CNC turning lathe, Swiss type lathe original manufacturer since 2007.
how many types cnc machine
Introduction
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines have revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enabling precise and efficient production processes. These machines rely on computer-aided design (CAD) software to translate digital designs into physical objects with minimal human intervention. There are various types of CNC machines available today, each with its unique capabilities and applications. In this article, we will delve into the world of CNC machines and explore the different types that exist, highlighting their functions, benefits, and industry applications.
The Lathe Machine
The backbone of machining operations
The lathe machine is one of the oldest and most versatile types of CNC machines. It is primarily used for shaping cylindrical workpieces by rotating them against various cutting tools. The operation involves removing material from the workpiece to achieve the desired shape and size. Lathes can perform a wide range of operations, including facing, turning, drilling, and threading.
Benefits and Applications
Lathe machines offer several benefits in the manufacturing industry. Firstly, they provide exceptional precision, allowing for accurate replication of intricate designs. This precision is vital in industries like aerospace and medical, where even the slightest deviation can have severe consequences. Secondly, lathe machines are highly efficient, significantly reducing production time and costs. Additionally, these machines are suitable for both small-scale and large-scale production, making them versatile in various industries.
Lathe machines find applications in a multitude of industries. They are extensively used in the automotive industry for manufacturing engine components, such as crankshafts and pistons. Furthermore, in the electronics industry, lathe machines are utilized to produce connectors and pins with precise dimensions. The ability to create custom threads makes them invaluable in the plumbing and piping industry.
Milling Machines
Turning imagination into reality
Milling machines, also known as machining centers, are used to remove material from a workpiece to create complex shapes and designs. Unlike lathes, which rotate the workpiece, milling machines hold the workpiece stationary while the cutting tool moves across it. The cutting tool can move horizontally, vertically, or along multiple axes to achieve the desired outcome.
Types of Milling Machines
There are several types of milling machines available, each catering to specific needs and requirements. Vertical milling machines have a vertically oriented spindle, allowing for easy positioning and movement of the workpiece. On the other hand, horizontal milling machines have a horizontally oriented spindle and are generally more suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Another type of milling machine is the CNC router, which uses a rotating cutting tool to hollow out or shape materials like wood, plastic, or foam. CNC routers are widely used in the woodworking industry for intricate designs and patterns.
Benefits and Applications
Milling machines offer numerous benefits in the manufacturing industry. One significant advantage is their ability to produce custom parts with high precision and accuracy. This makes milling machines suitable for industries that require intricate or specialized components, such as aerospace and defense. Additionally, milling machines are known for their versatility, enabling them to work on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
Milling machines find applications in various industries. In the automotive industry, they are used to manufacture engine blocks, transmission casings, and other critical components. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes milling machines to produce tablets and capsules with precise dimensions. Furthermore, the electronics industry relies on milling machines for circuit board fabrication.
Plasma Cutting Machines
Unleashing the power of precision
Plasma cutting machines utilize plasma torches to cut through a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. The plasma torch generates an electric arc that is forced through a small nozzle, resulting in a highly focused and intense beam of plasma. This beam melts the material, while a high-speed gas jet blows away the molten metal, creating a precise cut.
Types of Plasma Cutting Machines
There are two main types of plasma cutting machines: manual and CNC. Manual plasma cutting machines require human operators to control the cutting process by manually guiding the torch along the desired path. CNC plasma cutting machines, on the other hand, are automated and controlled by computer programs. They offer greater precision, speed, and repeatability, making them suitable for high-volume production.
Benefits and Applications
Plasma cutting machines offer several benefits in the manufacturing industry. Firstly, they provide exceptional precision, enabling manufacturers to achieve intricate designs and shapes. Secondly, plasma cutting machines are known for their quick cutting speeds, significantly reducing production time and costs. Furthermore, these machines offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing for cutting of various shapes and materials.
Plasma cutting machines find applications in multiple industries. They are extensively used in the metal fabrication industry for cutting and profiling sheet metal. Additionally, plasma cutting machines are utilized in the automotive industry for manufacturing chassis, frames, and other metal components. The versatility of plasma cutting machines also makes them valuable in the HVAC industry for fabricating ductwork.
3D Printers
Bridging the gap between imagination and creation
3D printers, also known as additive manufacturing machines, have gained immense popularity in recent years. They operate by gradually adding layers upon layers of material, such as plastic or metal, to create a three-dimensional object based on a digital design. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that involve removing material to create a shape, 3D printing builds objects layer by layer, allowing for intricate and complex designs to be realized.
Types of 3D Printers
There are several types of 3D printers available, each suited for different materials and applications. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers are commonly used in hobbyist settings and utilize a filament of thermoplastic material that is heated and extruded to create the object. Stereolithography (SLA) printers use resin that is selectively cured by a laser to form the desired shape. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printers, on the other hand, use a laser to selectively fuse powdered material together to create the object.
