Lathe machining is the process of cutting materials using a lathe machine. The workpiece rotates continuously around its axis while the cutting tool moves in specific directions to remove material and create the desired shape. A CNC (computer numerical control) machine operates according to pre-programmed instructions and can process parts much more efficiently and accurately than manual machines. Because the lathe machine operates by rotating the workpiece, it is best used for processing precision components made from materials of cylindrical rods. The lathe machine can process all kinds of plastic and metal materials, including harder ones such as steel.
| Criteria | Rough Turning | Finish Turning |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Quickly remove excess material, create the basic shape | Finalize dimensions and surface finishing |
| Accuracy | Low (±0.1 – ±0.2 mm) | High (±0.01 – ±0.001 mm) |
| Surface finish | Rough, high roughness (Ra > 3.2 µm) |
Smooth, glossy (Ra1.6 – 3.2 µm). |
| Cutting speed | Medium | High |
| Feed rate (f) | Large | Small |
| Depth of cut (ap) | Deep (1–3 mm or more depending on material) | Shallow (0.1 – 0.5 mm) |
| Cutting tool | High durability, no need to be very sharp | Sharp, high-precision cutting tools |
| Machine requirement | Does not require high rigidity | Machine must be rigid and highly accurate |
| Application | Initial stage for removing material | Final stage for part finishing |
1. External cylindrical turning
A widely used turning method for machining the outer surface of the workpiece. Used to create surfaces such as long cylinders, cross-cylinders, and wide finishing cuts.
2. Facing (end-face turning)
Used when flattening the end of a part or reducing the length of the workpiece. Different tools can be used, such as straight-nose tools, curved tools, or dedicated facing tools.
3. Internal turning (boring)
Used to create holes with precise diameters and depths. This is often done on specialized boring lathes, using anti-vibration boring tools for accuracy.
4. Parting (cut-off turning)
A method used to remove a portion of excess material or separate the finished part from the workpiece. Requires durable cutting tools.
5. Grooving
Used to create grooves on the outer or inner surface of a part. Depending on the type of groove, different tool shapes are used. There are three main types: surface grooves, external grooves, and internal grooves.
6. Thread turning
The process of creating internal or external threads using a threading tool with the appropriate thread profile. This method is common in mechanical machining but has lower productivity, especially for small holes, fine pitch threads, or low tool rigidity.
7. Form turning
Uses form tools to machine parts with complex profiles such as curves, concave shapes, rounded surfaces, or non-standard geometries.
High machining accuracy and smooth surface finish, especially when using CNC lathes.
Fast machining speed, relatively low machine investment cost, and applicable to many materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, and engineering plastics.
Only suitable for round, rotationally symmetric parts; cannot machine complex or asymmetric shapes like milling can.
Machining long parts may cause vibration, affecting surface quality and accuracy if not done properly.
We have two high quality Okuma CNC lathe machines.
| Lathe (turning) machine type | Working Size | Quantity | Precision (mm) |
| Okuma Space Turn LB3000 EX II | X410 Z500 | 1 | 0.01 |
| Okuma Horizontal Lathe Genos L400II | X330 Z500 | 1 | 0.01 |
Material: MC Nylon (Blue)
Required tolerance: medium tolerance according to JIS B 0405
Quantity: 2 units
The end has a small thread of M8.
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Material: SCM415
Required tolerance: 0~+0.013 H6
Quantity: 28 units
This product was carburized heat treated to hardness of HRC50~55.
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Material: SUS304
Required tolerance: ±0.1 mm
Quantity: 4 units
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