Compound machining, often referred to as turn-milling, allows manufacturers to complete both turning and milling operations on a single slant bed CNC lathe. This process improves machining continuity by reducing the need for part transfer, which can lead to better consistency and time savings.
A slant bed CNC lathe has an inclined bed design that offers rigid support and smooth chip evacuation. When combined with a C-axis and powered tools, the lathe can perform not only external and internal turning but also radial and axial milling. These functions are coordinated by a numerical control system that synchronizes rotation and tool movement.
For example, in a typical compound machining process, the spindle rotates the cylindrical part while milling tools mounted on a live-tool turret create complex features like grooves, holes, or faces. The integration of the C-axis enables precise angular positioning, which is essential for operations such as hexagon milling or contour shaping.
East CNC specializes in providing slant bed CNC lathes suitable for compound machining. Their machines are designed with built-in features for turn-milling, such as robust spindle motors and advanced tool carriers. These allow for a variety of machining applications, from general-purpose metalworking to parts that require multiple profiles and tolerances.
By enabling both turning and milling in one setup, slant bed CNC lathes from East CNC help reduce tool change times and ensure consistent quality in parts that demand precision and versatility. Compound machining is thus a reliable approach for modern machining workshops.