Going Vertical: Some Advantages of Vertical Turning Lathes (VTLs)

Adding a Vertical Turning Lathe (VTL) or Vertical Turning Center (VTC) to your operations can greatly expand your manufacturing capabilities.

Some of the applications that benefit from using a VTL include:

• Heavy workpieces requiring a crane or automation,
• Nonconforming part shapes requiring complex fixturing,
• Delicate workpieces requiring low clamping pressures,
• Complex parts and those with interrupted cuts, and 
• Unbalanced workpieces

VTLs are similar in function to horizontal turning lathes except that the spindle is orientated vertically rather than horizontally. This design provides many advantages when it comes to CNC manufacturing.

Gravity Does the Work

One of the biggest advantages is that VTLs use gravity to set and hold a piece in place, reinforcing work holding security and process stability. In a VTL, workpiece weight is directed straight down into the machine foundation and produces no off-axis loads on the spindle. 

The VTL’s use of gravity also allows for lighter clamping pressures, greatly reducing the risk of damage when machining delicate pieces.

VTLs Don’t Take Up a Lot of Room

Another advantage of VTLs is that they take up less floor space than horizontal turning centers. You could probably fit two VTLS into the same space occupied by a single vertical turning lathe. Adding automation, such as an OB7 cobot, can make your VTLs even more productive.

VTLs Are Cost-Effective

Another advantage of today’s advanced vertical turning lathes is that they are are more affordable than ever. With the high demand for VTL-manufactured parts in the aerospace, automotive, energy, mining, and construction industries, you’re ensured of a quick ROI for your business.

The World’s Best VTLs from Absolute Machine Tools

Absolute Machine Tools offers a wide selection of Vertical Turning Lathe products built by You Ji, a world leader in the construction of large custom vertical lathe machines. Our You Ji VTLs feature heavy-duty, cast iron construction, gang-type tooling, and high-speed linear ways as well as turnkeys that can be engineered with fixtures and full automation. We’ve sold, installed, and serviced more than 2,000 You Ji vertical turning centers in the United States and around the world.

Absolute Machine Tools VTLs are available with many options, including:

• Slant Bed Turning Centers (for Oil Industry Applications)
• Vertical Turning Centers with ATC (CAPTO)
• Built-in Automatic Pallet Changers
• Side Heads specifically designed for use in Aerospace parts production
• Hydrostatic Bearings
• Specifically designed for Wheel turning
• Vertical Fixed-Rail Turning Centers
• 12-Tool Station Vertical Turning Lathes
• Vertical Turret/ATC Turning Centers
• Vertical Ram-Type Turning Lathes

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to expand your manufacturing capabilities, a VTL may be just what the doctor ordered. Contact Absolute Machine Tools at sales@absolutemachinetools.com or 800.852.7825 to learn more about the advantages of VTLs and how they can help your business.