All machines from the category Vertical turning machine (Carousel)

How a vertical turning lathe (carousel) works

A vertical turning machine is a specialized turning machine designed for large, heavy, and typically rotationally symmetrical workpieces. It is primarily used when conventional horizontal turning machines reach their limits. Typical workpieces include components with large diameters, high weight, and relatively short lengths. The name derives from the rotating turntable on which the workpiece is clamped, much like on a carousel. This makes the vertical turning lathe particularly suitable for heavy-duty machining and the production of large parts in metalworking.

The machining process differs from many other turning machines in one key aspect: on a carousel turning machine, the workpiece is clamped vertically on a faceplate or a table. This table rotates around the vertical axis. The workpiece thus turns while the cutting tool is guided in a controlled manner toward the component. Thanks to this design, the workpiece’s own weight exerts a beneficial downward force on the clamping surface. This significantly improves stability when machining heavy workpieces.

During machining, the tool moves in both the radial and axial directions via supports. This allows for the production of external and internal contours, flat surfaces, steps, grooves, tapered surfaces, and mating surfaces. Depending on the model, drilling, boring, threading, milling, or grinding are also possible. Modern CNC vertical turning lathes operate with high precision and automation. They enable repeatable machining even with complex geometries.

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Vertical Turning Machine vs. Vertical Lathe

The vertical turning machine (pick-up) is designed for automated series production and picks up workpieces autonomously. The vertical turning machine (carousel lathe), on the other hand, machines large, heavy workpieces on a rotating turntable using heavy-duty machining.

At machineselection.com, you can also find all other types of turning machines.

Construction of a vertical lathe

The heart of a vertical lathe is the rotary table or faceplate, on which the workpiece is clamped and turned. In addition, there is the machine bed and the sturdy column structure, which ensure rigidity. Mounted on the crossbeam are the supports or tool slides, which move the tool with precision. Other important components include the main spindle, the drive unit, the guides, and the clamping system. Modern machines are also equipped with Control, a tool changer, a coolant system, a lubrication system, and safety guards. Depending on the design, the machine is available in single-column or double-column configurations.

Applications and Advantages of a Vertical Turning Lathe

The vertical turning lathe is frequently used for materials such as steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, or special alloys. It is particularly cost-effective for large flanges, rings, turbine housings, or bearing housings. Companies benefit from high load capacity, smooth operation, and secure workpiece holder interface. For those seeking to machine large metal components efficiently, precisely, and with process reliability, the vertical turning lathe offers a high-performance solution for metalworking.

Applications in Industrial Manufacturing

The vertical turning lathe is used in many areas of industrial metalworking, wherever large and heavy rotationally symmetrical components must be machined with precision. Typical industries include mechanical engineering, plant engineering, power plant construction, wind power, shipbuilding, mining, the steel industry, turbine manufacturing, pump and valve manufacturing, as well as heavy-duty vehicle and transmission technology.

A vertical turning lathe is used to produce the following workpieces, among others:

• Flanges
• Bearing rings
• Gear rims
• Valve housings
• Pump housings
• Turbine housings
• Flywheels
• Wheel discs
• Pressure vessel lids
• Clutch housing
• Roller bodies
• Housing covers
• Large rings, discs, hubs
• Support components

Tools for a vertical lathe

A vertical lathe uses numerous tools for the precise machining of metal. Typical examples include:

• External turning tools
• Internal turning tools
• Facing tools
• Boring tools
• Parting tools
• Parting tools
• Grooving tools
• Thread turning tools
• Copy turning tools
• Forming tools

Drilling tools, countersinks, reamers, and milling tools are also frequently used if the machine has additional machining functions.

In modern CNC systems, tools with indexable inserts made of carbide, cermet, or ceramic cutting materials are often used. The choice of the appropriate tool depends on the material, workpiece size, cutting parameters, and the desired surface finish. The right combination of tool interface, cutting material, and geometry is crucial for cost-effective results.

Accessories and supplies for a vertical lathe

Of particular importance are clamping claws, clamping jaws, clamping plates, spacers, measuring equipment, and, if necessary, special clamping devices for large workpieces. In addition, there are tool holders, boring bar holders, indexable insert systems, and, for CNC machines, suitable tool interfaces.

The most important consumables include coolants, lubricants, hydraulic oil, cleaning agents, and, if necessary, corrosion inhibitors. For safe and cost-effective operation, chip conveyors, crane or lifting equipment, extraction devices, safety guards, and regular maintenance equipment are also recommended. Inspection tools for dimensional control are also part of the practical equipment for a vertical lathe.

Leading manufacturers of vertical turning lathes

In our manufacturers directory, you will find companies that produce vertical turning lathes for metalworking.

The following terms are frequently searched for: Dörries vertical turning lathe, Dörries vertical turning lathe, Berthiez vertical turning lathe, Starrag Technology GmbH vertical turning lathe, Schiess vertical turning lathe, Schiess vertical turning lathe, FFG vertical turning lathe, Hessapp vertical turning lathe

Selecting the Right Turret Lathe

If you are looking to purchase a vertical lathe, there are several important features and specifications to consider.

• When purchasing a vertical turning lathe for metalworking, the primary focus should be on workpiece diameter, maximum workpiece weight, and table size. These values determine which components can be machined at all.
• Equally important are engine power, torque, speed range, and overall machine rigidity, as these influence cutting performance, smoothness of operation, and machining quality.
• As a buyer, you should also pay attention to the number and design of the supports, the travel ranges, the positioning accuracy, and whether a Control or a conventional design better suits your application profile.
• For many companies, features such as tool changers, powered tools, measuring systems, and automation options are crucial.
• Issues such as ease of operation, maintenance requirements, spare parts availability, manufacturer support, and energy efficiency also play a major role.

Anyone who wants to regularly machine large workpieces to a high standard of quality should select a vertical turning lathe that is precisely tailored to the material, batch sizes, and machining tasks.

Search now on machineselection.com for the vertical turning lathe that meets your production requirements.

Information on vertical turning lathes

This article answers the following questions, among others, and helps with the search terms mentioned:

• What types of turning machines are there?
• How does a vertical lathe work?
• What is a vertical lathe?
• Vertical lathe manufacturers
• Vertical lathe applications
• Advantages of vertical lathes
• Vertical lathe design
• Vertical Lathe Manufacturing
• Vertical Lathe Industry
• Vertical Lathe Products