Department of Mechanical Engineering

ME-303L Manufacturing Processes Lab

Experiment No. 05
Experiment Name: Part Manufacturing using CNC Lathe

Name of Student: Zeeshan Akhtar

Signature of Student: _________________
Registration No.: 04-3-1-047-2021
Date of Experiment: 7th-05-2024 Group: G-04

Report Marks: _____ out of 10

Date of Report Submission: 14th-05-2023
Signature of Lab Engineer: ______________________
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Table of Contents

1 Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 1
2 Theory ................................................................................................................................. 1
3 Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 2
4 Discussion ........................................................................................................................... 2
5 Sustainability ...................................................................................................................... 3
6 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................ 3
7 References .......................................................................................................................... 4
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List of Figures

Figure 1: CNC Lathe parts ......................................................................................................... 2

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1 Abstract
The main objective of this experiment was to get familiar with the controlling and working of
CNC Lathe Machine and to understand its G & M Codes. The experiment was performed on a
2- axis CNC Lathe Turning Machine and the processes that were performed in the lab were
facing, taper turning, and contour turning. A shape was made using the G & M Codes of the
CNC Lathe Machine. There was a coolant, so a rasp was used for the material removal from
the machined surface.
2 Theory
A Lathe is a machine tool which rotates the workpiece on its axis to perform various operations
such as cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, or deformation with tools that are applied to the
work piece to create an object which has symmetry about an axis of rotation.
Lathes are used in woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, thermal spraying, parts
reclamation, and glass working. Most suitably equipped metalworking lathes can also be used
to produce most solids of revolution, plane surfaces and screw threads or helices. The
workpiece is usually held in place by either one or two centers, at least one of which can
typically be moved horizontally to accommodate varying workpiece lengths. Other work-
holding methods include clamping the work about the axis of rotation using a chuck or collet,
or to a faceplate, using clamps or dogs.[1]
A CNC lathe is an assembly of intricate components, each playing a crucial role in its operation.
Understanding these components gives you a deeper insight into how these machines achieve
such high levels of precision and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts:[2]
• Main Spindle: The heart of the lathe, where the workpiece is mounted and rotated.
• Chuck: A device that holds the workpiece in place on the spindle.
• Tailstock: Provides additional support for longer workpieces, ensuring stability during
machining.
• Tool Turret: Holds various cutting tools and rotates to bring the desired tool into
position.
• Control Panel (CNC Controller): The interface where you input the G-code and
control the machine’s operations.
• Bed: The base that supports all major components of the lathe.
• Carriage: Moves along the bed, carrying the cutting tool and guiding it along the
workpiece.
• Headstock: Houses the main spindle and often includes the gear mechanism for
controlling spindle speed.
• Coolant System: Delivers coolant to the cutting area to manage temperature and
prolong tool life.
• Chip Conveyor: Removes the metal chips produced during machining, keeping the
work area clean.
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Figure 1: CNC Lathe parts

