CNC machining is the foundation of industrial manufacturing because of its excellent functionality and precision, among other advantages. Manufacturers may employ one or more machining processes, such as CNC turning and CNC milling procedures, throughout the creation of a product.
CNC turning involves rotating the workpiece against the cutting tool to remove pieces of material. This page explains CNC turning, including the steps involved, equipment required, and possible applications. So let's get started without further ado.
CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing procedure that involves removing parts of a material from its surface using a cutting tool. As pieces are chipped off, the workpiece rotates (continuous turning) until it assumes the finished product's required form, diameter, and size.
However, the cutting tool is not rotary and usually has a single-point end. Instead, it simply rotates in the direction of the workpiece. The most common industrial machines for turning tasks are CNC lathes.
Meanwhile, CNC turning can be used to cut various polymers, wood, metals, and even plastics. Another benefit of the technique is that it produces high-dimensionally accurate products since it uses computer-generated instructions and codes.
Operations involving CNC turning could be challenging. However, after translating your CAD files into a program that the CNC machine recognizes, you must prepare the machine to begin the turning process.
Turning is the process of turning and spinning a workpiece while the cutting tool begins to cut away parts of the material from the outside. The machined material is usually cylindrical or circular. However, in some circumstances, particularly when utilizing an appropriate adaptor, turning can work effectively for materials of various shapes.
As the workpiece spins in the machine, the cutting tool continues to produce cuts until it gets the correct programmed shape. Notably, CNC lathes for turning centers feature a variety of tools in the turret that are all controlled by computer programs and codes. However, machines that can handle more tools are more sophisticated and capable, making them better suited.
These are some of the reasons why you should opt for CNC turning:
When tasks are carried out on CNC lathes for turning centers, there is a lesser possibility of error. This machine can thus complete production more quickly without affecting the quality of the finished product. Finally, you can get the required components more quickly compared to alternative solutions.
The CNC turning machine can use CAD or CAM files to carry out precise measurements and reduce human error. Using state-of-the-art equipment, experts can produce items with very high accuracy, whether for the creation of prototypes or completing the complete production cycle. Since the machine is programmed, every cut is exact. In other words, the last piece produced in a batch is an exact replica of the first piece.
To ensure total safety, manufacturing companies follow strict safety standards and regulations. 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.
Turning machines and CNC lathes come in various configurations, with some having special cutting features that make them perfect for specific applications. A quick summary of the many types of CNC turning methods is provided below:
Materials with a Rockwell C hardness of at least 45 are used for this type of turning. Before beginning this process, the material must undergo important heat treatment. The goal of hard turning is to reduce or eliminate conventional grinding processes. When used for stock removal, it successfully competes with rough grinding. It might not be appropriate for operations where dimension and form are essential, though.
The single-point rotating tool radiates along the end of the material throughout this procedure. Doing so provides smooth, flat surfaces by removing very thin layers of material. Faces often have relatively shallow depths, allowing for one pass of machining.
The cutting tool grooves into the side of the workpiece in a radial motion. The inner diameter or center of the workpiece is eventually reached by the single-point tool. As a result, it divides or removes a portion of the raw material.
Drilling removes materials from a workpiece's internal components using common drill bits. These drill bits are fixed in the turning center's tool turret or tailstock.
A single-point threading tool with a nose that is 60 degrees pointed is used for this procedure. This tool rotates axially along the workpiece side to cut threads into the exterior surface of the component. While some threads may need many passes, machinists can cut threads to specific lengths.
Using a specialized knurling tool, serrated patterns are cut onto the surface of the workpiece during this operation. This design can be used as a hand grip or visual embellishment.
You can choose from four main categories of CNC turning machines for your project:
The horizontal turning center and the CNC mill are combined into a vertical turning center. Large components can be machined at lower revolutions per minute thanks to the design, which places the rotating chuck flat on the ground (RPMs). In this instance, the tool turret is approaching from the side. There are also vertical turning centers that are inverted and have the chuck and spindle reversed.
These machines are enclosed and have integrated milling and drilling functions. This turning center uses tools that are located above the spinning workpiece and a spindle that is horizontally oriented. As with milling, the cutting tools cut across the material, allowing gravity to remove the chips. The chips sink into the bed so that removal is simpler.
A vertical lathe holds the workpiece from the bottom before spinning it, in contrast to a horizontal lathe. This is a suitable choice for machine shops with limited space. It is the best choice when handling heavier workpieces.
All the characteristics of a standard lathe are present in horizontal lathes. The only distinction is that computer programs now manage them. Additionally, their main activities are monotonous and turn-based.
There are numerous materials available for CNC machining operations. Many of these materials can also be used for CNC turning operations. They consist of the following:
● Metals
● Plastics
● Wood
● Glass
● Wax
Because each material has differing structural integrity, it may need different lathes for turning centers with specialized specifications such as feed rate and turning speed.
Although there are various turning lathes, their components are nearly identical. So let's take a quick look at each component of a standard lathe machine:
The headstocks serve as clamps, holding the lathe's other components in place. It includes, among other things, gears, spindles, chucks, and control levers.
The panels serve as the brains of the machines. The control house is where machinists and technicians enter computer programs and codes. The CNC control panel includes a set of keys for regulating all device activities, such as beginning, entering new programs, and terminating a project.
The spindles are the headstock's heart. It is the rotating axis of a shafted turning lathe. It is also common for the tailstock to have spindles.
The tailstock is the opposite end of the headstock. It is a non-rotatory center that can do boring operations.
Another vital component of the lathe machine is the chuck. It aids in holding (gripping) the material for machining.
The beds are essential for any turning lathe because they are attached to everything else, including the headstock, chucks, tailstocks, etc. Furthermore, it is an extensive horizontal framework that may be extended to accommodate massive workpieces.
The cutting tools are the tool bits that remove material while rotating. The cutting and turning process is frequently influenced by the types of cutting tools available in the lathe device.
The carriage is between the headstock and the tailstock and contains other components such as the saddle, cross slide, and apron. It serves as a guide for the cutting tool as it cuts through the workpiece's shell.
You are now aware of what CNC turning comprises and its many advantages. However, you can only enjoy these advantages if you hire a trustworthy manufacturing partner for CNC turning services. Ares Prototyping is the best choice for any CNC machining services.
We have cutting-edge turning equipment and cutting-edge technologies to help you improve your custom machining experience. We also combine the technical know-how of our professionals with stringent quality assurance and control measures to deliver high-quality parts that satisfy your needs.
You will receive an immediate quote for your parts when you upload your design file to our website for rapid quotations. To guarantee the manufacturability of your component, we also provide free DFM analysis. All of these are reasonably priced. Submit your CAD file today, and let's get started!
