic response, the servo main motor ensures accurate and precise positioning and trajectory control during the machining process. Its 11kW power rating enables high rotational speeds, enhancing machining efficiency and meeting the demands of fast machining and high-speed cutting. Equipped with advanced control technology and protective mechanisms, servo main motors deliver high reliability and stability, even during prolonged operation and in challenging working environments. They feature programmable parameters and diverse operating modes, providing flexibility and adaptability to accommodate various machining requirements. Furthermore, servo main motors utilize efficient frequency conversion control technology, intelligently adjusting output based on load demands, resulting in reduced energy waste and improved energy efficiency.
Having fulfilled the customer’s machining power needs, our next consideration was the installation of a spindle unit on this CNC metal lathes. Our spindle unit incorporates P4-grade bearings, enabling high-speed rotation and achieving elevated rotational speeds for enhanced efficiency and speed during the machining process. High-speed machining enhances production efficiency and machining quality while maintaining stability under high loads and cutting forces. These spindle units are meticulously manufactured and calibrated to ensure precision and repeatability, enabling the high-precision machining of parts. The spindle unit facilitates a range of machining operations, including milling, drilling, cutting, and threading.
In addition to high motor power and spindle specifications, we recommended Ahmad CNC metal lathes equipped with a 12-station servo-hydraulic turret. The 12-station servo-hydraulic turret provides the following advantages:
Tool Versatility: The 12-station servo-hydraulic turret can accommodate multiple tools, allowing for the installation of different types of tools in each station. This enables fast and convenient switching between various machining processes and cutting operations, resulting in improved production efficiency.
Precise Positioning: The servo-hydraulic turret utilizes servo motors for precise positioning. Ensuring accurate positioning and precise control, it facilitates fast and accurate tool changes between different stations, enabling high-precision machining operations.
Reduced Tool Change Time: Compared to traditional mechanical turrets, the servo-hydraulic turret offers shorter tool change times. Its fast and smooth switching actions allow for quick tool changes, minimizing non-production time and increasing overall production efficiency.
Tool Compatibility: The 12-station servo-hydraulic turret can accommodate a wide range of tool types, including drills, milling cutters, and turning tools, meeting diverse machining requirements. This versatility enables multiple machining operations to be performed on a single machine, enhancing production flexibility and adaptability.
Compact Design: The servo-hydraulic turret is designed with a compact footprint, occupying minimal space. Despite its compact size, it houses 12 stations that facilitate various cutting operations, optimizing the utilization of the production workshop and reducing the machine’s footprint.
The CNC metal lathes we recommended to Ahmad excel in their machine structure. We provided him with a Japanese-style high-low rail structure. Japanese-style high-low rail CNC lathes feature a specialized bed structure typically made of cast iron or steel, offering exceptional rigidity and stability. This structure effectively resists cutting forces and vibrations, creating a more stable machining environment that results in higher machining precision and surface quality.
The structure incorporates a dual-rail design comprising a high rail and a low rail. The high rail supports the spindle and turret, while the low rail supports the worktable and the workpiece during the cutting processes. This design significantly reduces bed deformation and vibrations, providing a stable machining platform that enables superior machining accuracy and repeatability.
Japanese-style high-low rail CNC lathes generally provide generous machining space and worktable travel. They can accommodate larger workpieces and offer versatile cutting functions and machining options such as turning, boring, drilling, and threading. This multi-functionality makes them suitable for diverse machining requirements and the processing of intricate workpieces.
The CNC lathe with this structure typically features an adjustable worktable height and angle, allowing for adaptation to different machining needs and workpiece types. This flexibility enables operators to make precise adjustments and optimizations, thereby enhancing machining efficiency and adaptability.
Japanese-style high-low rail CNC lathes are often equipped with high-speed cutting and rapid tool change capabilities, enabling the completion of complex cutting operations within short timeframes. This high efficiency reduces production cycles and increases overall productivity.
After meeting the machining requirements, we also equipped these CNC metal lathes with a chip conveyor. Increased machining efficiency often leads to the generation of a significant amount of metal chips. The chip conveyor ensures timely and automatic removal of chips and waste materials, maintaining a clean work area and reducing the time and labor costs associated with manual cleaning. It enables uninterrupted machining operations, minimizes downtime, and improves production efficiency.
If chips and waste materials generated during the cutting process are not promptly removed, they can potentially damage tools and impact machining quality. The chip conveyor efficiently eliminates chips and waste materials from the machining area, safeguarding the cutting performance of tools and the surface quality of workpieces. The accumulation of excessive chips and waste materials in the work area can pose safety risks, such as slip hazards or electrical hazards. By promptly removing chips and waste materials, the chip conveyor reduces safety hazards in the work area and enhances operator safety.
The chip conveyor gathers chips and waste materials in one location, facilitating easy cleaning and disposal for maintenance personnel. This reduces maintenance time and extends the machine’s lifespan. The chip conveyor effectively collects chips and waste materials, preventing them from scattering into the surrounding environment. This contributes to maintaining a clean and hygienic working environment while minimizing environmental pollution.
After hearing our description of the CNC metal lathes configuration, Ahmad expressed great satisfaction, considering the recommended CNC metal lathes to be exactly what he expected. He also inquired about the CNC system he was accustomed to, which was a significant concern for him due to his past operating habits. After learning about the system he had used previously, we recommended the GSK980TDi CNC system to the customer.
The GSK980TDi system offers a cost-effective solution with a lower price compared to other high-end CNC systems. It features a user-friendly human-machine interface with a simple and intuitive operating interface. The system provides easy-to-understand menu navigation and input methods, enabling operators to quickly adapt and reducing training time.
The GSK980TDi system supports various machining functions and cutting operations, including turning, milling, drilling, and tapping. It offers a wide range of machining options and parameter settings, allowing operators to make flexible adjustments and optimizations based on specific requirements.
With excellent stability and reliability, the GSK980TDi system utilizes advanced control algorithms and reliable hardware design. This ensures the stability and precision of the machining process, minimizing production interruptions and quality issues caused by system failures.
The GSK980TDi system supports multiple communication interfaces and connections with external devices, facilitating data exchange and integration with other equipment and systems. This enables it to meet the demands of diverse application scenarios and support the digitalization and intelligent production of factories.
Consequently, the customer agreed with our recommended solution.
Upon the completion of the CNC metal lathes, we conducted on-site machining tests for the customer. The customer expressed great satisfaction with the test results, hoping to benefit from our efficient and precise machining capabilities, resulting in substantial returns for their mechanical manufacturing plant.
That concludes the recommendation process for the CNC metal lathes that I wanted to introduce. If you are considering purchasing CNC lathes, you can use our recommendation to Ahmad as a reference. The process is straightforward, and we have explained the key features behind the chosen configuration. We hope to provide you with some valuable insights to assist you in making an informed decision.
Furthermore, Tai’an Haishu Machinery Co., Ltd. is a reputable and specialized manufacturer of CNC metal lathes. We offer customized services for our customers as well. If you have unique workpieces that require machining, we can incorporate special configurations, such as power heads, into our standard CNC metal lathes. We encourage you to reach out to us via phone or visit our company for in-person discussions regarding CNC metal lathes. You are warmly welcome!
