The manufacturing process for lathes encompasses two core stages-machine assembly and component machining-characterized by precision workflows and a clear division of labor.
Production Process for Core Components (Machine Tool Castings)
- Design and Process Preparation: Determine parameters such as material (commonly HT250–HT300 gray cast iron) and shrinkage rates based on machine blueprints, then formulate the casting plan.
- Pattern Making: Create patterns (using wood, lost-foam methods, etc.), incorporating allowances for casting shrinkage.
- Molding and Core Making: Form the mold using resin sand and create internal cavities using sand cores.
- Melting and Pouring: Melt the cast iron in an electric furnace, control the pouring temperature between 1300°C and 1380°C, and ensure a steady mold-filling process.
- Cooling and Post-processing: Shake out and clean the castings after cooling; eliminate internal stresses through two rounds of aging treatment; then proceed to rough/finish machining and quality inspection.
Machine Assembly Process
Taking a standard CNC lathe as an example, a core procedure is the installation of the Z-axis ball screw: first, clean the contact surfaces of the front bracket; determine the installation position based on screw length and guideway height; ensure the parallelism between the screw and the guideway is within 0.015 mm; and finally, assemble and debug the remaining drive components and electrical systems.
Component Turning Process
- Raw Material Preparation: Select bar stock or tubing of the appropriate specifications; materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, etc.
- CNC Programming: Generate G-code using CAM software and set parameters such as spindle speed and feed rate.
- Turning Operations: Perform rough and finish turning to machine features such as internal and external cylindrical surfaces and threads, utilizing in-process inspection to monitor accuracy in real-time.
- Post-processing: Carry out deburring, cleaning, and anti-rust treatment to ensure surface quality.