3 Procedure
1. The machine was powered on.
2. The workpiece was held in the chuck by tightening the screws at its ends.
3. The tool was mounted on the tool post.
4. The spindle speed was specified using M-code to define the speed motion for the
turning operation.
5. The spindle’s movements along its axis were defined using the Z-coordinate for the
machine.
6. The feed rate for the tool was specified and its movements were defined using the X-
coordinate for the machine.
7. A part with axial symmetry was manufactured by the end of the process.
4 Discussion
The CNC lathe used in the experiment was quite a simple one and could only be used to
manufacture parts with pure symmetry about a certain axis. This limitation can be removed if
another degree of freedom is provided to the machine. CNC lathes with the ability to the move
the tool along the Y-axis (perpendicular to the ZX-plane) can create complex geometries in
parts that are not possible with two-axis CNC lathes. Examples of such complex geometry
include those on chess pieces.
The use of G-code to program CNC lathes is a quick and efficient way to perform turning,
drilling, boring, and related operations on these machines with virtually no physical effort
required in the process. The cost associated with this convenience is the increased amount of
mental labor required to program the machines for complex part geometries. The advent of
automatic G-code generators in CAM packages has reduced the need for much effort on part
of the operator, however.
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Just like any other manufacturing process, machines using CNC lathes have its advantages and
disadvantages. The advantages of using CNC lathes include [5]:
• Increased productivity associated with continuous operation of the machines.
• Consistent and precise manufacturing.
• Less stringent requirements for operator skill.
• Decrease in the amount of labour required.
• Flexibility resulting from the ease with which G-code can be altered.
• Greater ease in manufacturing complex parts.
The disadvantages of using these machines include [5]:
• Increase in the amount of initial investment required.
• Drop in the number of skilled manual machine operators due to reduced demand.
• The dependency of the entire machine on its computer interface for operation.
• The requirement of G-code to perform even the simplest of operations.
A few precautions must always be followed while using CNC lathes or whenever one is in
proximity with these machines [6]. The most important of these precautions are the following:
1. Wear protective gear. This includes the use of safety glasses and gloves.
2. Always check the workpiece and the lathe before starting any operation.
3. Follow the operating procedures and instructions.
4. Keep the lathe clean and the workspace organized.
5. Report any problems and either fix them or have them fixed.
5 Sustainability
The use of CNC lathes cannot be characterized as sustainable in and of itself. The sustainability
of using CNC lathes is highly contingent on the factors involved in manufacturing parts on
these machines. These factors include, but are not limited to, the amount of material wasted in
the machining operations, the energy required to perform these operations, and the tool paths
chosen for them [7]. Conducting virtual simulations and analyses of the operations on CNC
lathes can prove to be helpful in making these operations more sustainable. This can in turn
minimize operational costs, reduce the wastage of material and energy, improve the utilization
of resources, and increase the overall efficiency of the process. Moreover, using
environmentally friendly materials in turning operations can make CNC lathes a more
sustainable option in the manufacture of parts.
6 Conclusions
An axisymmetric part has been manufactured on the CNC lathe using a sequence of commands
issued to it in the form of G-code. The process of manufacturing the part has been explained in
a step-by-step manner and the precautions to be followed while using CNC lathes have been
discussed. In addition, the use of CNC lathes has been characterized as being sustainable
provided that the practices associated with their use are sustainable themselves.
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7 References
[1] "What Is CNC Machining? An Overview of the CNC Machining Process," [Online].
Available: https://astromachineworks.com/what-is-cnc-machining/.

[2] "CNC Lathe Machines – What You Need To Know," [Online]. Available:
https://hwacheonasia.com/cnc-lathes/.

[3] "CNC G Codes," [Online]. Available: https://gcodetutor.com/cnc-machine-training/cnc-g-

codes.html.

[4] "CNC M Codes," [Online]. Available: https://gcodetutor.com/gcode-tutorial/cnc-m-

codes.html.

[5] "CNC Machining: Advantages and Disadvantages," [Online]. Available:

https://www.imh.com/cnc-macbhining-advantages-and-disadvantages/.

[6] "What are the most important safety precautions when working with CNC machines?,"
[Online]. Available: https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/what-most-important-safety-
precautions-when-working.

[7] M. Soori, F. K. G. Jough, R. Dastres and B. Arezoo, "Sustainable CNC machining

operations, a review," Sustainable Operations and Computers, vol. 5, pp. 73-87.
 Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pakistan Institute of Engineering and
Applied Sciences (PIEAS)
Experiment Risk and Safety Proforma
Lab: _____________________________________________________ Date: ____________
Equipment code: ______________ Equipment Name:
______________________________________
1. Was the experiment safe to perform? ☐Yes☐No
2. Were the working conditions appropriate for the experiment? ☐Yes☐No
Comment (No): __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Please mention the risks and their severity associated with the experiment performed:
a. Fire/Burn Hazard:☐Applicable☐Not Applicable
• Severity: ☐Low☐Moderate☐High
• Likelihood:☐Low☐Moderate☐High
b. Electrical Hazard: ☐Applicable☐Not Applicable
• Severity: ☐Low☐Moderate☐High
• Likelihood:☐Low☐Moderate☐High
c. Sharp edges / falling items hazard: ☐Applicable☐Not Applicable
• Severity: ☐Low☐Moderate☐High
• Likelihood:☐Low☐Moderate☐High
d. Slippage hazard: ☐Applicable☐Not Applicable
• Severity: ☐Low☐Moderate☐High
• Likelihood:☐Low☐Moderate☐High
e. Any other risk: ________________________________
• Severity: ☐Low☐Moderate☐High
• Likelihood:☐Low☐Moderate☐High

Student Name and Signature: ____________________________________

Instructions
1. Please report any incident to the concerned lab personnel or lab coordinator
2. This proforma will be a part of the lab report and must be submitted to lab Engineer.