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CNC Turning Service

CNC Turning is a manufacturing process in which bars of material are held in a chuck and rotated while a cutting tool is fed to the piece to remove material to create the desired shape. This process is typically used to create round or tubular shapes, Additionally, CNC turning allows the generation of complex external geometries and internal holes, including the machining of various threads、hexagons.

What is

  • High precision
  • Automation
  • Repeatability
  • Flexibility
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CNC Turning Process Overview

Workpiece Preparation

Workpiece Preparation

Material Selection: The process begins with choosing an appropriate material for the workpiece, which could be metal, plastic, wood, or other materials.

Clamping: The workpiece is clamped into the chuck of the CNC lathe. The chuck holds the workpiece securely and rotates it during the machining process.

Programming

Programming

CAD/CAM Software: Engineers use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create a detailed model of the part to be produced. This model is then imported into Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software to generate the machining instructions.

G-code: The CAM software translates the design into G-code, a language CNC machines understand. This code contains all the instructions for tool movements, spindle speeds, feed rates, and other parameters.

Machine Setup

Machine Setup

Tool Selection: The appropriate cutting tools are selected and loaded into the turret of the CNC lathe. Common tools include turning tools, boring bars, and threading tools.

Tool Calibration: Each tool is calibrated to ensure it is correctly positioned relative to the workpiece. This involves setting the tool offsets and ensuring the machine’s coordinate system is properly aligned.

Machining Process

Machining Process

Spindle Rotation: The CNC lathe's spindle rotates the workpiece at a predetermined speed. The speed is selected based on the material and the desired surface finish.

Tool Movement: Holding the cutting tools, the turret moves along the X and Z axes (and sometimes the Y axis) to engage the tools with the rotating workpiece. The CNC system precisely controls the movement.

Material Removal: The cutting tool removes material from the workpiece in a controlled manner.

Quality Control

Quality Control

In-Process Inspection: As the machining progresses, measurements are taken to ensure the part meets the specified dimensions and tolerances. This can involve manual measurements or automated probing systems.

Final Inspection: Once the machining is complete, the part is removed from the machine and undergoes a thorough inspection for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and other quality criteria.

Post Processing

Post-Processing

Deburring and Finishing: The machined part is often subjected to additional processes such as deburring (removing sharp edges), polishing, or coating to achieve the desired final properties.

Assembly: If the part is a component of a larger assembly, it may be assembled with other parts as required.

Metals

Plastics

Composites

Composites

Wood and Wood-Based Materials

  • 1. Aluminum - Lightweight and easy to machine, often used in aerospace, automotive, and consumer products.
  • 2. Steel - Various types including stainless steel, tool steel, and carbon steel, used in construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries.
  • 3. Titanium - Strong and lightweight, ideal for aerospace and medical applications.
  • 4. Brass - Good for electrical and decorative applications due to its conductivity and aesthetic appeal.
  • 5. Copper - Used for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
  • 6. Bronze - Known for its wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
  • 7. Magnesium - Lightweight and strong, used in electronics and aerospace.
  • 8. Tungsten - Very hard and heat-resistant, used in specialized applications like tooling.
  • 1. Acrylic (PMMA) - Transparent and easy to machine, used for displays and lighting.
  • 2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) - Durable and impact-resistant, commonly used in prototyping and manufacturing.
  • 3. PC (Polycarbonate) - Transparent and impact-resistant, used in safety equipment and electronics.
  • 4. PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) - High-temperature and chemical-resistant, used in aerospace and medical devices.
  • 5. Nylon (Polyamide) - Strong and flexible, used in gears and mechanical parts.
  • 6. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) - Rigid and affordable, used in construction and signage.
  • 7. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) - Used in packaging and containers.
  • 8. Polypropylene (PP) - Flexible and chemically resistant, used in packaging and medical devices.
  • 1. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) - High strength-to-weight ratio, used in aerospace and automotive.
  • 2. Fiberglass Reinforced Polymers (FRP) - Strong and lightweight, used in construction and automotive.
  • 3. Kevlar - High tensile strength and cut resistance, used in protective gear and armor.
  • 1. Alumina - Used in electronic components and wear-resistant parts.
  • 2. Silicon Carbide - Hard and wear-resistant, used in abrasive applications.
  • 3. Zirconia - Strong and biocompatible, used in dental and medical applications.
  • 4. Glass - Transparent and brittle, used in optical components and decorative items.
  • 1. Solid Woods - Used in furniture and decorative items.
  • 2. MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) - Used in furniture and cabinetry.
  • 3. Plywood - Used in construction and furniture.
Types of CNC Turning Operations

