What to Keep in Mind When Using a CNC Lathe？

CNC Lathe is a high-precision processing equipment. Improper operation may cause equipment damage, workpiece scrapping, or even safety accidents. The following are key usage precautions, covering safety specifications, operating procedures, maintenance, etc.

1. Safety operation specifications
(1). Personal protection
Wear protective equipment: Goggles (to prevent flying chips) and noise-proof earplugs must be worn (when the machine noise is >85dB). Gloves are prohibited (to prevent being caught in rotating parts), and long hair must be tied up.
Prohibited illegal operations: It is strictly forbidden to adjust the tool or measure the workpiece while the machine is running. It is forbidden to clean iron chips directly with your hands (use a hook or air gun).
(2). Equipment safety
Emergency stop button test: Check whether the emergency stop switch is sensitive before starting the machine (the spindle should stop immediately after pressing it).
Protective door management: Close the protective door during processing to prevent chips from flying and injuring people. Manual intervention in the feed axis is prohibited in automatic mode.

2. Preparation before machining
(1). Workpiece and fixture inspection
Workpiece clamping: Ensure that the clamping force of the chuck/fixture is sufficient (to avoid loosening during machining). Long workpieces need to be supported by the tailstock pin (to prevent bending vibration).
Tool installation: Check whether the blade is worn or chipped (replacement standard: VB≤0.3mm). The tool extension length is as short as possible (to reduce vibration and improve rigidity).
(2). Program verification
Simulation run: When running the program for the first time, use dry run or single step mode to check the path. Confirm that the tool compensation (G41/G42) and zero offset (G54~G59) are correct.
Cutting parameter check: Spindle speed (S), feed rate (F), and cutting depth (ap) must match the material (e.g. 45# steel: S=800rpm, S=800rpm, F=0.15mm/r).

3. Monitoring during processing
(1). Observation of cutting status
Abnormal vibration/noise: If severe vibration (chatter) occurs, reduce the speed or adjust the tool angle. Abnormal noise may indicate tool chipping or bearing damage.
Chip shape: short spiral or C-shaped (indicates that the cutting parameters are reasonable). Long ribbon (easy to entangle, need to increase feed or optimize chip breaker).
(2). Coolant management
Flow rate and concentration: water-based cutting fluid concentration 5%~10% (rust prevention + lubrication).
High-pressure cooling (>5MPa) is suitable for deep hole processing.
Filter system: Clean the iron chip sedimentation box regularly to prevent clogging of the pump body.

4. Post-processing maintenance
(1). Equipment cleaning
Iron chip cleaning: Use a magnetic separator or scraper to remove iron chips from the guide rails and turret. Do not use compressed air to blow directly on the spindle bearings (dust entering will damage the accuracy).
Lubrication check: Check the guide rail oil and spindle lubricating oil level daily (ISO VG68 lubricant is recommended).
(2) Tool and workpiece management
Tool life record: Use a counter to record tool processing time (carbide insert life is usually 2-4 hours).
Workpiece inspection: The first piece must be verified with a micrometer/three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (tolerance ±0.01mm).