CK5235 Double‑Column CNC Vertical Lathe – 3.5m Turning Diameter, High Rigidity, and Heavy‑Duty Cutting Power

Why double‑column design for very large workpieces

For workpieces with diameters of three meters or more – large flanges, bearing rings for wind turbines, valve bodies, and heavy equipment housings – a double‑column vertical lathe is the right choice. Unlike single‑column designs, the double‑column structure creates a closed, symmetric frame that provides much higher static and dynamic rigidity. The crossrail is supported on both ends, eliminating deflection under heavy cuts and ensuring consistent accuracy across the entire table.

This is why the CK5235 is built with a double‑column design. The two heavy cast iron columns, together with a top beam, form a rigid portal frame that resists bending and torsion. For a workshop regularly machining 2–3 meter diameter flanges or bearing rings, this rigidity translates directly into better surface finishes, longer tool life, and fewer rejects.

Generous work envelope and load capacity

The CK5235 offers a maximum turning diameter of 3,500 mm and a maximum machining height from 1,600 mm to 2,500 mm depending on configuration. The worktable is 2,830–3,150 mm in diameter, large enough to accommodate the biggest flanges and bearing rings found in wind power, petrochemical, and heavy equipment industries. Maximum workpiece weight ranges from 20 to 40 tons – sufficient for most extra‑large castings and forgings.

Double‑column symmetric structure and crossrail

The left and right columns are symmetrically arranged and securely bolted to the base, creating a closed, rigid frame. The crossrail is guided on both columns and moves vertically, driven by a powerful lifting motor. A hydraulic clamping system locks the crossrail firmly in position during machining. For shops that process parts of varying heights – from a low flange to a tall valve body – this adjustable crossrail provides the needed clearance without compromising rigidity.

The crossrail guideways are induction‑hardened (HRC 50+) and coated with Turcite‑B to reduce friction and eliminate low‑speed stick‑slip. An automatic lubrication pump supplies lubricant to the crossrail, ram, and column guideways at timed intervals, ensuring smooth motion and long guideway life.

Hydrostatic worktable guideway

One of the most important features of the CK5235 is the hydrostatic guideway on the worktable. A constant‑flow oil distributor supplies pressurised oil to multiple pads on the base, creating an oil film that completely separates the table from its base. This delivers three practical benefits: no metal‑to‑metal contact means no wear, the oil film absorbs cutting vibrations, and there is no stick‑slip even at very low speeds.

For extra‑large workpieces, hydrostatic technology is not a luxury – it is a necessity. When you are turning a three‑meter flange that weighs 15 tons, any vibration will show up as chatter marks on the sealing face. The CK5235‘s hydrostatic table ensures that the cut remains smooth and the finish remains consistent.

Spindle and drive system

The main drive uses a 55 kW AC motor driving a two‑speed or 16‑step gearbox, providing a speed range from 2 to 63 r/min – enough torque for heavy roughing in tough materials like alloy steel and cast iron, and enough speed range for finishing passes. The gearbox uses precision‑ground gears for quiet operation and high transmission efficiency. High‑precision double‑row short cylindrical roller bearings support the spindle radially, while thrust bearings handle axial loads. This combination ensures high rotational accuracy and long‑term stability.

Two tool posts for increased productivity

The CK5235 comes standard with two tool posts: a CNC‑controlled left tool post and a right tool post (manual or CNC, depending on configuration). Both tool posts can swivel ±30°, making taper turning and conical surface machining straightforward without special tooling.

Key tool post specifications:

• Horizontal stroke: 1,900–2,200 mm (left), 1,700–2,000 mm (right)

• Vertical stroke: 1,000 mm (standard, optional extension available)

• Swiveling range: ±30°

• Maximum tool shank: 40×50 mm

• Feed range: 0.25–90 mm/min (18 steps)

• Rapid traverse: approximately 1,560–1,600 mm/min

With two independently operated tool posts, the CK5235 can perform roughing on one tool post while finishing on the other, or machine two different diameters simultaneously. For high‑volume production of flanges or bearing rings, this significantly reduces cycle time.

Siemens CNC control

The CK5235 is equipped with a Siemens CNC system (802C, 802DSL, or 828D depending on customer specification). The control provides X/Z two‑axis simultaneous interpolation, constant surface speed (CSS) control that automatically adjusts spindle speed as the tool moves across the workpiece diameter, and thread cutting cycles for both straight and tapered threads. Multiple operation modes – Auto for production runs, Jog for setup, Handwheel for fine positioning, and MDI for single commands – give operators flexibility while maintaining accuracy.

For shops already using Siemens controls, integration into existing workflows is seamless. The system also supports tool radius/length compensation, backlash compensation, and pitch error compensation.

Accuracy and surface finish

The CK5235 delivers positioning accuracy of ±0.005–0.012 mm and repeatability of ±0.003–0.010 mm depending on configuration. In practical terms, when machining a 2‑meter bearing ring, the roundness can be held within 0.015–0.02 mm, and surface finishes down to Ra 1.6–3.2 µm are achievable with appropriate tooling and cutting parameters. These figures place the CK5235 well within the requirements of most wind power, heavy equipment, and general engineering applications.

What makes the CK5235 cost‑effective

The CK5235 is priced significantly below comparable European or Japanese double‑column vertical lathes, yet its specification – double‑column symmetric structure, hydrostatic table guideway, precision spindle bearings, 55 kW main drive, Siemens CNC, and two tool posts – matches or exceeds many mid‑range offerings. By focusing on proven, mature technology and well‑established supply chains for castings, bearings, and electrical components, HAIDI Machine delivers a machine that shop owners can afford and rely on for daily production.

Who is the CK5235 for?

• Shops machining extra‑large flanges, bearing rings, valve bodies, pump housings, and gear blanks

• Wind power component manufacturers requiring high concentricity and excellent surface finish

• Heavy equipment and petrochemical industry suppliers needing reliable large‑part turning

• Factories upgrading from smaller vertical lathes to handle larger diameter workpieces

➡️ For complete specifications, optional configurations, or a budget quotation, click here to contact the HAIDI Machine sales engineering team.