An NC lathe is a numerically controlled (NC/CNC) lathe — generally the type that grips one workpiece at a time in a chuck and machines it.
A Closer Look
On an NC lathe, the operator removes the workpiece after each cycle and loads the next piece of material.
Because each piece is machined individually and reliably, it suits high-mix, low-volume work and relatively large workpieces.
A CNC automatic lathe, by contrast, feeds bar stock automatically with a bar feeder and mass-produces small parts continuously.
"NC" versus "CNC" is a difference of control generation; the essential distinction is whether or not the machine is an automatic lathe.