How many functions can a CNC lathe perform? Here are five common examples.

CNC lathes are widely used across manufacturing, and their functions vary by model. Five important functions are described below:

1. Linear interpolation

Controls a tool along a straight path to machine cylindrical and tapered surfaces and chamfers.
 

2. Circular interpolation

Controls the tool along an arc to machine curved surfaces.
 

3. Canned cycles

Cycles for operations such as roughing, threading, grooving and drilling simplify programming.
 

4. Constant surface speed

Adjusts spindle speed to maintain a constant cutting speed at the contact point and produce a consistent finish.
 

5. Automatic tool-nose radius compensation

Compensates for the tool-nose radius, allowing the programmer to work from the part profile without calculating the offset manually.

These are five common CNC lathe functions; individual machines and controls may offer different capabilities.