What is a CNC Disk End Lathe?

A CNC disk end lathe is an automated CNC lathe specifically designed for efficient, high-volume machining of short, thick, rotating parts such as disks, flanges, and hubs. Unlike conventional CNC lathes (vertical or horizontal), the spindle axis of a disk end lathe is horizontal, and the spindle end is typically equipped with a large, disc-shaped worktable (like a large disk). This worktable is called a "plate end" type.

1. Key Advantages and Features
High Stability: Because the workpiece rests firmly on the worktable, it provides a large support area and excellent rigidity, making it ideal for heavy cutting.
Excellent Chip Evacuation: Chips fall naturally under gravity and are flushed away by the chip flushing system, preventing them from tangling around the workpiece or tool holder, ensuring machining continuity and surface quality.
Easy Loading and Unloading: The large, horizontal platen surface is ideal for automated loading and unloading systems (such as robotic arms), enabling easy operation of either a one-person operation or a fully automated production line. Production Efficiency: Automated loading and unloading and a dual-spindle design eliminate intermediate setup time, enabling virtually non-stop production.
Machining Precision: The "one-clamp, complete machining" principle avoids the cumulative errors associated with multiple setups.

2. Main Components
A standard CNC turntable lathe typically consists of:
Bed and spindle (spindle table): The basic structure. The spindle is the core, used to mount and rotate the workpiece.
CNC system (CNC): The brain of the machine, receiving programming instructions and controlling all movements.
Powered turret: This is key to efficient machining. The turret can accommodate not only turning tools but also rotating milling cutters, drills, and other tools.
Subspindle/Tailstock: Many turntable lathes are equipped with a subspindle on the opposite side. After the spindle completes machining on one side of the workpiece, the subspindle can extend to receive the workpiece and then proceed to machining the other side. This allows the entire turning process to be completed in a single setup ("one-clamp, complete"), significantly improving precision and efficiency.

3. Working Principle
The machine typically operates as follows:
Loading: The robot places the blank in a fixed position on the large platen (possibly secured by a clamp or magnetic chuck).
Machining Side A: The large platen rotates the workpiece, and the tool on the main turret performs operations such as external turning, internal drilling, and end facing on the front side of the workpiece. Simultaneously, the powered turret can also perform complex operations such as milling, drilling, and tapping.
Workpiece Handover: After machining the front side, the opposite sub-spindle moves in to receive and clamp the workpiece.
Machining Side B: The large platen spindle is released, the sub-spindle rotates with the workpiece, and the main turret performs various operations on the back side of the workpiece.
Unloading: After machining is completed, the sub-spindle moves the finished workpiece to the unloading area, where it is removed by the robot. Simultaneously, a new blank is loaded, and the cycle begins again.

4. Main Application Areas
CNC disc lathes are designed for mass production of disc-type parts. Typical products include:
Automotive parts: wheel hubs, brake discs, flywheels, torque converter housings, etc.
Compressor parts: scroll discs, flanges, end covers, etc.
Hydraulic parts: valve blocks, pump housings, flanged discs
Gear blanks, bearing seats, and various disc-type parts.