If machining parts is what you are looking for then CNC turning should be one of the options you need to contemplate. But what is CNC turning and how it can be beneficial? Let us find out.

 

What is CNC Turning?

CNC turning is one form of high precision machining process where the work piece rotates in one direction while the cutting tool rotates linearly to slice off portions of the work piece which are not required.

 

CNC Turning – To Achieve Precise Depths and Diameters 

The benefit of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) turning is that using this technique a high degree of precision can be achieved without any deviations.

Here needed design, cutting path and coordinate positions are entered into the program for clearly defining physical movements cutting tool needs to achieve for completing a given task.

In the following sections let us look into:

  • Reasons emphasizing use of CNC turning
  • Different types of CNC turning processes

 

CNC Turning Can Be Used for Materials Such as – Metal | Plastic | Composite Materials | Stone | Wood 

 

Why use CNC Turning?

Some of the reasons for selecting CNC turning include:

  • CNC turning is faster in comparison to manual turning.
  • Products can be mass produced without any deviation.
  • Constant supervision is not necessary to perform a task, which helps in improving work efficiency as well as productivity.

 

Types of CNC Turning Processes

Hard Turning | Tapered Turning | Spherical Generation | Facing | Parting | Grooving | Knurling | Reaming

There are different types of CNC turning processes, let us look at them here:

  • Hard Turning: This type of turning is used for heat treated materials which have Rockwell C hardness of more than 45. Injection pump components, gears, and hydraulic components are some examples where this type of hard turning process is commonly used.
  • Tapered Turning: Here hydraulic copy attachment, form tool, or a CNC lathe is used to perform such tapered turning. It is considered a suitable method in case work is to be performed on shallow tapers.
  • Spherical Generation: In case of spherical generation any specific form is generated using a fixed axis of revolution.
  • Facing: In this process cutting tool faces rotating work piece at right angle. Normally, during production of any work piece, it is the first or the last operation that is undertaken.
  • Parting: This method is used for separating smaller parts out of a larger block.
  • Grooving: It involves cutting grooves of specific depth on external as well as internal surface of the material.
  • Knurling: This process can be utilized for creating hand grip on surface of the material.
  • Reaming: Reaming is used for removing very small amount of material out of a hole that has already been drilled. The aim here is to create internal holes with accurate diameters.

 

Let us look at an example to illustrate how it works. Suppose, a 6mm hole is to be made, then at first the hole is drilled using a 5.98mm drill and after that it is reamed to achieve accurate dimension of 6mm. 

Achieve CNC Turning for Materials Under 1 Inch of Diameter to Something With Diameter as Large as 300 Inches

 

If you are looking for cost effective as well as high precision machining process then CNC turning will certainly meet your expectations.