Benefits and Applications
3D printers offer numerous benefits in various industries. One of the significant advantages is the ability to produce complex shapes and prototypes with minimal material wastage. This makes 3D printing ideal for rapid prototyping, allowing designers to quickly validate their concepts before committing to full-scale production. Additionally, 3D printers enable customization and personalization of products, opening up new opportunities in sectors like fashion and healthcare.
The applications of 3D printers are vast and expanding. In the medical field, they are used to create prosthetic limbs and dental models. Architects and designers utilize 3D printers to create detailed scale models and visual representations. Furthermore, the automotive industry leverages 3D printing for prototyping new vehicle parts and components.
Waterjet Cutting Machines
Precise cutting with a gentle touch
Waterjet cutting machines utilize a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles to cut through different materials. The waterjet is forced through a small nozzle at extreme velocities, creating a concentrated stream capable of cutting a wide range of materials, including metals, stone, and glass. Waterjet cutting is known for its precision and produces clean, burr-free cuts.
Types of Waterjet Cutting Machines
There are two main types of waterjet cutting machines: pure waterjet and abrasive waterjet. Pure waterjet cutting is suitable for softer materials like foam, leather, and rubber. In contrast, abrasive waterjet cutting is used for harder materials that require the added cutting power of abrasive particles, such as metals and composites.
Benefits and Applications
Waterjet cutting machines offer several benefits in the manufacturing industry. Firstly, they provide excellent precision and accuracy, resulting in clean cuts without the need for secondary finishing operations. Secondly, waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process, meaning it does not generate heat that can deform or damage the material being cut. Additionally, waterjet cutting is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly process since it does not involve the use of harmful chemicals or produce hazardous fumes.
Waterjet cutting machines find applications in various industries. In the aerospace sector, they are used for cutting intricate shapes in aluminum and titanium sheets. The construction industry leverages waterjet cutting for precise shaping and cutting of stone, tiles, and glass. Furthermore, the packaging industry utilizes waterjet cutting for creating custom designs and shapes on cardboard and plastic materials.
Summary
In summary, CNC machines have revolutionized manufacturing by providing precise and efficient production processes. The lathe machine offers versatility and precision, making it suitable for a wide range of industries. Milling machines excel in producing complex shapes and designs with high precision. Plasma cutting machines provide exceptional cutting accuracy and speed, offering flexibility for varied applications. 3D printers enable the creation of intricate and personalized designs, expanding possibilities in multiple sectors. Waterjet cutting machines offer precision cutting without heat generation or toxicity, fulfilling diverse manufacturing needs. With the continuous advancement of technology, it is exciting to witness how CNC machines will continue to shape the future of manufacturing.
Whether it's automation or artificial intelligence, the rapid convergence of technology and business often determines cnc service’s competitiveness.
Guangdong JSTOMI CNC machine tool co.,ltd. will be familiar with the transformation from a generalist into a manufacturer, and will have the big-picture perspective necessary to stay focused on long-term goals.
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Daily “Clean + Lubricate” as the Baseline
After each shift, remove chips and coolant residue from the fixture surface and collet jaws with a soft cloth or air gun to prevent corrosion and re-clamping errors. Every eight hours, apply a trace of rust preventive oil to spring collets, guide bushings and other moving parts; once a week, add a thin coat of grease to ball-screw nuts and hydraulic cylinder rods to reduce wear. Before any prolonged shutdown, spray anti-rust oil on internal bores and locating faces and wrap them in wax paper or plastic film.
Precision Calibration & Data Closure
Use ring gauges or master bars every month to verify repeatability of the fixture; log results in the MES. If deviation exceeds 0.005 mm, trigger compensation or repair. For quick-change systems (HSK/Capto), check taper contact percentage every six months—target ≥ 80 %. If lower, re-grind or replace.
Spare Parts & Training
Keep minimum stock of jaws, seals and springs to enable replacement within two hours. Hold quarterly on-machine training sessions for operators on correct clamping practices and anomaly recognition to eliminate abusive clamping.
In short, embedding “clean–lubricate–inspect–calibrate” into daily SOP keeps the fixture delivering micron-level accuracy, reduces downtime, and extends overall machine life.
Six preventive measures
Environment control: keep the workshop at a stable temperature and low humidity; exclude dust and corrosive gases to reduce chemical wear on guideways and screws.
Daily checks: remove chips every shift and inspect the lubrication of the spindle, bearings, ball screws and guideways; act on any abnormality immediately.
Preventive lubrication: replace lubricants on schedule and keep the lubrication system unobstructed to minimize fatigue wear.
Accuracy monitoring: use laser interferometers or ball-bar systems monthly to measure geometric errors and compensate for ball-screw backlash or guideway straightness in time.
