CNC Turning stands out among different machining processes for its efficiency and precision in manufacturing cylindrical parts. It is carried out in a CNC lathe machine or CNC turning centers. In both machines, the workpiece is held on the chuck and rotates at a specific RPM. Meanwhile, the tool moves across the length and diameter of the workpiece ( X and Z-axes) to shape it. Since all the tool movements are controlled with a CNC controller, it precisely moves in a pre-determined part and removes the material.
Furthermore, let’s discuss what is CNC turning, its machining advantages, applications, and other related aspects.
What is CNC Turning? Definition and Working
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Different machining processes have unique capabilities and features, such as milling, turning, routing, etc. CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses the appropriate cutting tool to remove the material from the rotating workpiece. Turning machining can be done with vertical and horizontal lathes or machining centers.
Horizontal Lathe: The workpiece is held in a chuck or collet mounted on the horizontal spindle. It is more common and versatile, suitable for diverse turning applications.
Vertical Lathe: The workpiece is mounted on a faceplate or chuck attached to the vertical spindle, which allows the workpiece to be aligned with the force of gravity and makes it stable, especially for large and heavy components.
Next, CNC turning can perform multiple operations using tools like turning tools, boring bars, thread cutters, reamers, drilling bits, face mills, grooving, etc. The choice for turning tooling depends on the type of workpiece material, required design features, design tolerance, etc. Common materials for CNC Turning Services include Aluminum, Steel, Titanium, Brass PEEK, PP, ABS, and Nylon.
The turning process is preferred for cylindrical parts due to its ability to rotate the workpiece precisely. At the same time, the cutting tool shapes it into round and symmetrical geometries with high accuracy, smooth finishes, and efficiency.
What are the Steps In CNC Turning?
The CNC turning process involves various steps, from CAD designing to post-processing operations.
Step 1: CAD Design and CNC Programming
First, A detailed CAD model of the intended part is created. The CAD design includes clear dimensions, geometrical features, tolerances, required finish, and other specifications. One important thing is that the design must be manufacturable (Consider Design for manufacturability). Next, CAM software converts the design into CNC machine-readable instructions and tool paths for turning.
Step 2: Material and Tool Selection
As previously mentioned, CNC lathes can turn machines into various materials. The selection must consider the factors like machinability, required mechanical and physical properties, cost, etc. Meanwhile, the tool must be chosen based on the geometrical features included in the design.
Step 3: Machine and Tool Setup
The workpiece is securely clamped in the chuck on the spindle, and the tool is mounted on the tool post or turret. Next, the CNC program is loaded, and machine parameters like RPM, feed rate, and cutting depth are set. Tool positioning and movement follow.
Step 4: Turning Machining
After executing the CNC program ( G & M codes), the spindle rotates the workpiece while the cutting tool moves along the X and Z axes. The tool removes material until the desired shape is achieved. The complex shape might require multiple operations, such as facing, turning, tapering, etc.
Step 5: Post-Processing
Once the machining is complete, parts are removed from the chuck and undergo post-processing operations like deburring, grinding, sandblasting, and finishing based on the desired surface properties.
What are the Advantages of CNC Turning?
CNC turn machining offers several benefits, especially for the cylindrical cnc turning parts. The common advantage of CNC turning includes;
Tight Tolerances: CNC lathe and turning machines can achieve precision as low as ±0.0025mm.
Complexity: It can create complex features or shapes in workpieces like tapered surfaces, contours, grooves, deep channels, threads, etc.
Diverse Material Options: The CNC turning machine is compatible with metals and alloys, composites, and plastics. However, the suitable tool material and machining parameters are essential for each material type.
Multiple shapes: Can handle symmetrical geometries, cylindrical, conical, spherical, and more.
Cost-effective: Automation reduces human labor and boosts production efficiency, so it is cost-effective in medium to high volumes. However, precision can justify the many prototyping and small batch projects.
What are the Disadvantages of CNC Turning?
Although turning service can bring many benefits in manufacturing, it has some limitations. Considering the constraints and challenges during turning machining helps avoid the risk of machining defects.
High upfront Cost: The complexity of machine and tooling requires high initial cost.
Limited Geometries: It only works with axially symmetrical shapes and geometries, which restricts many applications.
Skill Operators: The quality of CNC turning parts is also influenced by operator skills, So expert operators are required.
What are the Turing Machining Parts and Products?
CNC turning operations are mostly used to create axially symmetrical parts; common components include shafts, bushings, and valves. Different industries use CNC-turned threaded fasteners. The table below illustrates common applications across industries.
Industry | Examples of CNC Turning Parts |
Automobile | Shafts, pistons, bushings, coupling, brake discs, etc. |
Aerospace | Turbine shafts, nozzles, bushings, hydraulic fitting, and landing gear components. |
Electronics | Enclosures & housings, heat sinks, accurate electrical pins, connectors. |
Medical | Implants, biopsy needles, prosthetic components, stent components, etc. |
Energy | Wind turbine shafts, hydroelectric components, pump and fitting parts for gasoline production, etc. |
Industrial Equipments | Pulleys, rollers, bushings, hydraulic cylinder parts, and custom screws. |