A CNC lathe(CNC turning machine) is a machine that spins material around a central spindle and a fixed cutting tool. Instead of being controlled by physical labor, the movement of your components is determined by coded instructions fed to a computer.

A CNC lathe machine is normally used to produce precise round shapes with both an Outer Diameter (OD), and an Inner Diameter (ID). Practically all kinds of structures could be machined with this machine tool, depending on their needs in different industries.

All CNC machine tools are automatic, but the usage in the machining industries does not routinely call them by that term. The term "automatic", when it is used at all, still often refers implicitly to cam-operated machines. Thus a 2-axis CNC lathe is not referred to as an "automatic lathe" even if fully automated.

CNC machines are more expensive and require a greater initial investment than machines that can be operated manually. However, as this technology becomes the standard, supply is increasing resulting in costs gradually decreasing.