Electrical health checks: periodically examine cables, relays and cooling fans to prevent hidden aging caused by overheating.
Data monitoring: onboard sensors record spindle current, vibration and temperature; cloud-based analytics predict early bearing or tool failures.
Why prevention matters
• Ensures machining consistency: eliminating micron-level error sources keeps batch dimensions stable and reduces scrap.
• Extends machine life: preventing micro-cracks from growing can prolong overall life by more than 20 %.
• Reduces unplanned downtime: planned maintenance replaces emergency repairs, increasing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by 10 % or more.
• Cuts total cost: lower spare-parts inventory, labor and lost-production costs can save tens of thousands of dollars per machine annually.
• Enhances brand reputation: consistent on-time, defect-free deliveries strengthen customer trust and secure future orders.
Optimizing cycle time on turn-mill machining centers is crucial for boosting productivity and reducing costs. It requires a systematic approach addressing machine tools, cutting tools, processes, programming, fixtures, and material flow.
Ensure Geometric Accuracy
Swiss-type lathes process long, slender workpieces with multi-axis synchronization. A bed inclination of only 0.02 mm/m creates a “slope error” along the Z-axis, tilting the tool relative to the part centerline. This results in taper on outer diameters and asymmetric thread profiles. Periodic re-verification and re-leveling restore overall geometric accuracy to factory standards, guaranteeing consistent dimensions during extended production runs.
Extend Guideway and Ball-Screw Life
When the machine is not level, guideways carry uneven loads and lubricant films become discontinuous, accelerating localized wear and causing stick-slip or vibration. After re-leveling with shims or wedges, load distribution evens out, reducing guideway scoring and ball-screw side-loading. Service life typically improves by more than 20 %.
Suppress Thermal Growth and Vibration
A tilted bed leads to asymmetric coolant and lubricant flow, generating thermal gradients. Subsequent expansion further amplifies geometric errors. Re-verifying level, combined with thermal compensation, produces a more uniform temperature rise and reduces scrap caused by thermal drift. Additionally, a level bed raises natural frequencies, cutting chatter amplitude and improving surface finish by half to one full grade.
Chinese-built Swiss-type lathes have moved beyond the “low-cost substitute” label to become the “value leader” for overseas users. On the cost side, machines of comparable specification are priced well below those of traditional leading brands, and ongoing maintenance costs amount to only a fraction, dramatically lowering the entry barrier for small-to-medium job shops in Europe and North America. Lead time is equally compelling: major domestic OEMs can ship standard models within weeks, and special configurations follow shortly thereafter. When urgent orders arise from the electric-vehicle or medical-device sectors, Chinese production lines consistently deliver rapid responses.
Intelligence is on par with top-tier global standards. Machines routinely feature thermal compensation, AI-based tool-life prediction, and cloud-enabled remote diagnostics. Mean time between failures is long, and fully open data interfaces simplify secondary development for end users. Complementing this is a worldwide service network: Chinese manufacturers maintain parts depots and resident field engineers across the Americas, Europe, and Southeast Asia, enabling on-site support often within a single day, whereas legacy brands usually require factory returns measured in weeks.
1. Quick Troubleshooting Steps
Check the clamping pressure: Ensure the pressure plate or collet applies even force; too much or too little pressure will jam the bar. Adjust the pneumatic or hydraulic release mechanism accordingly.
Align the material path: Verify that the bar feeder, guide bushing, and spindle centers are collinear; any offset will cause the bar to twist or wedge.
Inspect belts and rollers: Belts must be tensioned correctly—loose belts slip, over-tight belts bind. Replace worn rollers immediately.
Lubricate moving parts: Clean and grease the eccentric shaft, release cam, and pusher fingers; lack of lubrication is a common cause of seizure.
I. Installation Guidelines for Swiss-Type Lathe Bed
1. Foundation Preparation
Floor Requirements: The Swiss lathe bed must be installed on a solid, level concrete foundation to prevent machining inaccuracies caused by ground settlement or vibration.
Load Capacity: The foundation must support the machine’s weight and dynamic cutting forces to avoid deformation affecting spindle and guide bushing alignment.
Vibration Isolation: If the workshop has vibration sources (e.g., punch presses, forging machines), anti-vibration pads or isolation trenches are recommended to enhance CNC machine stability.
Summary
Ball screws are the physical enablers of Swiss-type lathes across five critical dimensions:
Micron-level positioning for complex micro-structures;
High-speed rigidity supporting synchronized multi-axis cutting;
Active thermal control ensuring batch consistency;
Ultra-wear-resistant design enabling maintenance-free operation for 10+ years.
Their performance defines the precision ceiling of Swiss-type machining – truly "invisible champions" in precision transmission.