Feb. 25, 2025
This guide explores the various types of CNC lathe machines and their applications. A CNC lathe operates by rotating a workpiece while removing material through processes such as turning, grooving, facing, boring, and drilling.
Choosing the right CNC lathe depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the part, the material used, and whether it is a one-off prototype or a mass-produced component.
CNC lathes are categorized based on the number of movement axes:
- 2-axis – Performs outer and inner diameter machining, facing, drilling, and tapping.
- 3-axis – Includes a live tool system for milling, boring, and additional machining operations.
- 4-axis – Typically features a second tool carrier or turret for enhanced productivity.
- 5 & 6-axis – Incorporates an additional Y-axis and sometimes a B-axis on one or both tool carriers for greater flexibility.
- Multi-Spindle Machines – Specialized CNC lathes with more than six axes, offering advanced features and high-speed, high-volume production capabilities.
Find out more about Multi-Spindle lathe machines.
The axis of rotation of the workpiece can be vertical or horizontal. Vertical lathes are often used for large workpieces, while horizontal lathes are common for general applications.
For machining long workpieces, a tailstock supports the unclamped end. Some CNC lathes feature a secondary or opposed spindle instead of a tailstock, enabling machining on the cut-off side of the component, often eliminating the need for a secondary turning operation.
CNC machining follows a standard naming convention for the axes of movement to ensure consistency and clarity when programming machines. When standing in front of a CNC lathe with the spindle on the left, the axes are defined as follows:
- X – Movement forward and backward.
- Z – Movement left to right.
- Y – Movement up and down.
- B – Rotation around the Y-axis.
- C – Rotation around the Z-axis.
A 2-axis CNC lathe is the most basic version of a CNC lathe. It has an X and Z axis and is used to perform basic turning of solid or hollow cylindrical parts. Depending on the age of the machine, cutting tools are held in an indexable tool post or a turret, allowing the machinist to change tools without removing them.
A 3-axis CNC lathe builds upon the X and Z axes found in a 2-axis CNC lathe by adding the C-axis with live tooling. This feature allows the cutting tool and workpiece to be positioned at an angle, enabling milling, drilling, and tapping operations. It gives machinists the ability to add features at specific positions on the workpiece.
A 4-axis CNC lathe incorporates a secondary tool carrier, equipped with its own X and Z axes, often positioned opposite the first tool carrier. This design allows for faster material removal during simultaneous turning operations.
Both 5-axis and 6-axis CNC lathes feature an additional Y-axis, and sometimes a B-axis, added to one or both of the tool carriers. This enhanced functionality enables complex milling operations by utilizing driven tooling, allowing for greater precision and flexibility in machining intricate shapes and features.
The complexity and quantity of production items required will most likely drive the need for a specific type of CNC lathe. LECN can provide excellent advice and support to assist with selecting a CNC lathe that suits your needs. Contact a LECN representative today.
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