Types of CNC Turning Operations

CNC turning encompasses various operations performed on a turning center, including:

  • 1. Facing: Cutting a flat surface perpendicular to the workpiece’s rotational axis by feeding the tool perpendicularly across the part.
  • 2. Turning: Removing material from the outer diameter of the workpiece, either parallel or at an angle to create tapered parts.
  • 3. Drilling: Creating holes along the rotational axis of the part. Advanced centers can drill in various orientations.
  • 4. Boring: Enlarging an existing hole by feeding a cutting tool into the hole's inner wall.
  • 5. Threading: Cutting threads on the inner or outer diameter of the workpiece.
  • 6. Grooving/Parting: Creating features like O-ring grooves or separating the finished part from the stock using a grooving tool.
  • 7. Knurling: Producing a diamond pattern on the outer diameter by compressing the material, commonly used for adding grips.

Advantages of CNC Turning

Precision: CNC turning provides high precision and repeatability, ensuring consistent quality across multiple parts.

Efficiency: Automated control reduces the time required for setup and machining, increasing production efficiency.

Complex Shapes: Capable of producing complex geometries and intricate details that would be difficult or impossible to achieve manually.

Flexibility: Suitable for a wide range of materials and applications, from prototyping to mass production.

Reduced Labor: Minimizes the need for manual intervention, reducing the risk of human error and improving safety.

Advantages-of-CNC-Turning
What Is the difference between CNC Milling and Turning

What Is the difference between CNC Milling and Turning?

CNC Milling is mainly realized by rotating and moving the tool on the surface of the workpiece and is often used to process flat, curved surfaces and complex shapes of parts, such as gears, molds, parts shells, and so on.

CNC Turning is mainly realized by rotating the workpiece and cutting with the tool on the workpiece and is often used to process cylindrical-shaped parts, such as shafts, bearings, threads, etc.

Turning and Milling Similarities

Both processes, turning and milling, use subtractive manufacturing to remove unwanted material, producing waste chips. They differ in stock material, machining methods, and tools but both utilize advanced CNC technology. Engineers program the machines using CAD software, reducing supervision and minimizing human error, which enhances speed and reliability for consistent quality.

Turning and milling are suitable for metals like aluminum, steel, brass, copper, and titanium, as well as various thermoplastics. However, they are not suitable for materials like rubber and silicone (too soft) or ceramic (too hard).

Both techniques generate heat and often use cutting fluid to manage this issue.

How to Choose Between CNC Milling and CNC Turning

CNC Milling is generally considered the most recommended method for producing parts with complex shapes, while CNC Turning is equally good for simpler, round shapes.

Nonetheless, Both CNC Milling and CNC Turning can be used sequentially when a part requires both complex shapes and cylindrical features. because there may be situations where both operation processes are required.

Professional Advice:

If you're unsure about which process to use or need guidance on the most efficient way to manufacture your part, consider hiring professional machining services. DEZE can help you make informed decisions based on your specific requirements and the characteristics of the part you wish to produce.

CNC Turning is a highly efficient and precise machining process used to create cylindrical and symmetrical parts. By automating the control of machine tools, it allows for the production of complex shapes with high accuracy and repeatability. This process is integral to modern manufacturing, providing the capability to produce high-quality components for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and more.

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Casting & Machining BOLG

Knowledges

Investment Casting usually uses investment materials (low melting point materials such as wax, etc.) to make molten molds and form molds, and then coats the mold surface with several layers of refractory materials.
In mold factories, CNC machining process is mainly used for the processing of mold cores, inserts and other key mold parts and copper cores. The quality of mold cores and inserts directly determines the quality of mold forming parts.
Metal polishing can make the metal surface smooth and flat, removing particles, oxide scales, flaws, etc. on the surface, thereby enhancing the overall appearance quality of the material