Fanuc CNC Control 18 Position Turret Automatic Tool Changer Chip conveyor Gearbox
Vertical CNC lathes are heavy-duty turning machines with a vertical spindle and a large rotating table designed for big, heavy, or asymmetrical workpieces. Their vertical orientation helps gravity-assisted chip evacuation and stable clamping of large diameters. Common in aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment, they offer robust spindles, strong torque, large bore chucks, live tooling and CNC controls for precise, high-torque turning of rings, housings and other large components.
Check table diameter and load capacity, spindle condition and bearings, torque and RPM range, axis travels, chuck or clamping system, CNC control model (Fanuc/Siemens/etc.), tooling compatibility, maintenance records and any recent repairs. Ask for test cuts and spindle runout measurements.
Request ballbar or laser alignment reports, table face TIR, spindle runout and bearing play tests, and sample part tolerances. Inspect for vibration, unusual noises and oil leaks during a run. If possible, see a live cutting test under load.
Know the machine's weight, footprint and lift points. Plan crane capacity, trailer type, and whether chucks or heavy accessories must be removed. Secure the headstock/table for transport, plan floor access at delivery, and hire a specialist heavy-equipment mover with proper insurance and permits.
Large machines often need a level, rigid concrete pad and proper anchoring or vibration isolation. Smaller vertical lathes can be floor-mounted with leveling pads. Check manufacturer guidelines for grout, anchor bolts and floor load-bearing capacity.
Daily: clean chips, check coolant, lubrication levels and seals. Weekly/monthly: inspect ways, table drive, hydraulic lines and chuck condition. Periodic: spindle bearing checks, ball-screw backlash, control backups, coolant replacement and preventive service for hydraulic and electrical systems.