CNC lathe-working principle

The working principle of lathes can be summarized as follows:

1. Fixing and rotating workpieces
Spindle rotation: The spindle of the lathe drives the workpiece to rotate, which is the core of lathe processing. The workpiece is fixed to the spindle by a chuck (or tool holder), and the workpiece starts to rotate when the spindle rotates. The spindle speed can be adjusted as needed, and there are usually multiple speed options.
Workbench movement: For some special lathes (such as turning and milling machine tools), the workpiece may also be fed on the workbench to further change the processing path.

2. Tool movement
The tool of the lathe has relative linear movement with the workpiece during processing, usually including two basic directions:
Longitudinal feed (X-axis direction): The tool moves along the length of the workpiece, usually used for turning outer circles, inner holes, etc.

Lateral feed (Z-axis direction): The tool moves along the diameter of the workpiece to cut the shape of the workpiece or perform end processing.

The movement of the tool relative to the workpiece produces a cutting action, thereby removing part of the workpiece material to form the desired shape.