Utilization of the CNC Lathe in Mining Operations

Mining operations are among the industries where lathe machining is of crucial importance. To maximize profitability innovative designs of the lathes have been developed by engineers to reduce machining time and increase efficiency. The flat bed and Slant bed lathes are such important innovations.

The flat bed versus the slant Bed CNC lathe

The flat bed CNC lathe machine is used for light to heavy machining. As the name suggests, the bed is flat or on a horizontal orientation .The work piece is accurately placed on the bench and rotated while the tool is stationery for machining to be done. The slant bed CNC has a sideways alignment so that a z-axis is developed during machining. Due to this alignment, the slant bed types are never able to achieve very high speeds during operation. The slant bed is also recommended for lighter operations. The stability of the flat bed CNC is also much higher than that of the slant types and has higher energy efficiency compared to the slant bed CNC.

One main advantage of the slant bed CNC is that is much more user friendly in operation as compared to the flat bed type, as it has lesser controls and calibrations.

Development of the Slant Bed Lathes

The development of the slant bed was prompted by various factors in workshop design that were meant to enhance efficiency and space utilization. In an effort to better manage floor space, engineers discovered that slanting the X axis could result to an equipment that with more tool stations, and better access to the turret for easier mounting and removing tool holders. Thus the slant bed lathe was developed.

Special Application of the CNC Lathe in Mining Equipment

The mining industry is a heavily mechanized process involving many mechanical types of equipment. Equipments used in excavation include powerful shovels, excavators, draglines, bucket wheel excavators, and dredgers. Transportation of material uses hoists, winding engines and head frames. Other engines used include the Archimedes screw, beam engines, drilling rigs and loading equipments.

Mining equipments require constant repair due to excavation of hard surfaces. This process is heavy energy consuming and constant repair and maintenance is necessary.

Importance of the CNC

Heavy-duty CNC lathe machines are a crucial support machine tool in mining for handling constant repairs and breakages. The automated CNC lathes with frequency controlled motors enable high speed machining of components and special applications in the mining process.

In heavy machining, this lathe can utilize the steel and carbide cutting tools for coarse and fine stock removal for different work pieces. The machine is also very suitable for rough and finishing of mining shafts as well as other parts.

Turning Efficiency between the Flat and Slant Bed CNC Lathe

Lean manufacturing requires very high precision and high turnover in the machining process. This is an important factor in the mining process. With the high level of automation in the slant bed lathe, users have recorded reduced cycle times and high efficiency. The automatic turret system in the slant bed and computer control enables the user to program the design and finish the work piece in a matter of minutes.

Conclusion

When aiming for efficiency and profitability in mining and industrial operation, use of automated technology is paramount. The CNC lathe machine enhances efficiency in extraction operations through rapid machining of special components like shafts, tool bits and parts requiring high precision.