Turning centers began life as lathes. Then CNC was added and precision contouring was available as well as repeatable and automated cycles. Lathes have been used for 100’s of years as shaping tools. And while initially it required skilled craftsmen to utilize these precision machines now, although they are far more complex, they are much easier to use and much more efficient. 

Now, not only are they computer programmable (CNC) and can increase production while cutting the actual labor involved. They have more power, speed and capability than ever before.

What is a CNC Turning Center?

A CNC turning center is a modern-day lathe but they have come a long way from a simple rotating spindle that required a great deal of physical manpower to operate. Lathes are 2-axis machines (Z for length and X for diameter). Since the addition of CNC Controls they have evolved into complex systems to include 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis or more capabilities, and as such have become known as turning centers. The term lathe is now often used to refer to a simpler machine. 

Lathes will almost be referred to as something that can only perform simple turning operations with usually just X and Z axes. A turning center however, will often integrate automated material handling (bar feeders) milling, drilling, and sub-spindle capabilities and include a Y-axis. Some machines can be so complex/capable that they are literally three machines in one (such as a dual turret Y-Axis, Live Tool Sub Spindle machine) that can perform the work of a CNC lathe on the front side, a milling machine on either side and a CNC Lathe again on the back side. 

Parts of CNC Turning Centers

These machines are made up of a few basic parts that are computer controllable and are horizontal or vertical. 

The Headstock

The headstock is the housing for the main spindle where the chuck or collet holder is attached. That is the part that holds and turns the workpiece. The spindle bore or bar capacity determines the maximum diameter of a workpiece that can be fed through the headstock. The headstock if mounted with a chuck can hold much larger workpieces then can be fed through the spindle but is limited to automated part handling.

The Tailstock

The tailstock is on the opposite end as the headstock. It acts as support for longer workpieces being machined between centers. It slides along the lateral axis (Z-Axis) in alignment with the headstock and is positioned where needed either manually or via the CNC control.

The Bed

The bed is the base of the machine where the headstock, tailstock and sliding axis are all mounted too. The bed is usually made of cast iron but may also be a complex steel weldment. This part is the entire base where the other fixed or working parts are attached too and aligned to the rotation of the headstock from. Tool turret and other attachments ride along the rails or ways of the bed, across the length of it.  

The Carriage

The carriage supports the cutting tool turret, guiding and feeding it against the workpiece. The main parts are the saddle, cross-slide, and turret.  

Uses and Applications of CNC Turning Centers

CNC turning centers are used in a wide variety of industries. In particular, they are used where you need metal to be removed or shaped on complex geometries. Aerospace, automotive, medical, oil, and gas, and more are some of the industries where CNC turning centers are best suited.

They are made to do particularly well with machining round metal parts, bars, tubes, and gears. Live tool powered turrets are capable of providing many different functions. It allows the lathe to mill, drill, bore, turn, and tap workpieces. 

When to add a Turning center to Your Shop

If your shop is machining more than one type of product, then a CNC Turning Center is ideal. Due to its ability to perform the simplest of turning tasks is enough reason, but there are so many more. You can switch the method and work it performs with a simple reprogramming of the computer controller. 

It can be used for cutting, milling, shaping, and anything else your machine shop needs it for. They are highly productive and easy to use. Adaptability makes them a must-have. Another bonus is you can save a lot of money by using a turning center as they can do what normally would require several machines, fixtures and set-ups to do. 

New and Used CNC Turning Centers

If you are looking for machines for your fabrication shop, here at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, we have a large inventory of new and used machines. With more arriving every day, we can certainly set you up with what you need. 

If we don’t have it listed contact us and ask as we have many machines that are in the “buy” process and some in transit. Just tell us what you need, or ask our experts about your application to get a recommendation and we will help find the ideal piece of equipment for your needs and budget. Contact us today for all your machinery needs.