Many types of modern machinery are used in the production line of a typical automaker today, and CNC lathes are just one of these impressively advanced pieces of equipment that have helped the industry to evolve in recent decades.
Of course unless you are an industry insider, you may not appreciate the applications that lathes can have in an automotive context; a focus on the use of CNC milling and metal forming kit has somewhat sidelined the other technologies involved.
To remedy this, here is a look at the ways in which CNC lathes are deployed in the construction of contemporary vehicles.
Conquering crankshaft & camshaft construction
Both crankshafts and camshafts are essential to the smooth operation of modern combustion engines, and due to their shape and the need for exceptional precision in their design, it should be apparent that computer-controlled lathes are a great match for the production of these components.
This all comes down to the way that CNC technology operates more broadly, as well as how these principles are applied in the context of lathes. Whether you order new CNC equipment or look for some refurbished options online, their ability to be automated for accuracy, efficient and safety benefits is a key selling point.
Furthermore, since CNC lathes can be programmed with whatever complex design is required for an automotive crankshaft or camshaft, then set to tackle the required workpiece made from materials such as aluminum and steel, there is less need for direct, manual involvement of the operator, which is clearly desirable in vehicle production lines where there are so many plates to keep spinning in perfect synchronicity.
Tackling transmission component creation
Another commonplace application of CNC lathes is in the fashioning of parts which are used in the characteristically complex transmission assemblies that form the lynchpin of the drivetrain, delivering power consistently and persistently according to the needs of the vehicle’s operator.
Both manual and automatic gearboxes require shafts and discs, each of which goes towards both determining the ratio which is selectable and also converting the energy generated by the engine’s pistons into torsional power that will eventually drive the wheels of the vehicle and allow it to gather momentum.
Once again it is the precision of CNC equipment that comes into its own here, as the components within a transmission can be particularly compact and offer tight tolerances, meaning that there is a slimmer margin for error and thus the use of manual machinery in the construction of parts is less than ideal.
Working on wheels & brakes
Without wheels, automobiles would go nowhere fast, and while they are generally seen as less technically complex or precision-focused in their construction, the parts and components that make up the wheel assembly of the average car are still well suited to the use of CNC machinery, including lathes, during production.
For example, vehicles with disk brakes can have these parts worked on with lathes, not only during the initial production process but also as part of follow-up maintenance work. In this latter instance, specially made brake lathes can take off the very outer layer of the disc’s surface, restoring the original uniformity, eliminating imperfections and extending the usable life of this component as a result.
The wheel rims themselves are also often made, adapted, repaired and refinished by CNC lathes, meaning that these machines are not just put to work in manufacturing facilities, but are also found at workshops and other facilities associated with the after-sales portion of the automotive industry.
Lathes of this kind are put to work by auto brands that want to wow customers with unique, bespoke wheel designs, as well as by third party, after-market wheel makers. There are even companies that allow customers to get their existing wheels fixed up and back looking their best after they have suffered wear and tear in the course of normal use.
The rotational operation of lathes makes them perfect for this type of work, and the CNC functionality gives outstanding control over maneuvering so that exact amounts of material can be removed, taking guesswork out of the equation.
Creating aesthetic elements & accessories
The final application of CNC lathes worth mentioning in relation to automobiles is that of making the parts which are purely decorative, usually found on the exterior or the interior of vehicles.
From the logos and hood ornaments of high end luxury cars to the gear shifters, dash buttons and other tactile aspects of the cabin, machined parts can add that premium finish to cars which might otherwise feel a bit more run of the mill.
So there you have it; CNC lathe technology has a multitude of applications in the automotive industry, to add to its already expansive roster of uses elsewhere.