What is the difference between a vertical lathe and a horizontal lathe?

The spindle of the horizontal lathe is on the left side of the machine tool, with a flat bed, used for axle and disc parts. The main shaft of the vertical lathe is on the bed, which is used to process large parts such as brake hubs.

The biggest difference between a vertical lathe and a horizontal lathe is the spindle. Vertical means that the main shaft is upright, and horizontal means that the main shaft is horizontal.

Since the weight of the workpiece is directly loaded on the workbench when the vertical lathe is working, the workbench disperses the weight on the bed, so the vertical lathe has a large load capacity, good rigidity, and is suitable for processing large sizes, large diameters, and small lengths. Workpieces, such as discs, wheel hubs, gear blanks, etc.

The work piece of the horizontal lathe is clamped on the chuck to transfer the load to the spindle, which is borne by the front and rear main bearings, so the load capacity is small and the rigidity is poor. However, the horizontal lathe is very convenient for observation and operation, so it is suitable for processing small and medium-sized roulettes and shaft parts.