Manufacturer of CNC Lathes for Parts Processing - Exhibition

For parts processing manufacturers, selecting CNC machining process content is a core step in CNC programming and process planning, directly impacting part processing quality, efficiency, and cost. Reasonable process division requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as part structure, material properties, machine tool functionality, tool performance, and production batch size.

Core Principles of Process Division

►Datum-First Principle
Prioritize machining of positioning datum surfaces: such as planes, holes, or external diameters. This ensures positioning accuracy in subsequent processes.

For shaft parts, center holes should be machined first to serve as a reference for subsequent turning and grinding.

►Roughing-First-Fine-Later Principle
Roughing requires the CNC lathe to quickly remove most of the stock, leaving sufficient stock for finishing (usually 0.5-2mm).
Fine-Fine: Ensures dimensional accuracy and surface quality (Ra ≤ 1.6μm).
For parts prone to deformation (such as thin-walled parts), CNC lathes can perform multiple semi-finishing and stress-relieving operations.

CNC Lathe Manufacturers for Parts Processing

►The principle of machining surfaces first, then drilling

Machining surfaces first: CNC lathes machine surfaces first to provide stable support for drilling and prevent drill bit deflection.

CNC lathes mill the top surface of box-type parts before drilling and boring.

►Balancing process concentration and decentralization

Process concentration: CNC lathes can also combine multiple processes (such as turning and milling), reducing setup times and improving precision.

Process decentralization: Simplifying individual processes facilitates quality control (e.g., splitting them across multiple CNC machines in large-scale production).

The decision is based on part complexity, CNC lathe capabilities, and production batch size.

Specific steps for process selection

►Analyze part drawings and technical requirements
Identify critical dimensions and geometric tolerances, such as coaxiality and perpendicularity, and determine the processes requiring key control on the CNC lathe.
Surface quality requirements: CNC lathe turning processes are divided into roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing.
Material properties, such as hardness and toughness, influence CNC lathe cutting parameters and tool selection.

►Selecting a machining method
External/internal machining: turning, grinding, boring, etc.
Flat machining: milling, planing, grinding, etc.
Curved surface machining: milling (ball end tooling), electrical discharge machining (EDM), etc.
Drilling: drilling, reaming, reaming, boring, etc.
Threading: turning, rolling, tapping, etc.
Special machining: laser cutting and water jet cutting (suitable for difficult-to-machine materials).

CNC lathe manufacturers specializing in parts processing

►Typical Sequence Example
1. Roughing (removing most stock) → 2. Semi-finishing (retaining stock for finishing) → 3. Finishing (ensuring dimensional and surface quality) → 4. Finishing (such as polishing or grinding).
Heat Treatment Process Arrangement:
Roughing (reducing distortion) is performed before quenching.
Finishing (such as grinding) is performed after quenching.
Auxiliary processes such as deburring, cleaning, and inspection should be interspersed after the key CNC lathe process.

►Choosing a Clamping Method and Positioning Datum
Clamping Method:
Three-jaw chuck (rotating parts), flat-nose pliers (square parts), vacuum cups (thin sheet metal parts), etc.
Combination fixture (suitable for high-mix, low-volume production).
Positioning Datum:
Rough datum: Unmachined surface (such as blank).
Finally datum: Machined surface (such as holes, planes).
Uniform Datum Principle: CNC lathes should use a common set of datums whenever possible to minimize error accumulation.

►Processing Stages
Roughing: CNC lathes efficiently remove stock, resulting in rapid tool wear and low precision requirements.
Semi-finishing: CNC lathes maintain uniform stock for finishing and correct for roughing errors.
Finishing: CNC lathes ensure final dimensions and surface quality with minimal tool wear.
Finishing: Processes such as superfinishing and polishing further enhance surface quality.

Optimizing strategies for process selection

CNC lathe manufacturer dedicated to parts processing

►Leveraging the multifunctionality of CNC machine tools
Milling-turning: CNC lathes perform turning, milling, and drilling in a single setup, reducing repetitive positioning errors.
Five-axis machining: Complex curved parts can be formed in a single step, eliminating multiple setups on the CNC lathe.

►Rational tool path planning
Climb milling vs. conventional milling: CNC lathes offer superior surface quality with downcutting (downward milling), while conventional milling (upward milling) provides increased tool durability.
Tool entry/exit methods: CNC lathes avoid vertical entry, which can damage the tool, and use circular or spiral feeds.

►Considering production batch size and cost

Single-piece production: CNC lathes prioritize precision, allowing for centralized processes.

High-volume production: CNC lathes utilize decentralized processes, while dedicated machines combined with automated loading and unloading improve efficiency.

►Introducing simulation technology to verify processes

CNC lathes require CAM software for machining simulation to check for tool interference, overcutting, and other issues.

The selection of CNC lathe machining procedures must adhere to the principles of "datum first, roughing first, finishing second, and surface finishing before drilling." By combining part characteristics, CNC machine tool capabilities, and production requirements, efficient and high-precision machining can be achieved through steps such as drawing analysis, machining method selection, process sequence determination, and optimized clamping methods. Furthermore, utilizing simulation technology and empirical data to continuously optimize procedures is key to enhancing competitiveness.