The relationship between machining center and lathe?
Machining centers and lathes are two common machine tools that play different roles and functions in manufacturing.
1. Machining Center: Machining center is a multi-functional CNC machine tool, combining the functions of milling machine, drilling machine, boring machine and tapping machine. It has a multi-axis control system, which can carry out complex three-dimensional parts processing, including plane milling, three-dimensional milling, hole machining, etc. The main feature of the machining center is to complete the cutting operation of a variety of different tools through an automatic tool changing device while holding the workpiece. Machining centers are often used in mass production and precision machining applications, such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, mold manufacturing, etc.
2. Lathe: Lathe is a kind of machine tool used to rotate the workpiece and cut the workpiece through the feed tool. On a lathe, the workpiece is rotated while the tool performs the cutting operation on the workpiece. The lathe is mainly used for processing shaft parts, including outer circle, inner hole, thread and other forms. Lathes are usually suitable for single-piece processing and small batch production, and can achieve high precision machining. Lathes are widely used in the manufacturing industry, such as machinery manufacturing, aerospace, automobile manufacturing and so on.
Machining centers and lathes have some overlap in functions, application ranges and processing methods, but there are also obvious differences. Machining centers are better suited for complex, multi-directional three-dimensional machining tasks, while lathes focus on the processing of axisymmetric parts. Their selection depends on factors such as specific workpiece requirements, production volume and machining accuracy. In some cases, the machining center and the lathe can also complement each other, using different machining methods on different parts of the workpiece to complete the overall machining process.
Can machining center and turntable realize the function of lathe?
Yes, the machining center plus the turntable can achieve some lathe functions. A Rotary Table is a device that can rotate on the machining center, which can make the machining center have the function of a lathe.
By installing a turntable on the machining center, the workpiece can be clamped on the workpiece clamping device, and the workpiece can be rotated in the horizontal direction through the rotation of the turntable. At the same time, the spindle of the machining center can be cut in a vertical direction. In this way, combined with the rotation of the turntable and the cutting function of the machining center, the processing of axisymmetric parts similar to the lathe can be realized.
The feasibility and accuracy of the specific implementation depend on the performance, configuration and matching of various parameters of the machining center and the turntable. The combination of some high-performance machining centers and turntables can realize the machining of high-precision and complex shapes. This combination can also increase production efficiency and reduce equipment footprint.
It should be noted that although the machining center plus the turntable can partially realize the function of the lathe, they still have some limitations. For some special shaped workpieces, it may still be necessary to use a dedicated lathe to complete the machining task. Therefore, in practical applications, it is necessary to choose the appropriate equipment and technology according to the specific workpiece requirements and processing tasks.
