CNC lathes for every application
With over 150 years of experience in turning, DMG MORI offers comprehensive technological expertise, reflected in around 20 different series of CNC lathes. As a machine tool manufacturer, we build lathes for a wide range of applications, from versatile universal lathes and innovative turn-mill centres (Turn & Mill) to highly economical production turning centres.
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From the manual lathe to the modern CNC lathe
The basic principle of turning has not changed since the lathe was invented. A workpiece is rotated in the main spindle and a cutting action is generated through contact with a static turning tool. The tool advances in two axes so that the workpiece is machined longitudinally and axially. Modern CNC lathes go far beyond this simple principle and are becoming increasingly flexible miracles of precision.
Overview
Important questions about CNC turning
What lathes are available?
The increasing variety of applications has meant that turning has continued to evolve. Therefore, in addition to universal CNC lathes, turn-mill centres and production lathes are commonly found on the shop floor. In each of these areas, DMG MORI offers machine series that deliver performance and precision – from the CLX, CTX and NLX models for universal turning and the turn-mill series CLX & CTX TC and NTX to production lathes, including the SPRINT models, the NZ platform and the WASINO series.
What is 6-sided complete machining?
6-sided complete machining involves finishing complex workpieces on all six sides in a single work area without the use of automation. This process starts by machining at the main spindle. The workpiece is automatically transferred to the counter spindle for machining the reverse of the component. Turning and milling operations can be carried out with one or more turrets at both the main and counter spindles. DMG MORI integrates milling on the CLX TC, CTX beta TC, CTX gamma TC and NTX turn-mill machines (Turn & Mill) to complete this process. The compactMASTER turn-mill spindle with a B-axis enables milling functionality comparable to that of a universal milling machine.
What is production turning?
In production turning, the focus is on economical production of large series. To make this possible when machining more complex workpieces, DMG MORI offers lathes such as the NZ platform, as well as the SPRINT and MULTISPRINT models. They have more than one tool carrier, such as turrets, including driven tools. The NZ platform, for example, can deploy up to four turrets. Bar loaders or robot-supported workpiece handling systems ensure a constant supply of material.
What is the work spindle?
The work spindle or main and counter spindle of a lathe has a chuck in which the raw material is held. The speed and thus the resulting torque depends on the machining process.
What is a turret?
The tools required for machining are housed in the lathe’s turret and are programmed to turn the workpiece as directed by each operation in the cycle. The turret has a certain number of tool positions. It is often possible to set up powered tools that can also perform in-cycle milling operations on the workpiece. Off-centre milling of complex workpieces can also be carried out using a Y-axis.
Universal turning: Performance and precision in metalworking
Quality-oriented universal turning requires stable, low-vibration lathes that offer maximum power and precision at all times. The prerequisites for this are inherently rigid machine beds, robust box guideways or linear guides and high-precision rotary encoders and linear scales. Turrets with live tools or a tailstock and/or a steady rest for machining long workpieces increase the variety of machining possibilities.
Speed, turning diameter, distance between centres – the right machine for every application
Both in the entry-level range with the attractively priced CLX models and in the high-tech segment with the proven CTX and NLX lathes, DMG MORI sets standards in the machining of demanding precision workpieces. A powerful main spindle ensures that all models offer the right speed and the required torque. Distance between centres, centre height or swing diameter – the variety of models offers suitable sizes for every application.
- Precision through inherently rigid machine beds and robust box guideways or linear guides
- Variety of machining options due to turrets with live tools and Y-axis movement
- Powerful spindles for maximum performance
Turn & Mill: 6-sided complete machining of complex workpieces
In order to produce complex geometries, for a long time it was common to first turn workpieces and then finish them on milling machines. DMG MORI was one of the first manufacturers to integrate both technologies in one workspace. The advantage: Turning and milling in one work area reduces throughput times. Fewer manual clampings minimise the potential for error. This in turn increases component quality.
The CLX 450 TC is the entry-level tool for turning and milling. The numerous models in the CTX beta TC, CTX gamma TC and NTX series mean that there is a suitable machine for every application, regardless of the weight of the workpiece. The Turn & Mill machines are equipped with the compactMASTER milling spindle.
Complex geometries thanks to the compactMASTER spindle
The patented compactMASTER milling spindle is the heart of the Turn & Mill models from DMG MORI. Its ultra-compact dimensions and large swivel range enable optimal use of the working area. Depending on the machine model, a disc magazine or chain magazine automatically supplies the spindle with tools.
- Short throughput times thanks to complete machining in one work area
- Minimised potential for errors due to fewer manual clampings
- Complex geometries due to turning and milling including Y-axis turret movement
Horizontal production turning: Economical large series production
Production turning is characterised by the efficient manufacture of large quantities. With additional turrets or spindles, as well as live tools, even complex turned parts can be machined from bars quickly and economically. Bar loaders ensure a constant supply of material so that machine run times are maximised. Various robot-supported automation solutions can be used to machine components from billet.
DMG MORI has been a pioneer in production turning for decades. Solidly constructed machines ensure rigidity and precision when machining. With the NZ series, for example, up to four Y-axis turrets can be used in the work area. WASINO automatic lathes, on the other hand, represent maximum accuracy, especially in series production in the automotive sector.
- Efficient production of large quantities
- High component complexity due to additional turrets and live tools
- Constant material replenishment using a bar loader
Videos showing our Turning Machines
Automated production on lathes
Productive manufacturing solutions are essential for long term competitiveness in a competitive global market. Above all, automation is increasingly finding its way into production. DMG MORI has been supporting this trend in turning for many years. First of all, bar processing was automated using bar feeders and integrated robots for removing workpieces. This was followed by gantry loaders for chucking. Today, holistic automation solutions such as the Robo2Go models, the MATRIS light and the IMTR complete DMG MORI’s portfolio for implementing fully automatic processes in turning and turning/milling.