When you want to manufacture parts, have you thought about using different processes to complete your part manufacturing? If so, have you considered learning more about CNC turning to make sure you can decide if it fits your needs?
CNC turning is a kind of CNC manufacturing process. It can also be simply described as a machining process that refers to the removal of material from a rotating rigid material using a cutting tool. CNC turning can produce parts of different sizes and shapes according to the turning operation.
You must be wondering what is CNC turning and what shapes can be produced with it. Here you will find everything about CNC turning, including when it can be used, how it works, its advantages and types, and more. We will answer you step by step in this article.
What Part Shapes Need CNC Turning
When you need to perform CNC machining to manufacture parts, you will find that different parts require different processing techniques. So which parts can be processed by CNC turning? Don’t worry, we will introduce it to you next.
Due to the operation mode characteristics of CNC turning, CNC manufacturers usually use CNC turning to produce cylindrical or oval parts. However, since it can create a variety of axisymmetric shapes, cones, disks, or combinations of these shapes can also be achieved by CNC turning. In addition, some turning centers will use some special rotary tools to perform polygonal turning operations to meet the needs of customers who need to manufacture hexagonal or square components.
How Does CNC Turning Work
The working process of CNC turning is complicated, and it will produce different working processes according to the actual situation. Here, we will introduce you to the general process of CNC turning. Specific steps are as follows:
Step 1: Convert Your CAD Design Files into CNC Programs
Usually, before doing CNC fabrication, you need to have CAD design drawings ready. So, in the first step, you need a CAD design file in order to convert it into a CNC program. It’s not such a complicated process, you just need to have some 2D drawings of your designs and then use some software to capture those designs electronically (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks).
Step 2: Set up the CNC Bed
Although it has entered the era of automation, the operator is still required to make some settings on the CNC machine. When preparing a CNC bed, you will need to follow these steps:
- Make sure the power is off. The CNC machining process is very dangerous, so it is very necessary to check whether the power switch is on or off.
- Fasten the parts to the block. The chuck of the CNC bed is responsible for holding the part in place during the turning process. Improper loading can be hazardous or result in incorrectly sized components.
- Load the turret. When you start CNC turning, choosing different tool combinations can affect the result of your part, so choosing the right tool is a very important step. Of course, the turret allows you to load multiple knives at the same time so that you can work seamlessly.
- Make sure it is calibrated correctly. Setting up tools and components in the correct way is the guarantee of satisfactory results.
- Upload the CNC program. When everything is ready, upload the CNC program code from the first step into the machine.
So far, you have completed the second big step. What you need to pay attention to in this process is to choose the appropriate turning speed and feed rate. Improper setting of them can affect the final result or even cause irreparable damage.
Step 3: Fabricate CNC Parts
After all the preparatory work is done, you come to the manufacturing step. At this step, you need to calculate the turning cycle time based on the part you want to make. This step is very necessary because it will directly affect your cost estimate for the entire manufacturing process. Turning cycle time consists of the following 3 parts:
- Loading time: Although this may appear to be setup time on the surface, the cycle results in the possibility that other means of loading the workpiece onto the machine may be required.
- Cutting time: Depth of cut and feed rate are two important factors that affect cutting time.
- Free Time: Any time that does not involve cutting is free time. This includes the time spent changing the turning center’s settings, tool movements, etc.
Now, a complete CNC turning process has been completed, and you have obtained the shape and size of the parts you want.
The Advantages of CNC Turning
CNC turning has many advantages, here we will introduce them to you one by one.
- Accuracy: Because the whole process uses CAD or CAM files to perform precise measurements, compared with manual measurement, the accuracy is higher. At the same time, when cutting, the machines used are programmed to complete the cutting, achieving incredible precision.
- Flexibility: With CNC turning, you get more choices of shapes and sizes. Because it is preset in advance, adjustment is also very simple, just need to change your CAM program. So if you need a lot of unique parts, you can rely on an equally sophisticated CNC machining service company such as CNC Mass.
- Safety: The manufacturing company will strictly abide by the safety rules and regulations of the machine to ensure complete safety. Automated machines also greatly reduce labor costs.
- Faster results: Since CNC turning is to complete the part manufacturing by executing the specified programming program. Therefore, the whole process will be faster than manual work without sacrificing the accuracy and quality of the parts.
Types of CNC Turning Operations
Since there are different types of lathe tools. So you can perform multiple operations on a component. These operations can be divided into internal and external operations. External operations help to change the outer diameter of the part, but internal operations do not change the inner diameter of the part. Next, let’s see what those operations are all about.
| Types | Specific Operation | Features |
| External Operation | Turning | Features that can be created include tapers, chamfers, steps, and profiles |
| Hard Turning | Suitable for materials with a Rockwell C hardness greater than 45 | |
| Facing | Can remove thin layers of material, providing a smooth, flat surface | |
| Grooving | Special tools can be used to create grooves with different geometries | |
| Parting | Can be used to split or cut off a part of a raw material | |
| Internal Operation | Boring | Helps get more accurate dimensions |
| Drilling | Removal of material inside the workpiece | |
| Threading | Threads can be cut to specified lengths | |
| Knurling | Enhances part visuals and grip | |
| Reaming | Helps create bores with precise diameters |
Types of CNC Turning Machines
While choosing different CNC turning operations, you can also choose different CNC turning machines for your project. Here, we organize different CNC turning machines into tables for you, so that you can clearly understand the differences and characteristics between them.
| Types of CNC Turning Machines | Features |
| Horizontal Turning Centers | Enclosed machine with integrated drilling and milling functions. Using a horizontally oriented spindle and a cutter mounted above the rotating workpiece, gravity pulls the chips away from the cut material and into the bed for easy removal. |
| Vertical Turning Centers | Combine a horizontal turning center with a CNC milling machine. Lay the rotary chuck flat on the floor to ensure low revolutions per minute (RPM) machining of large workpieces. |
| Horizontal Lathes | Horizontal lathes have all the functions of traditional lathes. The only difference is that a computer program controls them. Also, their main operations are turning and boring. |
| Vertical Lathes | Holds the workpiece from the bottom before rotating it, ideal when machining heavy workpieces. At the same time, it is also a good choice for mechanical spaces with limited space. |
Right Meterial of CNC Turning
The CNC machining process is suitable for a variety of materials. For many of these meterials CNC turning would be the best choice. Here we list for you some materials that are very suitable for CNC turning:
- Metal
- plastic
- wood
- Glass
- wax
Of course, these materials require different lathes and turning centers because they have specific requirements, such as withdrawal speeds and feed rates.
Get the Best CNC Turning Services
Now you know the meaning and benefits of CNC turning. However, you will only get these benefits if you choose a reliable partner for your CNC turning services. At this time, CNCMass is your best choice.
CNCMass has top-level turning technology and advanced lathes to complete your parts manufacturing needs. When you upload your design files to our instant quote request, you will receive an instant quote on your part. All of this will be offered at a competitive price. Upload your CAD file now and let’s get started!
Conclusion
After reading this article you will know that CNC turning is one of the most critical parts of manufacturing, delivering precise results for a wide variety of components. Its flexibility and production capacity ensure the same results in mass production. With the benefits and features of CNC turning provided in this article, you can make the best decision for your project.
