Intelligent manufacturing and industries are evolving. In the future, CNC turning will be widely used in aerospace, automotive electronics, industrial and medical devices. CNC turning will also be more integrated with artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things. It will develop in the direction of intelligence, efficiency, and precision. The precision of CNC turning is critical to the performance of a product. The higher the accuracy of CNC turning, the easier it is to meet the tolerance requirements of the part on the drawing. Next, this article will focus on how to improve CNC turning accuracy. This will give you a basic understanding of the field.
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Table of Contents
What Is CNC Turning?
CNC turning is a computerized turning method used to machine round workpieces. This method uses a tool to remove material from the workpiece. It differs from CNC milling in that the workpiece does not rotate during CNC milling. Instead, the workpiece rotates around the Z-axis of the machine. A computerized numerical control (CNC) system controls the entire process. It turns the lathe spindle. This enables highly accurate and efficient cutting of metals or other materials. These materials include common materials such as aluminum alloys, copper, and steel.
The use of high-precision CNC turning has a significant impact on product quality and productivity. Therefore it is widely used in various industries. The aerospace sector requires a high degree of precision in its parts. This is because any small error can lead to serious consequences. High-precision CNC turning can produce high-precision parts to ensure the flight safety of the airplane. These parts are key to automobile engines and transmissions. They include crankshafts, camshafts, and gears. They require very high machining accuracy.
CNC turning provides high-precision machining for reliable and durable parts. Many high-precision parts, such as shafts, gears, and bearings, are required in the traditional machine-building industry. High-precision CNC turning ensures that parts are the correct size and shape. They will fulfill the requirements on the design drawings. This will ensure that the equipment runs well and has a long service life.
Factors Affecting the Accuracy of CNC Turning
CNC turning accuracy is affected by many factors. These factors include machine tools, cutting tools, processes, and personnel operations. The following are some of the main influencing factors:
The Influence of Machine Accuracy and Stiffness
Machine accuracy includes dimensional accuracy, positional accuracy, and angular accuracy. Dimensional accuracy involves the dimensional error of each part of the workpiece. Examples include positional error, straightness error, flatness error, and roundness error. Positional accuracy involves the positional deviation of each part of the workpiece. This includes displacement error and transfer error. Angular accuracy, on the other hand, involves angular deviations of the workpiece, such as tilt error and rotation error.
If the rigidity and stability of the tool are not directly affected enough, it is prone to vibration and deformation. This will lead to a decrease in machining accuracy. Highly rigid machine tools can effectively reduce vibration and Improve CNC turning accuracy.
The Impact of Tool Selection and Use
The material and geometry of the tool will affect the cutting performance and surface quality of the workpiece. Choosing the right CNC turning tool can improve workpiece accuracy and surface finish. It greatly improves the performance and stability of the product.
With the growth of time, the tool will gradually wear out during use, resulting in a decline in machining accuracy. Regular replacement and resharpening of tools can maintain machining accuracy and ensure stability.
Influence of the Machining Process
In the machining process, the setting of cutting parameters and the error of the feed system will affect the cutting accuracy. When setting cutting parameters, if the parameters are not set correctly, they can damage the workpiece. For example, the cutting speed is too high or too low, the feed rate is too fast or too slow, and the depth of cut is too large. They can damage the surface and accuracy of the workpiece. In addition, excessive feed system errors can also affect machining accuracy. To reduce cutting vibration and improve accuracy, the correct cutting parameters must be selected. Feed system errors must also be limited to a reasonable range. This will ensure stable machining.
Influence of Personnel Operation
The skill and experience of the operator have a direct impact on stability and accuracy. They affect the machining process. CNC lathes have automation features. However, the operator still needs to operate it. If the operation is not proper or the machining process is not well utilized, errors may occur even if the operating session is controlled. These errors can affect machining accuracy. Skilled operators can control the machining process well. They can improve accuracy from experience.
For high-precision CNC turning, we must consider four key factors. They are the stiffness and rigidity of the machine tool, the choice of tool, the machining process, and the role of the operator. We must also consider other factors. We need to take effective measures to control and optimize these factors over time. This will slowly improve turning accuracy. This will result in machined parts with better finish and accuracy.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Improving CNC Turning Accuracy
CNC turning is one of the most important machining methods in modern manufacturing. Improving turning accuracy is very important. It ensures product quality and increases efficiency. This guide will show you how to improve CNC turning accuracy. It covers proper machine setup, using the right tools, controlling the environment, using advanced technology, regular maintenance, and quality control.
