Science and technology are always advancing. CNC turning is now used more widely in manufacturing. It is precise and efficient. It meets the growing needs of modern manufacturing. So, it has an irreplaceable role in machinery manufacturing. This article introduces CNC turning. It covers its overview, process steps, pros, cons, and uses. This will help you choose the right processing program.
Table of Contents
What Is CNC Turning?
CNC turning refers to a machining process in which a computer system controls the machine tool to remove material from the workpiece. It is mainly used for machining rotating parts. These include shafts, disks, bushings, and other parts with rotating surfaces. Because it uses computer programming to control the feed and movement of the tool on the machine. So it can achieve high machining accuracy and surface quality. During the whole cutting process, the workpiece is fixed on the Z-axis and rotates rotaryally. The cutting tool moves under the control of the G-code to achieve the shape and size of the workpiece.
The basic components of CNC turning equipment include the following:
Main Machine Part
This is the core of the CNC lathe, including the bed, spindle, tool holder feed system, and other key components. The bed is the basic structure to support the whole machine tool, and the spindle is responsible for driving the workpiece for rotary motion. The tool holder is used to install and fix the cutting tool. The feed system controls how the tool and the workpiece move relative to each other.
Tool Holder Part
Tool holders are components for mounting and cutting tools, and CNC lathes can usually be equipped with multiple tool holders. Therefore CNC machine tools can be adapted to different types of cutting operations. The tool holder has a tool holder seat, tool holder slide, and toolbar. These parts work together to ensure that the tool can cut accurately and stably.
Control System
The control system is the “brain” of the CNC lathe, used to control the movement of the machine tool and cutting operations. It is based on a preset program and parameters. Servo motors and other actuators control it. They achieve the spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and other machining parameters with precision.
Auxiliary Equipment
Auxiliary equipment includes cooling systems, lubrication systems, chip removal devices, and so on. These equipments are vital to ensure the normal operation and prolong the service life of the machine tools. The cooling system reduces the heat when cutting to protect the workpiece and tool from overheating. The lubrication system keeps the machine well-lubricated to reduce wear and failures. The chip removal device quickly clears waste chips from cutting to keep the work area clean.
In addition, the CNC lathe also has input/output devices. It also has a spindle servo drive system, a feed servo drive system, and a position detection system. These systems allow it to interact with the operator, precisely control the machine, and detect the machining position.
In short, a CNC lathe has all the parts. It has a mechanical structure, control system, drive device, and extra equipment. These parts work together to automate and make precise the processing of the workpiece.
CNC Turning Process Details and Processing Steps
Process Details
The main CNC turning process has external turning, internal turning, face turning, thread turning, and other types of processing. You can select and combine these types of machining. Do it based on the shape of the workpiece and demand.
External turning: External turning is the most basic CNC turning process. Almost all of the workpiece processing will carry out external cylindrical cutting. First, select a cylindrical turning tool suitable for the material of the workpiece, such as carbide tools or high-speed steel tools. Then move the rotating workpiece along the Z-axis direction, while the turning tool moves in the direction perpendicular to the workpiece and feeds a certain depth. Ultimately ensure that the cylindrical size and surface quality meet the requirements of the drawings.
Internal turning: CNC bore turning is a CNC lathe-cutting process technology for the inner surface of the workpiece. It is also the most common machining process technology in CNC turning. This machining process generally selects the bore turning tool to process the inner diameter hole of the workpiece.
Face turning: In face turning, the purpose is to make the workpiece the right size. Face turning keeps the workpiece’s Z-axis still. The tool feeds radially until the end of the face. This gets the size needed in the drawings.
Thread Turning: Choose a suitable thread-turning tool. It moves along the edge of the rotating workpiece and cuts the material to form threads. Choose the suitable cutting speed and feed speed, cut the threads one by one, and gradually reach the final thread depth.
