Vertical lathe

Types of vertical lathe

A vertical lathe, also known as a vertical turning machine or vertical turret lathe, is an industrial machine for shaping metal or other materials. The working principle of a vertical lathe machine is to rotate the workpiece at a high speed while feeding cutting tools to remove excess material and shape the workpiece into the desired shape.

Modern vertical lathes are usually CNC-controlled. This allows for the automatic control of various machining parameters, including position, speed, feed rate, tooling, and more, with a precisely defined program. The repetition accuracy of the parts made with CNC vertical lathes is very high.

According to the feeding motion of the tool, vertical lathes can be divided into the following six types:

• Vertical cutting lathes

  They are usually equipped with a number of tool heads for vertical cutting of multiple workpieces at the same time. The machine can be used to cut metal and non-metal materials of various shapes.

• Vertical turning and milling centers

  These centers can perform turning and milling operations on a single machine, eliminating the need to transfer the workpiece to another machine for further processing. This allows for increased accuracy and efficiency in machining tasks.

  Vertical turning and milling centers are usually controlled by a computer. They often have multi-functional tools that can handle complicated machining tasks without the need to change the tools or fixtures. The type of center can save time and improve production efficiency.

• Vertical CNC lathes

  CNC vertical lathes use a computer to control the entire machining process and have an automatic tool changing system. They usually have multiple axes.

  When the vertical CNC lathe is used, the computer can be set up to automatically select the required tools and adjust their positions according to different machining requirements. This allows for highly automated, precise, and efficient production processes.

• Vertical engraving lathes

  The vertical engraving lathe is equipped with an engraving head. Its speed can be changed by an electric motor at the proper frequency. This kind of lathe can perform various complicated engravings and also carry out such operations as hollowing out, notching, internal and external thread cutting, groove cutting, to name but a few.

• Vertical hollow turning lathes

  This kind of lathe has a machine tool of standard type and fixture specialized for machining various sections of non-standard pipes and hollow workpieces.

Specification and maintenance of vertical lathes

Specifications

• Max diameter: The max diameter depends on the size and model of the vertical lathe. For larger machines, the maximum workpiece diameter could be more than 1 meter.
• Max height: The maximum height of a vertical lathe can be 0.5 to 2 meters, depending on different models and sizes.
• Speed: The spindle speed of the vertical lathe varies by model and specifications, which may range from dozens of rotations per minute (rpm) to thousands of rpm.
• Power: The power of a vertical lathe is usually expressed in kilowatts (kw) or horsepower, with power ranging from several kilowatts to tens of kilowatts.
• Weight: The weight of a vertical lathe varies by model and specifications. The weight of a small vertical lathe may be several hundred kilograms, while larger models may be several tons or more.

Maintenance

• Check and maintenance of electrical parts: Regularly check the electrical parts of the machine tools, such as switch, circuit, and connection, ensuring no leakage, no disconnection, and the stable operation of the electric control system. Once an abnormal situation is discovered, an immediate solution is necessary to prevent potential safety hazards.
• Lubrication of moving parts: Vertical lathes have many moving parts, like bearings and slide ways, requiring regular lubrication to guarantee smooth operation and accurate positioning. Frequently clean the lubrication grease or oil, adding fresh lubricant to keep the tools in good condition.
• Maintenance of cutting tools: Cutting tools are the key elements that determine the quality of machining. Regularly inspect and clean the vertical machine tool cutter, remove the debris and residue, and ensure that the cutter's cutting edge is sharp. Users should replace or repair the cutter if they find it damaged or worn out.
• Dust and debris removal: Vertical lathes typically have lots of dust and debris generated during machining. Regularly remove this rubbish and clean the work surfaces and machining areas to prevent tool jamming and improve the machining quality.
• Pay attention to cooling: Proper cooling is vital for longevity and stability during machining. Ensure the cooling system is functioning well and maintain the appropriate coolant level and temperature.

Application scenarios of vertical lathes

Machinery with vertical lathes has different models which apply to various industries and sectors. The following areas are the most prominent use areas of a vertical lathe machine.

• This machine turns wood. Thus, it is famous amongst sectors that work with timber or wood pieces. Such places reshape or cut logs into cylindrical forms.
• It is also very present in the plastic industry. Most plastic materials and products are part of moulds that are created with the help of a vertical lathe.
• The dental sector relies on this machine to make minute metal parts. These parts don't require any manual effort and have great precision. Therefore, the vertical lathe machine helps the dental industry achieve this goal.
• Also, the automobile industry heavily makes use of vertical lathes. Vertical lathes play an important role in the manufacturing process of car parts and accessories. The car parts are made with precision and high accuracy.
• Furniture is made with raw wood that has to go through many vertical lathe machines. Thus, the furniture industry uses vertical lathes a lot. Wheels, chair legs, table legs, spindles, posts, and many other cylindrical parts are made with these machines. Different kinds of furniture make use of these types of furniture.

How to choose a vertical lathe

When purchasing a vertical lathe for sale, it is pertinent to consider the number of axes. A 2-axis vertical lathe is usually ideal for businesses that want to start small. It allows operators to make simple cuts and groove parts. A 3-axis vertical lathe is typically more productive than a 2-axis lathe. It allows the operator to perform a wide range of machining tasks. A 4-axis vertical lathe is a great choice for businesses that want to increase productivity and efficiency. It also allows the operator to have greater control over the machining process.

The spindle power of a vertical lathe is worth considering when choosing one for a business. A 2-axis vertical lathe with 2.2kW spindle power can handle light machining tasks and work on small parts. It is a great option for a business with limited budget. An affordable 3-axis vertical lathe with 3.0kW spindle power can perform decently in a business that works on medium machining tasks and also sometimes tackle light ones. For a business that intends to work on heavy machining tasks, it makes sense to go for a vertical lathe with 5.5kW spindle power or more.

The size of a vertical lathe is a crucial factor to consider when making a choice. A compact 2-axis vertical lathe is usually an ideal choice for a business that has limited space. It is easy to move around and construct in small spaces. Businesses with large production capacity and that also work on big, heavy workpieces should go for a vertical lathe machine with a large size.

When choosing a vertical lathe, it is important to consider the material it is designed to work with. A 2-axis cast iron vertical lathe is an affordable option for businesses that want to start small. It works with light -and-medium-duty metal materials. Higher-spec horizontal/vertical lathes usually have a higher price tag. An all-metal 3-axis vertical lathe for sale is more durable than those with cast iron and can work with heavy-metal materials.

FAQ

Q1: What are the differences between horizontal and vertical lathe machines?

A1: The workpiece's placement or orientation is the primary difference between vertical and horizontal lathes. In horizontal lathes, operators put the workpieces parallel to the bed, while in vertical lathes, they place them perpendicular to the bed. Furthermore, horizontal lathes are suitable for long and skinny workpieces like shafts; thus, they are more common in average machining shops. On the other hand, vertical lathes are ideal for large and heavy workpieces like discs and plates.

Q2: What are some advantages of vertical lathes?

A2: Vertical lathes allow for quicker machining operation due to ease of tool access. Operators also enjoy easier workpiece setup. Furthermore, the gravity assistance and generally higher spindle speeds make vertical lathes suitable for softer materials like plastic.

Q3: What are the common types of vertical lathe machines?

A3: The most common type of vertical lathe machine is the turret lathe, which features a turret for repetitive machining operations. Other types include automatic vertical lathes, screw-cutting vertical lathes, and upright lathes with taper attachments.