Horizontal lathe and vertical lathe

Vertical lathes and horizontal lathes are both common metal-cutting machine tools, each with their own characteristics and advantages. Compared to horizontal lathes, vertical lathes have the following advantages:

1. Processing large parts  

Load-bearing capacity  

The structural layout of vertical lathes gives them better load-bearing capacity when processing large, heavy parts. For example, when machining large-diameter, heavy-duty disc-shaped parts (such as large gear blanks, flywheels, etc.), a vertical lathe can place the part horizontally on the worktable, which has strong radial load-bearing capacity. In contrast, when a horizontal lathe machines such large parts, the part's weight is primarily supported by the chuck and spindle system. For extremely large parts, insufficient spindle system rigidity may cause deformation, affecting machining accuracy.

For instance, when machining a large ship propeller blank with a diameter of 3 metres and weighing several tonnes, a vertical lathe can securely fix and support it, ensuring stability during the machining process.

Machining Range

Vertical lathes have a larger machining range in terms of diameter. Their workbench diameter can be designed to be very large, enabling the machining of parts with larger diameters. For some extra-large mechanical parts, such as the end machining of large generator rotors or the end cover machining of large pressure vessels, vertical lathes can meet their machining size requirements. In contrast, the machining range of horizontal lathes is limited in the diameter direction by factors such as the bed width, resulting in relatively weaker machining capabilities for extra-large diameter parts.

II. Machining Precision Aspects (Under Specific Conditions)

Minimal Thermal Deformation Impact

The spindle of a vertical lathe is vertically mounted. During machining, the thermal deformation of the spindle primarily occurs along the axial direction, resulting in relatively minor effects on radial dimensional accuracy. In contrast, the spindle of a horizontal lathe is horizontally mounted, and thermal deformation of the spindle may cause errors in radial dimensional accuracy. For example, when machining high-precision cylindrical parts for extended periods, vertical lathes have better machining accuracy because thermal deformation primarily affects axial dimensions, and axial dimensional accuracy requirements are generally lower than radial dimensional accuracy requirements.

Rigidity Advantage

The structural rigidity of vertical lathes can enhance machining accuracy in certain situations. The layout of the worktable and bed structure ensures that the forces exerted by the tool on the part are primarily transmitted to the vertical structures of the worktable and bed during machining. This structural rigidity helps reduce machine deformation caused by cutting forces, thereby improving machining accuracy. Especially when machining thin-walled parts, the rigidity advantage of vertical lathes can better ensure the dimensional and shape accuracy of the parts.

III. Operation and Clamping Aspects

Convenient Clamping

Clamping parts on a vertical lathe is relatively convenient. For irregularly shaped or large parts, they can be directly placed on the worktable and secured using clamping tools such as clamping plates. During the clamping process, operators can visually inspect the part's position and clamping status. For example, when machining large mould cavity parts, operators can easily place the mould blank on the worktable and flexibly adjust the clamping position according to the part's shape and machining requirements.

Operational Safety and Comfort

The operating position of a vertical lathe is relatively comfortable. During operation, the operator can maintain a natural body posture without needing to bend over for extended periods or work in confined spaces, as is the case with horizontal lathes. Furthermore, during machining, the operator has a good viewing angle of the machining area, enabling them to promptly identify any abnormalities in the machining process and enhance operational safety.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)