Turning is a process in which a single cutting
CNC turning operates in a very economical way to produce parts that are commonly symmetrical about an axis of revolution (a rounded door knob for example). Shapes that can be produced using CNC turning can include a wide variety of taper, plain, contour, radius and fillet profiles, and can also produce threaded surfaces. CNC turning is produced by a lathe that is controlled by a computer. Turning and producing metal components are processes that are carried out on a centre lathe or lathe. CNC produces components by turning rods or bars of material by feeding a cutting tool into the turning material. In CNC turning the cutter can be fed into the turning or rotating workpiece at a variety of different angles, and many different shapes of tool can be used. The shape of the cutting tool will vary for different reasons such as type of material or the shape of the cut that is required in a particular workpiece.
CNC turning produces shapes in many different types of materials, and some of these will include: Titanium : Aluminium : Brass : Acrylic : Steel : Nylon : Bronze : Acetal.
The process of CNC turning may be commbined with the process of CNC milling and other processes to produce more intricate and diverse shapes and applications. With the process of turning or CNC turning, many turned parts use a single axis of revolution, and there may be multiple axis to follow to allow more flexibility; camshafts for instance.
CNC turned components can include: Shafts : Pulleys : Toy parts : Flywheels : Automobile components : Motorcycle parts: Door knobs and knobs.
CNC turning can reduce the complexity, minimize the amount of material that is removed and help avoid difficult shapes such as turning long thin structures. CNC systems are also used for many other different processes which may be described as a series of movements and operations, and these include :
There is a range of CNC systems that can be fitted to previously manually operated machine tools, and these systems provide a selection of features which can significantly improve the productivity of the machine and the quality of the work that is produced. Lathes and milling machines are good examples of the type of machine which may be modified, however when the machines are retrofitted, new dangers,hazards and increased risks to the operator may probably be introduced.
The lathe is considered to be one of the oldest machine tools, and although very rare, even early lathes could carry out quite complex operations. Todays CNC lathes are used for operations such as, threading, reaming, boring, drilling, turning and knurling.