The Difference Between Vertical Lathe and Horizontal Lathe

Differences Between Vertical Lathes and Horizontal Lathes 

Structure

Vertical lathes have a vertically arranged spindle, while horizontal lathes have a horizontally arranged spindle. This results in vertical lathes having better stability and rigidity when processing large and heavy workpieces.

Processing Range

Due to the different spindle arrangements, vertical lathes are more suitable for processing workpieces with a larger diameter and higher height, such as disks and hubs, while horizontal lathes are more suitable for longer workpieces, such as shafts and sleeves.

Operation Mode

Vertical lathes generally have the workpiece mounted vertically on the work table, requiring the operator to stand beside or above the lathe for operation. On the other hand, horizontal lathes have the workpiece placed horizontally on the work table, allowing the operator easier access and handling.

Tool Movement

On vertical lathes, the tool generally moves vertically, while the workpiece rotates. On horizontal lathes, the tool moves horizontally, and the workpiece also rotates.

Application Scenarios

Vertical lathes are primarily used in heavy industries such as machinery manufacturing and shipbuilding, whereas horizontal lathes are widely used in various manufacturing industries such as automotive and machine tool production.

It should be noted that the specific choice of lathe should be based on factors such as the characteristics of the workpiece, processing requirements, and production environment.

Vertical Lathes and Horizontal Lathes in the Manufacturing of Extrusion Molds

Here are some characteristics and application scenarios of these lathes in the manufacturing of extrusion molds:

Vertical Lathes

Due to their vertical structure, vertical lathes provide better stability and rigidity when manufacturing large extrusion molds, helping to ensure the accuracy and quality of the molds. For example, when making components such as cores and cavities for extrusion molds, vertical lathes can more easily handle vertical processing.

Horizontal Lathes

For smaller or medium-sized extrusion molds, the horizontal structure of horizontal lathes is more suitable. They can easily process parts such as shafts and sleeves for molds, and operators can more easily observe and operate the machining process.

In actual manufacturing, the appropriate type of lathe is often selected based on the specific mold structure and requirements. Sometimes both vertical lathes and horizontal lathes are used to fully leverage their advantages. Additionally, other machining equipment such as milling machines and drilling machines may also be used to complete various steps in mold manufacturing.

In summary, the choice of lathe type should be based on a comprehensive consideration of factors such as the characteristics, size, precision requirements, and production efficiency of the extrusion mold to ensure the production of high-quality extrusion molds.

As a professional vertical lathe manufacturer, Sealion provides various vertical lathes, includingsingle-column vertical lathes, 2-axis CNC single-column vertical lathes, double-column vertical lathes, and 2-axis CNC double-column vertical lathes.