CNC lathes vary in size, working dimensions, materials they can work on, and rotation speed. Consider these factors before purchasing a lathe. Check the specifications for the materials and sizes the lathe can handle, and the RPM for the desired industry.
Automatic Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathes are used in every type of industry and machine tool environment. While CNC automatic turning units are versatile and are capable of machining many materials, each unit is different and these differences should be taken into consideration before choosing a CNC lathe to purchase. The main differences between lathes are the overall dimensions of the lathe, the minimum and maximum working dimensions, the materials that can be used and the rotation speed.
The overall size of the CNC automatic lathe is one of the easiest factors to discern. If the lathe is too big, it can’t be used because there won’t be room for it. If the lathe is small, there may be a chance it cannot work on larger pieces of metal. The size of the CNC automatic lathe will be indicated on the packaging of the lathe or on the website.
The working size of the CNC automatic lathe is different from the overall size. The overall size is the size of the machine, while the working size is how big or small the material needs to be if it is to be machined. Most CNC lathes can either work on very small pieces of metal or make very small cuts, like a fraction of a millimeter – which will suit most operators – or they can work on very large pieces of metal and make large cuts. . If the part you are making is of an odd size, be it very large or very small, then you may need a specialized CNC lathe.
Most CNC automatic turning units are made to work on metal, and this is what most people are looking for when buying a CNC lathe. Each metal is different in terms of hardness and nature when cut. This means that some CNC lathes may only be effective on certain metals, such as iron or brass. Check the specifications of the lathe to see which metals it can work on. Along with the material, some machines may only be able to cut a certain metal of a specific size which may be larger than the usual minimum cut size.
Rotation speed is another aspect of choosing a CNC automatic lathe. The higher the revolutions per minute (RPM), the faster the lathe will rotate. Depending on the industry that buys the lathe, a higher speed can be good or bad. Higher lathe speeds can make parts go faster, but they can move too quickly for complex parts.
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