The Difference Between CNC Lathe and Manual Lathe

CNC lathe is the abbreviation of digital program control lathe. It combines the characteristics of a universal lathe with good versatility, a precision lathe with high machining accuracy, and a special lathe with high machining efficiency.  Typical parts processed by CNC lathes are generally sleeve parts and disc parts, which have the characteristics of high machining accuracy, high efficiency, and a high degree of automation.

Compared with manual lathe, CNC machine tools have the following characteristics.

1. Highly flexible

Machining parts on a CNC machine tool mainly depends on the processing procedure. It is different from ordinary machine tools. It does not need to be manufactured, many molds and fixtures are replaced, and the machine tool does not need to be re-adjusted frequently. Therefore, the CNC machine tool is suitable for the occasions where the processed parts are frequently replaced, that is, it is suitable for the production of single-piece, small-batch products and the development of new products, thereby shortening the production preparation cycle and saving a lot of process equipment costs.

2. High processing accuracy

The machining accuracy of CNC machine tools can generally reach 0.05-0.1MM. CNC machine tools are controlled in the form of digital signals. Each time the CNC device outputs a pulse signal, the moving parts of the machine tool move a pulse equivalent (usually 0.001MM), and the machine tool advances The average error of the backlash of the transmission chain and the screw pitch can be compensated by the numerical control device. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the numerical control machine tool is relatively high.

3. The processing quality is stable and reliable

To process the same batch of parts, on the same machine tool, under the same processing conditions, using the same tool and processing procedure, the cutting path of the tool is exactly the same, the parts have good consistency and stable quality.

4. High productivity

The CNC machine tool can effectively reduce the processing time and auxiliary time of the parts. The range of the spindle sound speed and feed rate of the CNC machine tool is large, allowing the machine tool to perform powerful cutting with a large amount of cutting. CNC machine tools are entering the era of high-speed machining. The rapid movement and positioning of moving parts of CNC machine tools and high-speed cutting have greatly improved productivity. In addition, it can be used in conjunction with the tool magazine of the machining center to realize continuous processing of multiple procedures on one machine tool, reducing the turnaround time between procedures for semi-finished products and improving productivity.

5. Improve working conditions

After the CNC machine tool is adjusted before processing, input the program and start, the machine tool can automatically and continuously process until the end of the processing. What the operator has to do is program input, editing, parts loading and unloading, tool preparation, machining state observation, and parts inspection. The labor intensity is greatly reduced, and the labor of machine tool operators tends to be intellectual work. In addition, the machine tools are generally combined, which is both clean and safe.

6. Modernize production management

The processing of CNC machine tools can accurately estimate the processing time in advance, standardize and modernize the tools and fixtures used, and easily realize the standardization of processing information. It has been organically combined with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). It is the foundation of modern integrated manufacturing technology.