Fixed-headstock or sliding-headstock lathe? It is a question often asked when assessing machining times in an industrial company. Buying a precision engineering machine (such as a CNC lathe), or outsourcing to an external company, requires precise calculations of both cost and time. It is not an easy choice, but it is crucial when optimising and completing large quantities of products in very little time.
Fixed-headstock or sliding-headstock lathe?
What is the difference between a fixed-headstock and a sliding-headstock lathe? To understand it, we need to look closely at the products to be machined.
If the material has a diameter greater than 50 mm, it is better to use a fixed-headstock lathe; the same applies to long parts or particularly complex shapes.
If, on the other hand, the material has a diameter of about 30 mm (or less), a sliding-headstock lathe can be used. The sliding headstock gives the best performance with very small parts and fairly straightforward shapes.
The right lathe for every job
Precision engineering is a fundamental ally for this type of machining. Whatever the project, make sure the basic requirements are always met. Only then will you get the best performance from your machines, and only then can you be sure of meeting machining times and costs. T.M.G. operates sliding-headstock CNC lathes for diameters from 3 to 32 mm: see our machinery.