CNC Applications

Introduction to Turning Centers

Headstock
+X Direction

Cross Slide with Turret Saddle

Chuck Cutter Tailstock

+Z Direction

Bed

Turning Centers
A Turning Center is simply a CNC lathe with a multi-station turret and an enclosure.
Headstock
+X Direction

Cross Slide with Turret Saddle

Notice the turret attached to the cross slide. Note: the CNC control and the enclosure are not shown.

Chuck Cutter Tailstock

+Z Direction

Bed

Characteristics of Turning Centers

Turret is on the far side to ease part loading and unloading. Heavy for increased rigidity. High spindle speeds to effectively use hard cutters. Powerful motors. Communication capabilities.

Haas SL-20 A Typical Turning Center

The Haas SL-20 turning center has a 20 HP motor, 45-4000 RPM spindle, ten tools in the turret, 8" cutting diameter and 20" between centers. It weighs 9000 lbs.

Turning Center Coordinate System

Z is the length of the part. X is the diameter of the part. The partially shaded circle represents the origin. The programmer chooses the location of the origin on the part, usually the back, center or front, center. We will always use the back, center since it simplifies machine set-up. Program to move the tool, not the work.

The Coordinate System Problem

Machine Coordinate System Origin

The machine operates from the Machine Coordinate System (MCS). Note that all MCS movements are in the negative X and Z directions. We program from the Work Coordinate System (WCS). The tip of the cutter is offset from the MCS and is different for each cutter.

Programmed Tip of the Cutter Work Coordinate System Origin

Top View of the Turning Center

The Solution
We can easily measure the distance from the MCS to the WCS and enter it into the machine control. This is called a Fixture Offset. We can easily measure the distance from the MCS to the tip of the each cutter and enter the values in the machine control. These values are called Tool Offsets.

Separating the Programmer from the Machine

The programmer chooses the WCS on the centerline of the part, generally at the back, and then programs the cutter movement from there. The programmer calls the correct fixture offset and tool offset numbers in the program (well cover these codes later). So, the programmer does not have to be concerned with any machine specific measurements.

Incremental vs. Absolute Programming

Suppose we want to move from the origin through points A, B, C, D, and E. We can move: incrementally distance from previous point, or absolutely new distance from the origin.
Point
Origin

Incremental

Absolute

Z 0 1 2 0 2 1

X 0 1 0 1 0 4

Z 0 1 3 3 5 6

X 0 1 1 2 2 6

C B

A B C D E

Incremental vs. Absolute Programming (continued)

Notice in the previous table that each move in incremental mode is the distance from the previous point, while each move in absolute is the distance from the origin, regardless of the previous point. Most programmers initially think incremental programming is easier. However, editing for program changes is much easier in absolute mode. About 95% of all programming is done in absolute mode. The remaining 5% is for special cases such as repetitive features where incremental can be a real time saver.