Precision Turned Components 101: Unlock CNC Automatic Lathe and Its Advantage

Precision Turning is performed via CNC Turning, which can be done on CNC Lathes or CNC screw machines. 

Nowadays, the CNC Automatic Lathe is known for owning the ability to enable the simultaneous processing of several items while attaining high-production rates. 

In this article, TDB Tech is going to clear your mind of all these definitions. 

By the end, you will surely be able to figure out what precision-turned components are and how they work. 

About Precision Turned Components Using CNC Automatic Lathe

Precision-turned components or precision parts are used to provide many different kinds of applications stability. Technicians produce only the most precise components by turning parts using CNC equipment and conventional techniques.

In terms of CNC Automatic Lathe or machine lathe, these lathes can work on a variety of materials and they can produce extremely precise components. The typical design for an automatic lathe includes six spindles, which allow the lathe to work on six workpieces at once.

The lathe machine is only automatic in that the connectors automatically spin the material. The operator can cut the material by moving a cutting unit in and out towards the material to form the material.
An automatic lathe is machine-controlled. The operator places the required materials into the machine lathe and then inserts commands via a control unit. The machine lathe runs the commands after they have been entered, resulting in the piece that corresponds with the entered measurements. 

Unlike manual lathes, CNC Automatic Lathes are not made for low-volume jobs. All machine lathes are designed to produce equipment in medium to low volumes.

There are lots of materials that an automatic lathe can work with, including wood, metal, and glass, however, most are constructed to function with metal. This is mainly because metal is harder to work with and is the most used material in high-volume production.

What Are Precision Turned Components by CNC Automatic Lathe Used For?

The purpose of a CNC Automatic Lathe is to form and turn desired materials by grasping and rotating workpieces while one or more cutting tools are pressed against them at a variety of angles. 

In contrast to manual lathes, which require the operator to make frequent adjustments. Since using computer programs and automation to process cutting, Automatic Lathes are much more efficient and precise with minimal intervention. This makes it possible to produce identical parts with great accuracy in a shorter period.

These Automatic Lathes are suitable for manufacturing and processing exact components created from materials like plastic, copper, aluminum, and iron.

They are best for various industries, including:

• Instruments, watches, clocks
• Automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, glasses
• Stationery, hardware, and bathroom fixtures
• Electronics, connectors, computers, mobile phones, electromechanical
• Military, to produce small parts in bulk, especially for complex parts

Automatic Lathe Operations

As an automatic lathe, this machine can perform various operations on workpieces to shape and form them into desired components, with 4 significant operations worth mentioning including Turning, Boring, Threading, and Grooving.

Turning

The turning operation is one of the most common processes. In this process, the workpiece is held in place by a rotating chuck as the material is removed from the surface by a cutting tool to reduce the diameter of the workpiece. This process helps achieve a smooth and accurate surface finish. This technique is capable of producing different shapes such as straight, tapered, or contoured.

Boring

Boring is an operation where the operator enlarges a hole that has already been drilled or cored. The operator uses a single-point cutting tool to enlarge the hole to a precise diameter and depth. Then, these tools will hold the boring head while incrementing the cutting depth to ensure accuracy. Boring enables manufacturers to precisely control the interior hole size and surface quality.

Threading

In the threading operation, the workpiece can be formed by external or internal threads. Specially shaped threading tools can create the desired thread type, such as metric, unified, or trapezoidal. Threading operations include:

• External threading: Forming threads on the outer surface of the workpiece using a single-point cutting tool or a die.
• Internal threading: To form threads on the inner surface of a hole by using a single-point cutting tool or a tap.

Grooving

Grooving is an operation, which allows the creation of a narrow channel on the workpiece’s surface. Cutting tools with specific shapes and sizes can precisely remove material and create grooves. 

Depending on the needs of the part, these grooves can be straight, curved, or angled. Applications like O-ring seats, oil grooves, and assembly locating points all require grooving operations.

