Vertical vs. Horizontal CNC Lathes: Choosing the Best Fit for Your Production

CNC Lathe (CNC Turning Machine)

This type of machining process is performed by using a tool that is applied to the work piece and creates an object that is symmetrical to the axis driven by the spindle, which is different from machining centers.

 

How To Categorize a Lathe Machine?

Different from machining centers, CNC turning machines are machine tools that can be divided into two main types, namely vertical turning machines and horizontal turning machines. In the vertical turning machines, the work piece is fixed vertically by the clamping force, and the installation direction of the cutting tool is the same, so the processing is carried out vertically.

In this way, compared with the horizontal lathe, the rigidity of the clamping mechanism is greatly improved due to the gravity effect. Manufacturers of vertical lathes usually extend their vertical lathes to high precision manufacturing equipment for use by various industrial users who pursue high precision, such as the automotive industry, aerospace departments, sports equipment, and other fields with larger-sized work pieces. The same principles can also be applied partially to machining centers.

The vertical clamping mechanism can be realized by belt driving, or it can be equipped with other types of driving mechanisms. Either way can play the role of gravity well. Like other milling machines and machining centers, lathes can also be equipped with power tools and tool magazines to improve their functionality and versatility and provide users with more machining possibilities.

Power turret is a standard accessory for many modern CNC lathes, and as one of the most important accessories for CNC lathe users, Taiwanese suppliers have targeted this business and developed many power turrets and power tools to support needs of lathe users.

 

Critical Accessory of CNC Lathe

For modern machining, the power turret is one of the most critical accessories for lathes. Many power turrets are driven by a single motor with servo function, which can ensure the best processing results and save energy consumption. At the same time, they can also provide high rigidity for the work piece, thereby providing the ideal cutting ability.

In addition, the tool magazine and automatic tool changer (ATC) are also the best-selling products of Taiwan machine tool parts suppliers. Taiwan-made tool magazine and automatic tool change system can provide customers with the best tool change time according to cycle time engineering to help customers meet their order needs.

 

Taiwan’s Accessory Suppliers are The Best of Among

Compared with global competitors, know-how of Taiwanese suppliers can provide global customers with comprehensive solutions and services according to local conditions, and optimize the existing machine tools or accessories in the factory to the latest version to meet modern processing requirements.

Spindles and hydraulic cylinders used with chucks are also well developed in the Taiwan market. Along with CNC lathes, a series of lathes and accessories have been widely used in different industrial fields around the world. At the same time, CNC horizontal lathes have been developed and widely used for more than a century.

 

Horizontal Lathe

This type of lathe is the oldest and has been widely used in the industrial field. The horizontal structure makes the lathe easy to use and maintain, and because of its convenience, it is widely used in many industries. For users, there is no difference between the advantages of horizontal or vertical lathes, users only need to make the best choice according to the application. (Read further: Is Vertical CNC Lathe Better Than Horizontal CNC Lathe? Why, or Why Not?, Horizontal Machining Centers (HMCs) – price, costs and other considerations)