Vertical turning machines for industrial manufacturing
How a vertical turning machine works
The vertical turning machine is a specialized machine tool for machining large, heavy, and often rotationally symmetrical workpieces. In contrast to the horizontal turning machine, the workpiece is clamped vertically rather than horizontally in the vertical turning machine (pick-up). The vertical alignment of the main spindle enables particularly stable mounting and high machining precision – especially for workpieces with large diameters and high weights. An alternative name for the vertical turning machine is a carousel turning machine.
The machining process begins with the workpiece being clamped onto a faceplate chuck that rotates in a vertical position. The rotating faceplate takes over the function of the main spindle. While the workpiece rotates, the tool slides move vertically or horizontally on swivel arms or cross slides to machine the material using cutting processes such as longitudinal turning, face turning, or boring. A wide variety of turning tools are used, depending on the material and the desired contour.
Basic principle of a CNC vertical turning machine
Essentially, a vertical turning machine is a machine that removes material by rotating a workpiece while a cutting tool is moved along two axes. This movement allows the tool to make precise cuts to shape the workpiece into the desired form and size. The vertical turning machine makes it possible to machine both outer and inner diameters, cut threads, and produce complex geometric shapes with high precision.
The operation of a vertical turning machine can be divided into several basic steps. First, the workpiece to be machined is clamped in the machine, often between the machine's centers or in a chuck. Once the workpiece is securely fastened, it is set in rotation. The rotational speed can vary depending on the material and the desired cut quality. A precision cutting tool is then guided against the rotating workpiece to remove material and shape the workpiece into the desired form.
Applications in industrial manufacturing
Vertical CNC turning machines are mainly used in heavy industry, mechanical engineering, and energy technology. Their particular strength lies in the machining of large, heavy, and rotationally symmetrical workpieces. Typical industries include turbine construction, shipbuilding, aerospace technology, machine tool manufacturing, and the railway industry.
Examples of typical workpieces are:
- Brake discs for rail vehicles
- Turbine discs
- Large bearing housings
- Pump housings
- Large-diameter flanges
- Wind turbine hubs
- Ship propeller blanks
- Valve housings
- Motor housings
- Pressure vessel parts
These workpieces are characterized by large diameters and high mass, which makes vertical machining particularly advantageous.
Advantages of vertical turning machines
(Vertical lathe advantages)
Vertical turning machines (pick-up) are ideal for machining heavy components such as axle bearings, brake discs, turbine parts, or cast iron or steel housings. Since gravity provides additional stabilization for the workpiece, high cutting performance is possible—even with difficult materials. Modern machines are CNC-controlled and enable complex machining with high repeat accuracy.
Another advantage of the vertical design is the good chip removal. Gravity causes chips to fall downwards and be removed more easily from the machining area, which both extends the service life of the tools and increases process reliability. Vertical turning machines are available as single-spindle machines as well as in multi-axis versions with driven tools and additional functions such as drilling or milling operations.
Structure of a vertical turning machine
A CNC vertical turning machine (pick-up) consists of several components. The main components are the faceplate as a rotating spindle for workpiece holder interface, the machine bed with a stable base, one or more tool slides, and vertical or horizontal guides. In addition, there are CNC control units, drive motors, measuring systems for position detection, cooling and lubrication systems, and an enclosure to protect against chips and coolants. Optionally, workpiece changers, driven tools, or tailstocks can be integrated to support longer workpieces.
There is also a version of the twin-spindle turning machine, see below.
Tools for a vertical turning machine
Different tools are used in vertical turning machines, depending on the machining process and workpiece material. Typical tools are:
- Turning tools
- Face turning tools
- Boring tools
- Grooving tools
- Thread turning tools
- Boring bars
- Reamers
- Milling heads for power-driven tools
- Carbide indexable inserts
- Deep drilling tools
These tools can be flexibly combined and used efficiently thanks to the use of quick-change holders or automatic tool changers.
Accessories and operating materials
Various accessories and operating resources are required for the efficient operation of a vertical turning machine (vertical turning machine). These include coolant systems for temperature control and chip removal, clamping devices such as face plates or clamping jaws, automatic tool changers, tool measurement systems, tailstocks for workpiece support, and measuring and testing equipment for quality control. Other important operating resources include lubricants, power supply units, air pressure systems for pneumatic components, and machine covers for safety. Lifting equipment for clamping and unclamping heavy workpieces is also often essential.
Comparison of vertical twin-spindle turning machine and multi-spindle turning machine
These two machine tools differ in design, function, and area of application.
Basic principle
Vertical twin-spindle turning machine
- Has two main spindles, which are usually arranged one above the other (vertically).
- Both spindles can machine workpieces simultaneously, often in mirror image (e.g., machining the front and back of a workpiece).
- Pick-up spindles, which automatically pick up, machine, and pass on the workpiece, are typical.
Multi-spindle automatic lathe
- Has several (usually 4 to 8) spindles arranged in a drum or turret configuration.
- While each spindle performs one operation, the drum rotates so that the workpiece is machined step by step at several stations in succession.
- Mainly used for high quantities of identical parts.
Machining process
Vertical double-spindle turning machine
- Machines one or two workpieces in parallel.
- Focus is on more complex geometries and precise individual parts or medium series.
- The vertical arrangement allows gravity to assist in chip removal and workpiece clamping.
Multi-spindle automatic lathe
- Each spindle machines one work step at a time (e.g., turning, drilling, thread cutting).
- The spindle carrier rotates after each cycle → very high productivity.
- Typical application: Mass production of small turned parts (e.g., screws, bolts, fasteners).
Typical applications
Vertical twin-spindle turning machine
- Precision parts, automotive, bearing housings, brake discs, flanges
- Medium to large workpieces
- Small to medium quantities
Multi-spindle automatic lathe
- Connecting elements, shafts, bushings, bolts, plug parts
- Small to medium-sized workpieces
- Very large quantities
Leading manufacturers of vertical turning machines
Our manufacturers directory includes companies that produce horizontal turning machines for metalworking.
The following terms are frequently searched for: DMG Mori vertical turning machine, Schiess vertical turning machine, Waldrich Siegen vertical turning machine, Mazak vertical turning machine, Starrag vertical turning machine, DN Solutions vertical turning machine, FFG vertical turning machine
Selecting the right vertical turning machine (pick-up)
If you want to buy a horizontal turning machine, there are several important features and specifications to consider.
- First and foremost are the maximum workpiece dimensions that can be machined—in particular, the diameter and weight.
- The power of the main spindle (torque and Speed range) determines which materials can be machined efficiently.
- The stability of the machine bed is also important, especially for heavy machining.
- The number of axes, any driven tools that may be available, and the scope of the Control influence flexibility.
- Attention should also be paid to tool change systems, automation options, and the accuracy of the measuring systems.
- Other important specifications include feed rate, repeatability, energy efficiency, and the quality of the control software.
- Finally, service availability and spare parts supply from the manufacturer play a major role in long-term operation.
Search now on maschinenauswahl.de for the horizontal turning machine that suits your production requirements.