How to Choose the Right Lathe?
2025-11-14
In the field of machining, the conventional lathe is one of the most basic machine tools in metal processing. Choosing a suitable lathe not only avoids equipment idleness or insufficient performance, but also empowers the production process and enhances product competitiveness.
First, what types of lathes are there?
1. Horizontal Lathes (Horizontal Machine Lathes)-Ordinary Horizontal Lathe: The most basic type, used for turning outer diameters, end faces, and grooves (e.g., CA6140).-Saddle Lathe: The bed has a detachable "saddle," allowing for machining larger diameter workpieces.-Precision Lathe: High-precision machining, used for instruments and precision parts.
2. Vertical Lathes (Vertical Machine Lathes)-Single-Column Vertical Lathe: Simple structure, suitable for machining smaller diameters.-Double-Column Vertical Lathe (Gantry Type): High rigidity, used for very large workpieces.
3. Turret Lathes (Hexagonal Lathes)
-Horizontal Turret Lathes: Turret arranged horizontally.
-Vertical Turret Lathes: Turret arranged vertically, with limited head space.
4. Automatic and Semi-Automatic Lathes
-Automatic Lathes: Fully automated (feeding, machining, unloading), such as single-spindle automatic lathes (machining small parts) and multi-spindle automatic lathes (simultaneous multi-process, high efficiency).
-Semi-Automatic Lathes: Some operations require manual intervention (e.g., loading and unloading workpieces).
5. CNC Lathes
-CNC Horizontal Lathes: High versatility
-CNC Vertical Lathes: Suitable for large workpieces
How to Choose the Right Lathe?
Turret Turning Centers: Equipped with a powered turret, capable of milling and drilling (milling-turning composite)
Machining Accuracy Requirements: For parts requiring high-precision machining, CNC lathes are preferred due to their servo systems and digital control, which enable high-precision control. For ordinary mechanical parts, conventional lathes are sufficient and offer better cost-effectiveness.
Part Size and Weight: For machining small to medium-sized parts, benchtop or small horizontal lathes are suitable, offering a small footprint and flexible operation. For parts with large diameters and weights... For heavier parts, heavy-duty lathes are required, with thickened beds and high-strength spindles to ensure machining stability.
Part structure and material: For rotating parts such as shafts and sleeves, horizontal lathes are the standard choice. For irregularly shaped rotating parts or complex curved surfaces (such as cams and screws), CNC turning centers supporting multi-axis machining are recommended. For machining ordinary carbon steel and cast iron, the rigid structure of a standard lathe is sufficient. However, for machining difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steel and titanium alloys, a high-power spindle and a rigid tool post CNC lathe, along with specialized tools, is necessary to improve cutting efficiency.
In short, choosing the right lathe involves a closed-loop consideration of "part requirements - capacity planning - equipment performance - operating costs," avoiding blindly pursuing high-end configurations while also addressing core performance weaknesses, thus ensuring both parts machining quality and production efficiency.
View More
What are the types of band saws?
2025-11-06
Band saws come in various types. Based on different classification standards,Zaozhuang No.1 Machinery they can be divided into the following categories:
-By saw blade feed direction: Horizontal (horizontal feed), vertical (vertical feed), and swing (oscillating feed around a fulcrum).
-By saw type: Mainly vertical and horizontal. In a vertical band saw, the saw frame is vertically set, and the workpiece moves during cutting. In a horizontal band saw, the saw frame is horizontal or inclined, swinging along a vertical direction or around a fulcrum.
-By automation program: Manual (semi-automatic, manual feeding) and fully automatic (automatic feeding, automatic cutting) types.
-By sawing angle requirements: Zaozhuang No.1 Machinery Angle saws (90 degrees, 45 degrees) and no-angle (90-degree vertical cutting).
These are the main classifications of band saws. Different band saws are suitable for different processing occasions and materials.Zaozhuang No.1 Machinery When selecting a band saw, it is necessary to determine the appropriate type based on specific processing requirements and workpiece characteristics.
View More
Looking for a cost-effective milling machine? Check out our 4H series
2025-10-14
Why is the 4H series considered the most cost-effective machine? First, let's look at its features and functions.
The 4H series offers a wide range of applications, not limited to milling, boring, drilling, and tapping. The worktable can move along the X, Y, and Z axes, and the milling head, which can rotate along these three axes, enhances machine performance. This allows the machine to process any flat or formed surface at any angle. This series is suitable for businesses and repair shops, and is particularly well-suited for the manufacture of tools, fixtures, and molds.
Not only that,This series is of high flexibility with the milling head swiveled 360 ° in the X direction, rotated ± 90 ° in the Y direction and rotated ± 45 °in the Z direction. Therefore, the processing part is allowed to be in even larger size than the work surface.
The milling head was imported from Taiwan. The milling head has a great advantage in spindle speed and speed range, which allows the cutter tool to work efficiently and accurately.
The spindle sleeve can automatic feed and stop. The milling head is equipped with overload protection devices and devices to guarantee accurate positioning of the cutter and a certain depth of cut.
The table and knee are equipped with centralized lubrication system. The machine is equipped with a hand pressure pump to lubricate the guideway, leadscrew and nut.
The machine tool feed can be manually or motorized. Motorized feed can be achieved by installing an automatic feeder. The automatic feeder can be provided as required.
With such a comprehensive set of features, the 4H series machine tools are designed to meet the diverse and precise machining needs of various industries.
View More
From processing capacity to stable performance, why vertical milling machines are so popular?
2025-10-09
Machine Tool Introduction:
Milling machines are widely used. They can process flat surfaces, grooves, toothed parts, spiral surfaces, and various curved surfaces. They can also be used for machining rotating surfaces, internal holes, and cutting.
Main performance characteristics of machine tools:
The milling machine's main components, including the base, body, worktable, center slide, and lift slide, are all cast from high-strength materials and artificially aged to ensure long-term stability.
The vertical milling head can be adjusted ±45° clockwise and counterclockwise within the vertical plane. The spindle sleeve can be manually fine-fed and equipped with a limiter, expanding the machine's processing range and ensuring convenient and accurate machining.
The machine's spindle bearings utilize tapered roller bearings, providing excellent system rigidity and strong load capacity. The spindle also utilizes dynamic braking, delivering high braking torque and enabling quick and reliable stopping.
A manual lubrication device provides forced lubrication of the lead screw and guide rails, reducing wear, ensuring efficient operation, and making lubrication more convenient.
In conclusion, vertical milling machines stand out due to their remarkable processing capacity, stable performance, and a host of well - designed features. They are truly indispensable tools in the field of machining, driving efficiency and precision to new heights.
View More
Lock in the National Day Golden Week, VMC855 machining center limited time special offer!!!
2025-09-25
In the golden autumn of October, as the nation celebrates, NO.1 MACHINERY is launching a special "National Day Gift" promotion, offering truly exceptional value on machining centers!
During this promotion, the VMC855 vertical machining center is now available for a shocking price of $18,800. Equipped with a GSK CNC system, a BT40 spindle, high-quality Yunnan castings, and a 24-tool tool changer, it boasts powerful and stable performance. Its superior configuration ensures robust machining capabilities, making it an excellent choice for boosting your efficiency!
Consult us now to enjoy exclusive National Day offers!
View More