Single Column and double column Vertical lathes are key equipment in mechanical processing for machining large and heavy workpieces. Their design and functionality revolve around the core of a "vertical layout," resulting in a series of important characteristics that distinguish them from horizontal lathes:
Workpiece installed vertically
Workpieces are vertically fixed on the worktable through fixtures such as chucks and faceplates. The direction of gravity is consistent with the axis of the workpiece, which can effectively reduce the deformation of the workpiece due to its own weight. It is particularly suitable for processing large, heavy (such as several meters in diameter and dozens of tons in weight) disc-shaped, sleeve-shaped or ring-shaped workpieces (such as gears, flanges, steam turbine wheels, etc.).
Worktable rotation as the main motion
Unlike horizontal lathes, where the workpiece rotates with the spindle, the worktable of a vertical lathe directly carries the workpiece and rotates around the vertical axis to achieve the main motion. The tool is installed on the tool post and moves horizontally or vertically to complete the feed motion. This structure can simplify the clamping and positioning of large workpieces, and the worktable has high rigidity, which can bear greater cutting force.
High rigidity and large load-carrying capacity
Key components such as the bed, column and worktable are made of heavy cast iron or welded structures, and the overall rigidity is much higher than that of horizontal lathes. It can adapt to heavy cutting (such as large feed rate and large cutting depth) and ensure the stability and accuracy of the processing process.
Wide processing range
It can process conventional surfaces such as inner and outer cylindrical surfaces, conical surfaces, end faces, grooves and chamfers;
Equipped with special tools or accessories, it can also complete thread processing, curved surface processing and even partial boring and grinding operations;
It is especially good at processing workpieces with large radial dimensions and relatively small axial dimensions, making up for the limitations of horizontal lathes in processing large workpieces.
Improved operational convenience
The vertical placement of the workpiece makes it easier for operators to observe the processing process. It is more convenient to clamp, measure and adjust tools when they are closer to the workpiece, reducing the need for bending over or working at heights. Especially, the loading and unloading of heavy workpieces is more convenient (can be directly hoisted with a crane).
Good precision retention
Because the rotation axis of the worktable is perpendicular to the ground, and key components such as guide rails and bearings are precisely ground and assembled, it can maintain high rotation accuracy and positioning accuracy for a long time, meeting the strict requirements of large workpieces for dimensional tolerances and geometric tolerances (such as roundness and perpendicularity).
These characteristics make vertical lathes indispensable processing equipment in industries such as heavy machinery manufacturing, metallurgy, electric power, aerospace, etc. Especially when dealing with large workpieces, their advantages are far irreplaceable by horizontal lathes.
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
