CNC turning is one of the essential parts of the CNC manufacturing process. It is used for making parts with cylindrical chapels and with different contours. In creating a machine, you cannot bypass shafts to transfer power from the engine to the moving parts. Of course, shafts need to be turned. However, CNC turning and drilling are widely used in many different sectors to create typically axi-symmetric parts.
The concept of CNC might seem easy, but it is a bit complicated. If you don’t know what this machining process is and how you can get the best result, this article got you covered. This article provides answers to all questions you might have regarding CNC turning.
CNC turning is a highly effective and precise manufacturing process. It is a subtractive process that works based on the principles of the lathe machine. CNC turning involves material bars being held in a mass and twisted while a tool is fed to the workpiece to remove material until the required form is attained.
All works can be completed from a side of the CNC turning center that has a turret. However, some turning centers have a main and sub-spindle for a faster process. This design allows the main spindle to partially machine the material and then move later to the sub-spindle to finish the process on the other side. CNC turning operations are fast, and this makes it a suitable method for producing large parts within a short time.
Most times, people confuse CNC milking for turning, but they’re different. In CNC milking man’s other subtractive manufacturing process, the workpiece is always fixed to a bed as a spinning tool removes material. In CNC turning, the workpiece rotates while the cutting bit stays stationary.
The CNC turning method can be complicated. However, we’ll give an easy step-by-step breakdown of the process. The most straightforward steps of CNC turning are:
The first step is translating the CAD file into CNC turning machine language. It invokes simple programming. Before that, you must have some 2D images of your design. You can use software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks to capture these designs electronically.
Once you have your 2D images converted into the CAD file format, you can translate them into a CAM program. You can also use the software mentioned above to convert the file to CAM format. The engineer will then test if the design is manufacturable.
This is where you set up the machine. Although yeh processes are operated, there is still a need for a professional. Follow these steps to prepare the CNC lathe properly:
● Make sure you put the power off
● Load the tool turret
● Ensure proper calibration
● Upload the CNC program
The last step is to produce your desired part. Depending on your desired result, you can choose from the various turning operations. Also, your design's complexity will determine the number of cycles you’ll get. Cycle time is essential to know the total time spent on manufacturing a component, which is vital for calculating costs. A cycle time consists of the following:
● Loading time
The workpiece may need to be loaded into the machinery differently depending on the cycle, even though this is a component of the setup.
● Cutting time
This is the length of time needed to cut the workpiece. Cutting time is influenced by parameters like feed rate and depth of cut.
● Idle time
An idle operation is any activity that does not involve cutting. For instance, adjusting the turning center's settings or the tool's movement.
The product of a manufacturing process depends on the raw material used. A final part made from plastic will have a different surface texture and functionality from a metal pet.
These are some of the benefits of CNC turning:
Turning centers are available in a range of sizes to support the adaptability of your applications. The adjustment is relatively simple because the jobs for this machine are preprogrammed. The operator can complete your component or manufacture something completely different by making the necessary adjustment to the CAM programming. Therefore, you may rely on the same precise CNC machining services provider if you require numerous unique parts.
manufacturing companies follow strict safety standards and regulations to ensure maximum safety. Less labor is needed because the turning machine is automatic, and the operator only needs to watch the machine. Similar safety measures are used in the lathe body to prevent flying particles from the produced item and decrease risk to the crew.
The CNC turning machine can carry out precise measurements and reduce human error using CAD or CAM files. Experts can produce items with very high accuracy, whether for creating prototypes or completing the complete production cycle with this incredible machinery. Since the machine is programmed, every cut is exact. In other words, the last piece produced in a batch is a precise replica of the first piece.
Different lathe tools are used for the CNC turning process. This allows you to perform various operations on a workpiece. CNC turning operations can be classified into internal and external. Internal operations help change the inner diameter of a workpiece, while external processes change the outer diameter of a workpiece. Let’s have a look at some of the operations under internal and external operations.
● Drilling
drilling removes materials from a workpiece's internal components using standard drill bits. These drill bits are fixed in the turning center's tool turret or tailstock.
● Knurling
This procedure involves using a special purpose knurling tool to cut serrated patterns on the surface of the workpiece. This design can be used as a hand grip or visual enhancement.
● Boring
Boring tools are used to create features like tapers, chamfers, steps, and contours by cutting along the internal surface of the workpiece. With an adjustable boring head, you may configure the boring tool to cut the required diameter.
● Facing
In this process, the single-point rotating tool radiates along the end of the material. Doing so provides smooth, flat surfaces by removing very thin layers of material. Face depths are typically relatively shallow, and machining can be done in a single pass.
● Hard Turning
Materials with a Rockwell C hardness of at least 45 are used for this type of turning. Before starting this process, the material must undergo the necessary heat treatment. The goal of hard turning is to reduce or eliminate conventional grinding methods. When used for stock removal, it successfully competes with rough grinding. Although, it might not be appropriate for operations where dimension and form are essential.
● Grooving
In this process, a single-point turning tool must also be moved radially into the side of the workpiece. As a result, the groove it creates is the same width as the cutting tool. Also, numerous cuts can be used to create grooves wider than the tool's breadth. Several manufacturers employ specialized equipment to forge grooves with various geometries.
● Turning
This procedure removes materials, and various features are formed by moving a single-point turning tool along the workpiece side. Tapers, chamfers, steps, and contours are some features it can produce. These features are typically machined using many passes to reach the end diameter at tiny radial depths of cut.
Conical surfaces can be produced by slowly increasing or reducing the diameter of a cylindrical workpiece.
Because of how it works, CNC turning is mainly used to create cylindrical or oblong components. However, it can also produce several axially symmetrical shapes. Examples of these shapes are cones, discs, etc. Some turning centers can even perform polygonal turning operations with unique rotating tools. This way, You can produce hexagonal or square-shaped parts.
By now, you should know what CNC turning means and its different advantages. However, you can’t do it independently; you need a trustworthy manufacturing partner. Ares Prototyping is your best choice for all CNC turning services.
Our advanced turning machines and the latest technology help you bring your design images to life. We also have technicians with expertise and knowledge to ensure quality assurance and control to produce top-notch parts that suit your needs.
You will get an instant quotation when you upload your files on our platform. We also provide free DFM to guarantee the manufacturability of your parts. All of these are reasonably priced. Contact us today to get started!
CNC turning is one of the most important aspects of the manufacturing sector, producing accurate results for various components. Its adaptability and production capacity guarantee consistent, mass production.
This article covered various topics on CNC turning, including its unique advantages. This will help you choose the best course of action for your project. However, get in touch with Ares Prototyping immediately if you require more expert guidance on this manufacturing procedure.