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All turning machines can trace their existence back to the
"Engine Lathe". The original engine lathes where powered by
reciprocating steam engines. Through the use of pulleys, shafts and
clutches, one steam engine may have powered several lathes as well as
other machines within the factory. Today turning machines are powered by
individual electric motors, but the original style of turning machines
is still known today as an engine lathe (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Engine Lathe
The engine lathe is a simple style of turning machines. The design of the
engine lathe is not meant for high production, but more for versatility. The
engine lathe, when operated by an experienced operator, can produce parts to
exacting tolerances.
CNC Turning Center 
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| When many duplicate turned parts are required, the CNC turning center may be
used (Figure 2). |
Figure 2: Slant Bed Turning Center
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| The CNC turning center employs a tool turret that allows the operator to
change cutting tools automatically with great speed and accuracy (Figure 3). |
Figure 3: Turning Center Turret
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Figure 4: Slant Bed
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The bed of the turning center will typically lie at a slant to accommodate
chip removal (Figure 4). |
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CNC Lathe
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| The CNC lathe is also a production turning machine (Figure 5). The CNC lathe
differs from the turning center in that it does not employ an automatic tool
changing mechanism. |
Figure 5: CNC Lathe
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The bed of CNC lathe will typically lie in a flat position much like the
typical engine lathe. CNC lathes come in all sizes. Small CNC lathes are usually
used in low production job shops or maintenance facilities. Large CNC lathes are
employed where long roll turning applications exist (Figure 6).
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Vertical Turning Machines
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Figure 6: Large CNC Lathe
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Vertical lathes are turning machines that are used in a vertical position
(Figure 6). The vertical lathe has a circular chuck like an engine lathe, but the
work-holding surface is horizontal. The horizontal work-holding surface allows
large circular pieces to be |
| Positioned and held more easily than in conventional methods of lathe work
holding. A Vertical lathe is commonly referred to as a Vertical-boring mill
(Figure 7). Many vertical boring mills are equipped with a tool turret. In this
case the machine would be referred to as a vertical turret lathe or VTL.
The VTL can be a manually operated machine or in production situations can be
coupled with a CNC control and an automatic tool turret. |
Figure 7: Vertical Boring Mill
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