Research and prospects of CNC lathe

Figures & data

Table 1. Classification of CNC lathes.

Basis of classification	Types	Characteristic
Spindle position	Vertical	Spindle perpendicular to the ground
	Horizontal	Spindle parallel to the ground
Number of spindles	Uni	The CNC controls only one axis
	Spherical	CNC control of two axes
	Multi-axis	CNC system to control multiple axes
Types of CNC systems	Servo control	The control system usually consists of servo motors, position sensors, a motion control card and a computer for programming.
	Cartesian coordinate system	The CNC system uses a right-angle coordinate system, which realizes machining by controlling the movement of the workpiece in the x, y, and z directions
	Coordinate system of rotation	The CNC system uses a rotary coordinate system, which realizes machining by controlling the rotation of the workpiece around the x, y, and z axes.
	Multiple coordinate axes	The CNC system consists of multiple axes, each of which can be independently controlled to realize the machining of complex parts.
Functionality	Economy model	Retrofitting the feeding system of ordinary lathes with stepper motors and microcontrollers
	Normal type	The structure is specially designed and equipped with a universal CNC system according to the turning requirements.
	Turning Center	On the basis of the ordinary CNC lathe added power head, more advanced CNC lathe has a tool magazine, can control three axes

Figure 1. Vertical lathe.

Figure 2. Horizontal lathe.

Figure 3. Ordinary CNC lathe.

Figure 4. Double spindle CNC lathe.

Figure 5. Multi-axis CNC lathe.

Figure 6. Evolutionary process of CNC lathe structure.

Table 2. Key technologies for CNC lathes.

Key technologies	Key content
High-speed cutting technology	High-speed cutting can increase the machining speed, reduce the cutting force, reduce the cutting temperature, thus improving the machining quality and efficiency.
Precision machining technology	Precision machining technology includes high-precision tools, error compensation technology, machining process optimization, etc., which can improve machining accuracy and reduce product errors.
Error compensation technology	Develop error compensation algorithms and software to accurately compensate for various errors in the machining process, thereby improving machining accuracy.
Intelligent control technology	Through the introduction of artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technologies, the automation and intelligence of the processing process can be realized, and the processing efficiency and precision can be improved.
Networking and remote control technology	By connecting CNC lathes to the Internet, remote monitoring and management can be realized to improve productivity and equipment utilization.
Composite Processing Technology	By integrating multiple machining methods (e.g., turning, milling, drilling, etc.) on a single CNC lathe, it realizes automation and integration of multiple machining processes, improves machining efficiency and reduces costs.
Flexible Processing Technology	Flexible processing technology includes modular design, reconfigurable process flow, intelligent scheduling, etc., which can adapt to the processing of different types and batches of parts, and can quickly respond to production demand and improve production efficiency.
Reliability technology and security	Enhancement of machine tool troubleshooting and early warning mechanisms to ensure proper machine tool operation and operator safety

Figure 7. Development of machining efficiency and accuracy. (a) Manufacturing technology and processing efficiency, (b) Processing equipment and processing accuracy.