Machining Steps
Turning using the CNC turning process generally includes the following machining steps:
Preparation of the Program
First of all, according to the part drawing, the use of CNC programming software (such as CAD / CAM software) to prepare a CNC program. CNC programs generally have two kinds of G code (geometry code) and M code (machine function code).
Material Selection
Before selecting the turning material, ensure the size, shape, and surface quality of the material meet the processing requirements. Then, do the needed pretreatment, such as annealing and tempering. When selecting materials, you must consider cutting, mechanical, and heat treatment performance. You must also consider other factors.
Workpiece Installation
Choose a fixture that fits the workpiece’s shape and size, such as a three-jaw chuck, four-jaw chuck, spring collet, or special fixture. Secure the workpiece to the lathe’s spindle to ensure alignment and stability.
Tool Selection
The selection of tools has an important impact on the machining quality and efficiency of the CNC turning process. According to the need of machining, select the suitable tool and install it on the tool holder, and set the initial position. Then adjust the cutting dosage and cutting speed of the tool to ensure a stable and efficient cutting process.
Turning Operation
After several surfaces and steps have been prepared, it is now necessary to perform a test cut of the workpiece. Load and start the pre-programmed and completed CNC program. The machine will then follow the pre-set instructions. The tool moves relative to the workpiece. It does roughing and finishing. It removes extra material and forms the desired shape and size.
Quality Control
Use simple gauges (e.g. calipers, micrometers) or precision testing equipment (e.g. CMM, universal tool microscope, etc.) to test the dimensions and surface quality of the workpiece. At the same time, take the steps needed to protect the stability and safety of the machining process. Do this by improving equipment maintenance and operation.
The CNC turning process involves several aspects of technology and operation points. One needs a deep understanding of process traits. They must choose the right machining and materials. They must also select and adjust tools and fixtures, and improve quality control. This ensures the CNC turning process is efficient, stable, and reliable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CNC Turning
CNC turning is now widely used in the manufacturing industry. CNC turning has many advantages compared to manual turning. But, it also has some disadvantages. The following are the main advantages and disadvantages of CNC turning:
Advantages
- High machining accuracy: The CNC lathe is controlled by a computer. It can achieve micron-level accuracy. This ensures the stability of the workpiece’s quality and size.
- High machining efficiency: Programming control makes mass production of complex parts efficient. Automatic machining reduces manual operation and intervention, improving production efficiency.
- Saving labor costs: CNC turning allows a small number of operators to manage multiple machines at the same time. This reduces the dependence on skilled craftsmen, lowering labor costs and the labor intensity of workers. In addition, it facilitates an improved working environment.
- Higher degree of automation: The CNC system controls the whole machining process. It automatically regulates tool feed, spindle speed, and other factors. This automation greatly improves efficiency.
Disadvantages
- Higher investment costs: First of all, a lot of money needs to be invested in the early stage to buy equipment and programming software. Secondly, the maintenance and repair in the later stage also need cost. So the whole process requires a lot of money to support.
- High technical requirements: CNC turning requires professionals to write CNC programs, so the technical level of the programming staff requires a high level. Especially the program writing of complex parts requires a lot of energy and time.
- Lack of flexibility: CNC lathes excel at processing complex parts and mass production. However, manual lathes are better suited for single-piece, small-lot production or situations requiring flexibility, as manual machining can be quickly adjusted and modified.
CNC turning is becoming more important in modern manufacturing. High accuracy, efficiency, and automation make it ideal for mass production and complex parts. However, it also has high cost, high technical requirements, and lacks flexibility. In actual machining, you need to consider production needs, budget, and tech conditions. Only in this way can we better utilize CNC-turning technology to improve production efficiency and product quality.
CNC Turning Applications
At present, CNC turning is used in various industries, mainly in the following areas:
Aerospace field: Aerospace parts have extremely high requirements for precision and reliability. CNC turning can process parts with complex shapes and high precision automatically. It ensures the parts meet the design requirements for quality and performance. For example, vital parts of aircraft engines, such as blades and guide plates, can be made with high precision by CNC turning. This improves the engine’s performance and reliability.
