CNC turning is a common machining process that manufacturers will use alongside other CNC machining processes. With the process, you can shape the material bar according to the shape and design you have programmed for it. It will involve the turning and rotating process, along with cutting and other processes. In this guide, you will learn about the process, including what it is, its process, operations, and advantages.

What is CNC Turning?

CNC turning machining is a part of the CNC machining process that involves the use of CNC lathe equipment for the turning mechanism. You will feed the material to the CNC equipment, and the equipment will turn and rotate the material around while removing certain parts of it using various axes to come up with the desired shape.

It is something you can automate using certain computerized calculations. The primary purpose of the process is to create round shapes in various material workpieces, such as by creating the outer diameter and inner diameter of the materials. The turning operation makes it possible to achieve this goal fast.

CNC Turning Process

With CNC turning, the machining process is quite simple to follow. First, you will need to prepare the program for the design you would like to create with CNC turning. You will need to feed the turning equipment with the design information that contains certain calculations to process the material. Then, you will need to start the turning process to let the equipment do its job.

The CNC turning process is a subtraction machining process. It means the material will get subtracted using cutting and other mechanisms until you get the desired shape based on your design. It uses the turning and rotating mechanisms within the CNC turning equipment, which will start after you feed the equipment with the material bar designed to work with it.

What is CNC turning-CNC Turning Operations?

There are various turning operations you can perform with the CNC turning machine. Each operation will be useful to create the desired object based on its application, such as for medical, construction, and other industrial applications. Here are some operations you can perform:

Turning.

Turning is a basic operation you can perform with the CNC lathe equipment, which includes contour turning, step turning, taper turning, and chamfer turning. This operation removes the workpiece material from the outer diameter to create a smaller diameter.

Parting.

You will need to perform the parting operation to cut the workpiece, such as when you need to cut unnecessary parts of the material.

Facing.

Facing is the operation you need to perform to shorten the length of the workpiece so that it matches the desired part length.

Grooving.

You can perform the grooving operation to create a narrow cut around the workpiece area, whether it’s in the internal or external area.

Knurling.

Knurling is the operation to create serrated patterns on the surface area of the workpiece material.

Threading.

This is the operation that will allow you to create a thread or screw system for the workpiece material.

Reaming.

Reaming is the operation that allows you to enlarge the diameter size of an existing hole in the workpiece material. So, you can enlarge the hole in the material with this operation, which you can often do after the drilling operation.

Drilling.

This operation will subtract the workpiece material and create a hole inside the material. You will need to perform the reaming process to enlarge the hole size.

Boring.

The boring operation is useful for enlarging an existing hole in the workpiece and for removing the internal part of the material, which will allow you to create a unique material shape.

Tapping.

Tapping is the operation you need to perform to create an internal threading or screw system inside the workpiece material.

What is CNC turning – Advantages of CNC Turning

CNC turning has a unique operating mechanism when compared to the other CNC machining services and CNC milling services, and it also has its own benefits for long-term production cycles. For instance, with a computerized and automated system, it will be much simpler and easier for you to work on your prototype creation and hardware parts production, which can also help you in speeding up the rapid manufacturing production process.

Speed increase for your production.

With the computerized machining process, CNC turning can help increase the speed of your production when you compare this process with the traditional machining process. The process is also simple to do, and it eliminates unnecessary steps in your production cycles, making it faster for you to complete your manufacturing process.

Improvement in production efficiency.

The efficiency of your prototype or metal parts production will also increase when you use the process. Again, the process uses computerized calculations, so it will eliminate all unnecessary elements in your production. The machining process will be straight to the point, meaning that the production efficiency will improve in a big way, eliminating all potential slowdowns.

What is CNC turning – It is a Safer operational environment.

CNC turning uses a computerized system that doesn’t involve any human intervention the moment you start the process. The cutting process also happens inside the equipment, which is 100% safe and won’t cause any harm to the environment.

What is CNC turning – It is Cost-effectiveness.

Cost-effectiveness is also another benefit of CNC turning, which allows you to run your production operations without hiring too many workers for it. You can also pick a wide range of materials according to the budget you have, which can help cut down your CNC machining costs further.

Better results with more precision and accuracy.

Just like any other CNC machining method, the process can offer the best precision and accuracy in your production. No matter the rapid prototypes, parts, or sheet metalwork components you are working on, you can get the best precision and accuracy for the end products, and it will also allow you to minimize any potential production mistakes.

Conclusion

CNC turning is an important part of the CNC machining process. It has various uses in creating the best prototypes, parts, and components you will need in your production. You can also use the process in various industrial applications, such as medical, food and beverages, transportation, automotive, and many others. Contact us today for manufacturing needs.