This brief review of CNC turning machine tool applications would not be complete without a mention of the vertical lathe illustrated in. Often such specialized turning machines are used to manufacture large squat and irregular. Shaped components which may offer out—of-balance problems, or work holding difficulties on conventional turning machines. Typical of such products manufactured are volutes, or gear crushing rings which are made from exotic materials which are exceedingly difficult to machine.
As machine tool rigidity is of prime importance on these machine with their portal construction being a typical feature, the requirement is for good torque-low speed power characteristics with high volume production being of secondary importance in this case.Tooling needs as a result,tend to be of simple,but robust construction and fine feed rates can be programmed.
0wing to the relatively long cycle times necessary for machining exotic materials, or if rotating out—of-balance loads,the low volume production which results dictates manual rather than automatic loading of work pieces. Once again, a simple and strong,but effective method of part clamping is considered to be of prime importance here.
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