The different types of CNC lathe can be determined by the number of movement axes:
2-axis – can perform outer/inner diameter machining, facing, drilling, and tapping.
3-axis – adds a live tool system for milling, boring, etc.
4-axis – typically adds a second tool carrier or turret.
5 & 6-axis – adds an additional Y, and occasionally a B-axis, to either or both of the tool carriers.
Specialised CNC lathes with more than 6 axes are also available with advanced features and flexibility.
Find out more about Multi-Spindle lathe machines.
The axis of rotation of the workpiece can be configured to be either vertical or horizontal. Vertical machines are often used for large workpieces.
For very long workpieces, a tailstock is used to support the unclamped end. Some machines are equipped with a secondary, or opposed, spindle instead of a tailstock, which facilitates machining on the cut off side of the component. This often eliminates the need for a secondary turning operation.