How to choose CNC vertical lathe and conventional vertical lathe

The choice of CNC vertical lathe (CNC vertical lathe) or ordinary vertical lathe (manual vertical lathe) needs to be evaluated comprehensively according to processing needs, budget, efficiency requirements and other factors. The following are the key comparisons and selection suggestions:

1. Machining Complexity

CNC Vertical Lathe:

Advantage: Suitable for complex curved surfaces, high precision, and batch repetitive machining (e.g., threads, tapers, and non-circular contours). Programmed control allows automation of multiple processes and reduces human error.

Scenarios: aerospace parts, large gears, precision flanges, etc.

Ordinary Vertical Lathe:

Advantages: Flexible operation, suitable for simple rotary body machining (e.g., end faces, external rounds, drilling), relies on technician's experience to make adjustments.

Scenarios: single-piece repair, rough machining or occasions with low requirements for accuracy.

2. Production efficiency and batch

CNC vertical lathe:

High degree of automation, fast tool change (optional tool magazine), suitable for medium and large batch production, significantly reducing clamping time and manual intervention.

Ordinary vertical lathe:

Each process needs to be manually adjusted, low efficiency, suitable for small batch or single piece production.

3. Accuracy requirements

CNC Vertical Turning Lathe:

Repeat positioning accuracy can reach ±0.005mm or even higher, suitable for IT6-IT7 level tolerance.

Ordinary vertical lathe:

depends on the operator's skills, the accuracy is usually IT8-IT9 level, poor consistency.

4. Cost Considerations

Initial Investment:

CNC Vertical Turning Lathes are 2-10 times more expensive than ordinary vertical turning lathes (depending on configuration) and require programming and maintenance costs.

Long-term cost:

CNC vertical lathe saves manpower and is suitable for long-term production; ordinary vertical lathe has high labour cost but cheap equipment.

5. Operation and Technical Requirements

CNC Vertical Turning Lathe:

Requires programming and knowledge of CAM software, high technical requirements for operators.

Ordinary Vertical Turning Machine:

Depends on technician's experience, no programming required, suitable for traditional turners.

6. Expandability and Functions

CNC Vertical Turning Lathe:

can be integrated with automated loading and unloading, online inspection, etc., and supports 4-axis/5-axis expansion.

Ordinary Vertical Lathe:

Functions are fixed, with limited space for upgrading.

Selection advice

Choose CNC vertical lathe if:

complex processing, high precision, large batch size, sufficient budget, future automation upgrade.

Choose ordinary vertical lathe if:

Limited budget, single piece/small batch, simple shape, no programmer or urgent maintenance needs.

Additional suggestions

Trial machining: provide samples to the supplier to test the machine and compare the actual results.

After-sales support: CNC equipment need to pay attention to manufacturers of technical support, training is perfect.

Second-hand equipment: budget constraints can be considered in good condition of the second-hand CNC vertical lathe (but need to assess the maintenance costs).

According to the actual needs of trade-offs, if the long-term development or technology upgrades, CNC vertical lathe is more forward-looking.