Automatic lathe, and method for controlling the same and device for controlling the same

Abstract

A method for controlling an automatically operated lathe, provided with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest, includes the following steps. First, each of a plurality of transfer position data required in a sequence of machining programs in connection with at least one spindle and at least one tool rest is provided in a form of a cam-reference data directing a transfer position as a function of a cam rotation quantity. A plurality of pulse-train generating sources, each of which generates any pulse train, is also provided. Next, with regard to each of the plural transfer position data, a pulse-train generating source for generating a pulse train defining the cam rotation quantity as one component of the cam-reference data is designated, with the pulse-train generating source being selected from the plural pulse-train generating sources. Then, each of the plural transfer position data provided in the form of the cam-reference data is processed by using the pulse train generated through the pulse-train generating source as designated, so as to control a relative feed motion between at least one spindle and at least one tool rest in the sequence of machining programs.