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Advantages of CNC Horizontal Lathes

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Advantages of CNC Horizontal Lathes

As a core piece of equipment in the mechanical processing field, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) horizontal lathes, by combining automation technology with precision mechanical structures, demonstrate significant advantages in mass production, complex part processing, and efficiency improvement. Their core value is mainly reflected in the following six dimensions:

1. High Machining Precision and Strong Consistency

CNC horizontal lathes replace manual operation with digital program control, fundamentally reducing human errors (such as fluctuations in manual feed force and deviations in visual judgment). Meanwhile, the equipment itself is equipped with a high-precision hardware foundation:


  • Precision Transmission System: It adopts components like ball screws and precision gearboxes, combined with closed-loop/semi-closed-loop feedback control of servo motors, enabling feed precision at the micrometer level (0.001mm) to meet the processing requirements of high-precision parts (e.g., cylindricity and coaxiality requirements for shaft and disc parts).

  • Excellent Batch Consistency: Only one program needs to be written for a batch of parts, and the equipment can repeatedly execute the same processing procedure with minimal dimensional tolerance fluctuation (usually ≤ ±0.005mm). This is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring strict "batch uniformity," such as auto parts and hydraulic components.

2. High Machining Efficiency and Significant Reduction in Working Hours

Compared with traditional ordinary horizontal lathes, CNC horizontal lathes significantly shorten the processing cycle through automation optimization and function integration:


  • Automatic Continuous Processing: After the program is started, the equipment can automatically complete the entire process of "workpiece clamping → cutting → feeding → tool changing → chamfering → tool retracting" without frequent manual intervention. The processing time per part can be reduced by 30% to 60% (e.g., for multi-step and thread processing of shaft parts, traditional lathes require multiple tool adjustments, while CNC lathes can complete the process in one go).

  • High-Speed Cutting Capability: Equipped with high-speed spindles (maximum speed up to 6000-12000 r/min) and high-performance tools (such as cemented carbide and CBN tools), it can increase the cutting speed (e.g., when processing 45# steel, the cutting speed can reach 150-300 m/min), reducing material removal time.

  • Short Auxiliary Time: Some CNC horizontal lathes are equipped with automatic feeding mechanisms and automatic chip conveyors, enabling "unmanned continuous production." This reduces the auxiliary time for workpiece loading/unloading and chip cleaning, increasing the equipment utilization rate from 50%-60% (for traditional lathes) to 80%-90%.

3. Wide Application Range and High Flexibility

The "programmable nature" of CNC horizontal lathes gives them strong flexibility, allowing quick adaptation to the processing needs of different parts without large-scale adjustments to the equipment structure:


  • Compatibility with Multiple Types of Parts: It can process various rotating parts, including shafts (stepped shafts, slender shafts), discs (flanges, gear blanks), and sleeves (bearing sleeves, bushings). Additionally, by adding a live tool turret and C-axis function, it can realize composite processing of "turning + milling + drilling" (e.g., milling planes and drilling radial holes on shaft parts without transferring them to a milling machine for processing).

  • Rapid Changeover: When changing processed parts, only the CNC program needs to be called or modified (some equipment supports parametric programming, where the program can be automatically generated by inputting part dimensions). There is no need to replace a large number of tooling fixtures, shortening the changeover time from several hours (for traditional lathes) to a few minutes. This is especially suitable for small-batch, multi-variety production needs.

4. Convenient Operation and Reduced Dependence on Labor

Through automated design and intelligent functions, CNC horizontal lathes lower the skill requirements for operators and reduce manual labor intensity:


  • Simplified Programming: Modern CNC systems (such as FANUC and SIEMENS) support graphical programming and macro program calling. Operators do not need to be proficient in complex G-code; instead, they can generate programs by "selecting processing features → inputting dimensions." Some equipment also supports "physical scanning programming," where the processing path can be automatically generated by directly scanning the workpiece.

  • Integration of Automated Functions: Standard or optional configurations include automatic feeders (for bar stock and coil stock), automatic clamps (hydraulic/pneumatic jaws), automatic chip conveyors, and automatic measuring instruments (which detect dimensions in real time during processing and automatically compensate for tool wear). Operators only need to monitor the equipment's operating status, eliminating the need for frequent manual loading, measurement, and cleaning, thus significantly reducing labor intensity.

  • Intuitive Fault Diagnosis: The CNC system is equipped with real-time fault monitoring. When an abnormality occurs (such as tool wear or loose clamping), it will display the cause of the fault and solutions via pop-ups and alarm lights, reducing downtime for troubleshooting and lowering dependence on "senior technicians."

5. Good Stability and Low Failure Rate

The mechanical structure and control system of CNC horizontal lathes are optimized, resulting in better long-term operation stability than traditional lathes:


  • Reliable Mechanical Structure: The bed is made of high-strength cast iron (e.g., HT300) and undergoes aging treatment (to eliminate internal stress) to reduce deformation. The guideways adopt plastic-coated or hard rail designs, featuring strong wear resistance and slow precision attenuation after long-term use.

  • Mature Control System: Mainstream CNC systems (FANUC, SIEMENS, MITSUBISHI) have undergone decades of iteration, boasting high stability and strong anti-interference capabilities (e.g., dustproof, moisture-proof, and resistance to power grid fluctuations). The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) can reach thousands of hours, reducing production interruptions caused by equipment failures.

6. Controllable Costs and Significant Long-Term Benefits

Although the initial purchase cost of CNC horizontal lathes is higher than that of traditional lathes, from the perspective of long-term production, the comprehensive cost is lower:


  • Reduced Labor Costs: One operator can manage 2-4 CNC horizontal lathes simultaneously (traditional lathes usually require one operator per machine), significantly reducing the number of workers. At the same time, there is no need to hire high-salary senior technicians, lowering labor costs.

  • Improved Material Utilization: CNC programs can optimize the cutting path (e.g., adopting high-speed cutting and micro-cutting) to reduce chip waste. The automatic compensation function can avoid waste products caused by tool wear, reducing the scrap rate from 5%-10% (for traditional lathes) to less than 1%.

  • Controllable Maintenance Costs: The equipment has a low failure rate, and the replacement cycle of 易损 parts (such as tools and bearings) is clear, allowing maintenance plans to be formulated in advance. Some manufacturers provide lifelong technical support and spare parts supply, reducing maintenance uncertainties.

Summary: Recommended Application Scenarios

The advantages of CNC horizontal lathes make them the preferred equipment for the following scenarios:


  • Mass production of high-precision rotating parts (e.g., auto half-shafts, motor shafts, hydraulic valve cores);

  • Small-batch, multi-variety production (e.g., military parts, customized mechanical accessories);

  • Complex composite processing (parts requiring simultaneous turning, milling, and drilling);

  • Automated production lines with high requirements for production efficiency and consistency (e.g., auto parts production lines, home appliance accessory production lines).


Compared with traditional horizontal lathes, CNC horizontal lathes are not only an "upgrade of processing tools" but also the core foundation for realizing automated, flexible, and intelligent production. They are one of the key pieces of equipment for the transformation and upgrading of modern manufacturing.


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Starfish Ruhr Heavy Machinery Technology (Dalian) Co.,Ltd started with lathe machine tool. Senior engineer and chief engineer with 35-45 years working experience in machine tool industry. Starfish Machinery is specializing in vertical lathe,vertical lathe with milling function, horizontal lathe, Boring milling machine, welding boom column
 

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