4 Advantages of Precision-Turned Components Using CNC Automatic Lathe

High precision

Swiss Automatic Turning can produce parts with very tight tolerances, making it the best option for applications where accuracy is crucial. Precision-turned components are parts that have been machined with extremely tight tolerances. CNC turning is a process that uses computer numerical control to machine parts to exact specifications. This process allows for the production of precision-turned components with high accuracy and repeatability.

Complex geometries

Swiss Automatic Turning can be used to machine complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce with other methods. Complex parts can be handled automatically in a single operation. One operation can complete the outer circle, spherical surface, conical surface, arc surface, step, slotting, embossing, drilling, tapping, and die-cutting operations.

High productivity

Swiss Automatic Turning is a highly productive process, which can help to reduce costs.

Precision-turned components are made using computer numerical control (CNC) machines, which can operate at very high speeds and with great precision. Therefore, this machine allows for the rapid production of high-quality parts. And the operator can run multiple machines at the same time.

Moreover, precision-turned components are often made in large quantities. With five knives that can be cut simultaneously, the machining efficiency is much higher, compared to standard CNC computer lathes and instrument lathes. This helps to reduce the cost of each part and makes them more affordable for businesses.

As a result of these factors, precision-turned components can be produced quickly, efficiently, and with high quality. This makes them a valuable asset for businesses in a variety of industries.

Besides, the control system also has self-diagnostics and a comprehensive alarm function, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Work well with Various Workpiece Materials and Dimensions

Each material has a different set of properties, and machinability can be advantageous when using a CNC automatic lathe. 

Workpieces with large diameters or lengths need lathes that can handle these sizes to maintain safety and precision.

• The machine tool’s spindle accuracy is up to 0.003mm thanks to high dimensional accuracy control.
• A micrometer is used to fine-tune the slider for size control accuracy of up to 0.005mm. 
• Spindle speed ranges from 2000 to 8000 RPM.
• A minimum feeding amount of 0.005 can be set for the cutting knife. 
• Copper components can have a roughness of Ra0.04-0.08.

Why choose TDB Tec?

TDB Tech is Vietnam’s Leader Supplier of Machining. For decades, through continuous investment in equipment and other companies, we are now a Vietnamese leading complete services company of CNC machining, precision machining, 3D printing, and plastic injection molding, which helps customers achieve their products from design to mass production.

See our CNC turning services page to learn more about how we can help you!

FAQs

How CNC machines can be used for precision manufacturing?

There are several types of CNC machines. Since in this article, TDB Tech specifically mentioned CNC Automatic Turning, we can name a few names of them, including:

• CNC Milling Machine.
• CNC Router Machines.
• CNC Plasma Cutters.
• CNC Lathes and Turning Machines.
• CNC Laser Cutting Machine.

How accurate is a CNC lathe?

Consider a CNC machining tool that has a tolerance of +/- 0.01 mm. 

This means that the machining tool can introduce a deviation of 0.01 mm in every cut. 

This deviation has a standard error of 0.01 mm for the standard value.

What are the precision CNC machining tolerances?

A standard tolerance for a CNC machining service is typically ± 0.005”. 

The tightest machining tolerances are around ±0.001”.

What is the difference between accuracy and precision in CNC?

Precision is the ability of a measurement system to consistently return the same measure, whereas accuracy describes the proximity (or closeness) of a measurement to the true value. Imagine you’re trying to hit the bullseye on a target practice chart to help you understand the differences between these terms.

Why CNC lathe is preferred over a conventional lathe?

See our 4 Reasons to Choose CNC Machining Over Conventional One to learn more.

What does the accuracy of the lathe depend on?

The most important thing is the skill and experience of the operator (mastering tool changing, tool setting, maintenance work,..)

Conclude

In this article, TDB Tech has presented the automatic lathe, the fundamental feature of these machines, and how high-performance, and high-precision they are.

We hope this information has made understanding your precision-turned parts a breeze. Contact TDB’s customer service department if you need any more help or have any queries about Precision Turned Components Using CNC Automatic Lathe. 

Have a prosperous future and keep relying on TDB’s services!