Recent years have seen CNC machining take over the manufacturing industry as a result of its precision and repeatability. The basics of CNC machining will help you distinguish between different CNC technologies available today, including CNC turning.
With CNC turning, materials are removed from rotating rigid work pieces with a non-rotating cutting tool on a lathe or turning center.
In spite of the looks of this concept, high-quality CNC turning can be quite challenging. If you’re wondering what CNC turning is and how it works, then read this article.
What Is CNC Turning?
A CNC turning machine is a highly precise and efficient subtractive machining process that works on the concept of a lathe machine. A CNC turning machine uses a cutting tool that is placed against the workpiece to remove materials, thus creating the desired shape and form.
The turning center or lathe stays secured while the raw material rotates at high speed. As the workpiece rotates along a dual CNC turning machine axis movement, a single-point cutting tool helps to shape the material as it moves along the machine axis. With computer programs, it is possible to control a lathe and turning center in such a way that it produces components that are meticulously precise.
The CNC milling and turning processes are not the same. When it comes to CNC milling or most subtractive CNC processes, a spinning tool is often used to cut the material, while the workpiece is secured to a bed during the process. Using a CNC turning machine, however, the workpiece is rotated in the opposite direction of the cutting bit, which remains stationary during the process.
What Part Shapes Need CNC Turning?
Typically, CNC turning is utilized for the production of cylindrical or oblong-shaped components due to the mode of operation of the machine. However, it also has the capability of creating a variety of shapes that are axially symmetrical, such as cones, disks, or combinations. Some turning centers have the capability of creating polygonal parts with special rotating tools. Thus, you may be able to produce components shaped in hexagons or squares.
Advantages of CNC Turning
There are several advantages to CNC turning, including the following:
Flexibility
There are different sizes of turning centers to accommodate your applications’ flexibility. Because the tasks of this machine have been preprogrammed, adjustments can be made fairly easily. By making the necessary adjustments to your CNC program or even building something entirely new, the operator can complete your component. Therefore, you can rely on the same precision CNC machining services company if you need many unique parts.
Accuracy
Utilizing CAD or CAM files, a CNC turning machine can execute precise measurements and eliminate human error. Cutting-edge machinery can be used by experts to produce prototypes of the highest quality and complete the entire production cycle with incredibly high accuracy. Because the machine is programmed, each cut is precise. Therefore, the final piece is identical to the first piece.
Faster Results
When tasks specified by programming are completed on CNC lathes or turning centers, errors are less likely to occur. As a result, this machine is able to complete production more quickly without compromising the quality of the final output. Additionally, you will receive the necessary components more quickly than you would with other methods.
Safety
As turning machines are automatic, fewer workers are required because the operator is only responsible for monitoring the machine. Manufacturing firms adhere to strict safety rules and regulations in order to ensure complete safety. In addition, the lathe body is enclosed or semi-enclosed with protective devices to prevent flying particles from the processed item and minimize injury to the crew during the process.