Automobile manufacturing field: The automobile manufacturing field involves many parts. CNC turning can process them with high precision. For example, the crankshaft, camshaft, and cylinder block are engine parts. The transmission system has gears and shafts. These parts are inseparable from CNC turning.
Medical field: due to the medical industry on the parts higher precision requirements and the existence of many shaft parts, so can use CNC turning processing. For example, scalpels, bone nails, and so on.
Electronic equipment field: some manufacturing equipment is used in a large number of cylindrical parts and shells, so you can use CNC turning to ensure the accuracy of processing. For example, electronic connectors and terminals, bearings and transmission parts, and other parts.
How to Choose CNC Turning Services
Finding the right CNC turning service provider can be difficult. However, there are a few things that can be done to improve the chances of success.
Factors to Consider
- Experience: Look for a service provider who has machined the type of parts you need before in the same business. This experience can help you better understand the job and even avoid problems.
- Tools: Make sure the service provider has the right tools to make the parts you need. Using the latest technology and tools can improve accuracy, speed, and efficiency. It can save you money in the long run.
- Check quality: To ensure that every part meets your needs, look for a service provider with a strong quality control program. This way, you can avoid mistakes and ensure that the finished product meets all requirements.
- Cost: Find out what different service providers charge to get the best price. Cost is important, but it should not be the only consideration. Consider the skills and knowledge of the service provider as well.
Things You Should Ask
In order to ensure that the CNC turning service company you choose will meet your needs. You need to make sure that you are asking the right questions. Here are some important questions to ask:
- How long have you been making parts for my industry? This question will help you understand if the service provider knows how to meet your needs.
- What tools do you have to help make the parts I need? This question will help you understand if the service company has the tools needed to manufacture your part.
- What quality control steps do you take to ensure that each part meets my needs? This question will help you understand the service provider’s quality control program. Also, find out how they ensure that each part meets your needs.
- What is the turnaround time for manufacturing parts? How long does it take the service provider to manufacture your parts? This question can help you figure it out.
- What is the cost of manufacturing the parts? This question will help you decide if it fits into your budget.
Benefits of Working with a CNC Turning Service Provider
- Expertise: A service company knows how to use CNC machines and can help at any point in the process. With this knowledge, you can be sure that your parts are designed to optimize the results and meet your needs.
- Quality control: To ensure that every part meets your needs, service providers have quality control methods in place. This prevents mistakes and ensures that the finished product meets all requirements.
- Cost savings: Service providers can help you make the best use of the materials used. This saves you money by reducing the cost of labor. This is very important for making many things.
- Flexibility: Service providers can make different parts with little to no downtime. This can help you adapt to changing needs and reduce waiting times.
Conclusion
CNC Turning tech’s use in manufacturing is growing. It’s changing with tech progress and market shifts, showing many trends. The future will show a trend. It will have intelligence, high precision, efficiency, and green production. It will also have multifunctional integration. These trends boost production efficiency and product quality. They cut costs. They also improve the market power of firms. They drive the upgrade of the manufacturing industry. Afterward, if you need CNC turning Services, please contact Yonglihao Machinery. We have years of experience and expertise in CNC turning. We will give you professional services and complete solutions.
FAQ
What materials can be used for CNC turning?
CNC turning works with many materials. These include metals, such as aluminum, steel, and brass. They also include plastics, composites, and other special materials.
How accurate is CNC turning?
CNC turning can achieve very high machining accuracy. It has a dimensional accuracy of ±0.01 mm (10 microns) or better. High-precision CNC lathes can achieve even higher dimensional accuracy of ±0.001 mm (1 micron) or so. It depends on the machine and tools used.
Is CNC turning suitable for small-scale production?
Yes, CNC turning technology is well suited for small-scale production. CNC turning is efficient and repeatable. It can provide high-precision machining and meet diverse product needs.