Lathe Programming

With the GrayTech NC lathe option, a variety of standard and special-purpose turning center machines can be programmed. The lathe option generates output for 2-axis single-turret through 4-axis multi-turret machines.

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL LATHE PROGRAMMING

Features: Both horizontal turning centers and vertical turret lathes can be programmed. You are prompted interactively to specify the type of machine orientation required. The NC lathe system automatically calculates tool positions relative to the desired configuration and allows you to review NC data in the proper orientation.

Benefits: You save training time and increase your productivity because NC data are produced and verified in the proper configuration.

ROUGHING, SEMI-FINISH, AND FINISH CUTTING

Features: Roughing operations allow you to specify a bar stock or forging boundary, which is used to move the tool to the part quickly. You specify the amount of rough stock to be left on the part'’ surface and establish the depth and direction of cuts. The system then computes the entire roughing tool path. You have the option of programming the system for semi-finish and finish tool motion after roughing is completed. Turning, facing and boring operations are supported with each of these cutting techniques.

Benefits: You can produce machining data to process a part from rough stock to a finished quickly.

DRILL, TAP AND GROOVE

Features: Specialized functions allow you to drill, chamfer and tap holes in the end of the part. Several grooving options allow you to specify the method to rough out and finish grooves in the part automatically. Plunge directions, depths of cut, and finish sweeps are under your direct control. Unique groove finishing controls detect tool motion that could damage the grooving tool and part; these controls withdraw the tool to a safe position before reinserting it into the cut at a more appropriate location.

Benefits: Tedious programming tasks are accomplished quickly and easily with minimum time and effort.

THREADING

Features: The NC lathe system provides several standard turned and faced thread cutting options for Unified UNR, Unified UN, Unified Y, Metric, ACME, Buttress, Whitworth or your own custom threads. You supply the pitch, progressive cut depths, number of passes, approach angle and other information to allow complete processing of thread generation cuts. User-defined NC macros and machine tool threading cycles provide additional flexibility for thread cutting.

Benefits: When combined with rough, semi-finish and finish cutting functions, these additional features complete the processing of any turned part in minimum time.