Technological advances are noticeable in almost every industry. Making precise and repetitive parts in an automated manner is as possible, all thanks to CNC services. One of them is turning, the popularity of which is constantly growing. In this article, we will introduce you to the types of CNC turning, their applications, as well as a comparison with CNC milling.
CNC turning – types
CNC turning is nothing more than a machining process. With the use of appropriate equipment, it is completely automated. The technology emerged a relatively long time ago, in the mid-1970s. Today, turning has a wide range of applications and is used in really many industries.
Depending on the setting of the lathe, one can distinguish:
- transverse turning – then the feed of the foot is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the workpiece,
- conical turning – this is a particularly popular method, it involves machining on the part of rotary-symmetrical cones,
- longitudinal turning – the direction of the knife feed is parallel to the axis of rotation of the workpiece,
- shape turning – works well for non-cylindrical rotating solids, the knives are shaped like workpieces,
- copy turning – involves the exact reproduction of the shape of the turned workpiece based on a special template.
- thread turning – allows with 1 insert to turn threads of any diameter,
- knurl turning – this process is used for bars, knobs, handles, among other things, grooves are formed as a result of this processing.
Lathes are machines that offer, in fact, unlimited possibilities. In order to achieve the desired effect, first of all, you need to take care of the proper setting of parameters, among which are:
- feed rate,
- rotational speed,
- depth of cut,
- cutting speed,
- feed rate,
- machine time of turning,
- turning force,
- torque,
- turning power.
The accuracy of turning depends on the capabilities of a particular CNC lathe. There are many machines available on the market, and the choice among them is really wide.
Applications of CNC turning
CNC turning, like other machining methods, is used primarily in mass production of various types of products. Industries in which turning proves helpful include:
- construction industry,
- aerospace industry,
- automotive industry,
- food industry,
- agricultural industry,
- chemical industry,
- industrial,
- medical industry.
CNC technology can be used wherever parts with repeatable characteristics are needed. This can be size or shape.
This flexible process allows the machining of metal, wood, as well as plastics. Lathes are used for shafts, axles, bolts, bushings, cylinders, wheels, cones, washers, rings and cylinders, among others. Thanks to its specificity, the CNC turning process makes it possible to produce a wide range of parts, which is reflected in the popularity of this machine.
Performance of CNC turning
This machining method is distinguished primarily by its high productivity. Machining is done in exactly the same way as with a manual machine tool. A huge advantage of CNC turning is the speed of production. The machine works much faster than even the most experienced technician, moreover, the risk of error is minimized. Regardless of the complexity and size of the component – the lathe works really efficiently.
Each of the made elements has exactly the dimensions assumed in the realization of the product. Excellent precision makes it possible to obtain many, exactly the same parts. This also translates into repeatability. CNC turning therefore works well for mass production.
Using the machine also means greater safety. Since the machine tool operator is not directly involved in machining, the number of dangerous accidents is reduced.
Turning vs. CNC milling – a comparison
Both CNC milling and CNC turning – are classified as machining technologies. In turning, the material rotates and the tool is stationary, while the opposite is true for milling – the material is stationary and the tool rotates. Another difference is the number of blades.
Lathes use tools with a single blade, while in milling the tools usually have multiple blades. They repeatedly enter and exit the material during machining. Turning generates rotating surfaces, including cylinders and cones, while milling generates mostly flat surfaces, although this is not the rule.
Both turning and CNC milling are cavity methods. This means that they remove excess material to produce the final result. CNC turning is recommended for parts based on a rotating solid, while CNC milling is recommended for those parts that are not circular and contain many planes, faults and pockets.
CNC turning is a popular process that you will find use in both small-volume and high-volume production.