Double-head CNC lathes: how they differ from a standard CNC lathe
Almost every shaft needs both ends turned. On a standard CNC lathe, an operator or robot turns one end, flips the part, re-clamps and turns the other – costing time and risking ends that are not concentric. Double-head CNC lathes are built for exactly this job.
How it works
A double-head lathe has two cutting heads, one at each end of the part. Many models clamp the shaft near its middle while both heads turn the left and right ends at the same time under one program, so the part is clamped only once.
Compared with a standard CNC lathe
- Clamping: two (with a flip) vs one.
- Cycle time: one end at a time vs both ends together.
- Concentricity of the ends: depends on re-clamping vs easier to hold with a single clamping.
- Handling: needs a flip step vs one load and unload – ideal for robot or gantry loading.
- Flexibility: broad job mix vs best for high-volume families of shafts.
Suitable parts
Gear shafts, drive shafts, motor and starter shafts, pump shafts, pins and other parts much longer than their diameter, plus tubes and cylindrical parts that need both ends turned or faced – common in automotive, motorcycle and machinery production.
In a shaft production line
Double-head lathes typically follow a facing & centering machine and are followed by the operations the drawing needs – deep-hole drilling, rolling and cylindrical grinding. Linked by robots or conveyors, they form an automated line with few operators and consistent quality.
What to consider
- Length and diameter range of every part you will run.
- Monthly volume and target cycle time.
- Clamping method and the tolerances on the drawing.
- Manual or automatic loading and unloading.
Double-head CNC lathes from LECN
NKE is the official LECN agent in Thailand. LECN focuses on shaft-part solutions, including double-head CNC lathes, CNC lathes and double-spindle lathes, facing & centering and deep-hole drilling machines and automated lines. Send us your drawing, or see LECN machines in Thailand.