Correct Machine Setup
Machine Calibration. Regular calibration of CNC machine setup parameters is an effective way to improve accuracy. You need to regularly measure and calibrate the geometry, position and positioning errors of your machine tools. This ensures the machining accuracy and stability of the machine tool. Spindles can be calibrated using a high-precision spindle calibrator. Guideways can be calibrated using a laser interferometer or straightness gauge. The servo system can be calibrated using calibration software.
Tool Parameter Presetting. Use a high-precision tool setting instrument for tool setting to ensure accurate tool length and diameter compensation settings. According to the characteristics of the tool and machining needs, set the appropriate parameters for the tool. These parameters include cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut. The deviation of the actual size of the tool from the ideal cutting trajectory needs to be considered during CNC programming. Therefore, it is necessary to set appropriate tool offset compensation when programming.
Use the Right Tool
Tool Selection. CNC turning accuracy is inseparable from tool selection. Usually, it is necessary to select the appropriate tool according to the material and processing needs. Choose wear-resistant tool materials. It should also be heat resistant. This will ensure tool life and cutting performance.
Tool Maintenance and Care. After use, wipe the blade with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will ensure that the surface of the blade remains clean. Reasonable storage. Avoid placing it in damp and corrosive places. Inspect and oil tools frequently to keep them in top condition.
Control Environment
Constant Temperature Control. the temperature of the machine tool has a great impact on machining accuracy. It needs constant temperature control. Too high or too low temperature will lead to deformation of the machine tool and tool, thus affecting the machining accuracy. Therefore, we need to take measures to control the temperature of the machine tool. This includes installing air conditioning and using thermal isolation devices. These measures ensure that the machine tool operates at a constant temperature.
Damping Control. Damping control addresses two aspects of the problem: the vibration of the machine and the vibration of the surrounding environment. The machine itself can be damped. This can be in the form of anti-vibration bases or damping pads. These can reduce the vibration reaching the machine tool. Vibration damping of the surroundings can be achieved by moving away from heavy equipment or installing vibration isolation walls to avoid the influence of external sources of vibration on the machine tool, thus achieving vibration damping.
Adoption of Advanced Technology
Error Compensation. Error compensation is very important for CNC machining centers. It can improve the machining accuracy. It mainly includes two aspects reverse clearance compensation and thermal error compensation. Reverse clearance is the clearance of the machine tool motion axes during reverse motion, and compensation is utilized to eliminate the effect of clearance on machining accuracy. Thermal error is the error caused by the uneven distribution of heat during the movement of machine tool motion axes. We can use thermal error compensation to improve machining accuracy.
Power Tools. A power tool is a tool with an integrated rotary drive system. It performs complex operations such as milling, drilling, and tapping on CNC lathes. Utilizing power tools for complex operations can significantly improve machining accuracy. It is characterized by high precision, high efficiency, high flexibility, and high reliability. It can machine parts with complex contours and multi-angle holes.
When manufacturing automotive parts, power tools can machine complex engine blocks. They can also machine transmission housings. Power tools can also machine other high-precision parts. In aerospace, power tools can machine complex parts such as turbine blades and airframe parts. In medical device manufacturing, power tools can machine high-precision surgical instruments and implants. As a result, using power tools for complex tasks can increase accuracy and efficiency.
Five-axis Machining. Five-axis machining is a mode of CNC machine tool machining. Manufacturers utilizing 5-axis turning can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of machining complex shapes and high-precision parts. Compared to traditional CNC turning, it reduces the positioning errors associated with multiple clamping. It also reduces the number of processes and increases flexibility. High accuracy of CNC-turned parts can be ensured through precise tool path control, selection of appropriate tools and cutting parameters, and regular machine maintenance and calibration.
Regular maintenance and quality control
Regular Maintenance. Do regular maintenance work, check the guide rail, screw, spindle, and other parts. Then add lubricant regularly according to the work plan to ensure the normal operation of each part. Clean the chips and oil on the machine surface and machining area every day to keep the machine clean all the time. Regularly check the tightness and wear of the equipment. Tighten loose parts and replace worn parts. This will keep the machining accuracy of the equipment within normal limits.
Quality control: In the process of turning parts processing, use the laser measuring instrument and online detector to carry out real-time inspection of the workpiece in processing, to find and correct the deviation in time. Utilizing the automatic compensation function of the CNC system, we automatically adjust the machining parameters according to the online inspection data to improve the machining accuracy. After machining is completed, we test the size and surface finish of the workpiece. We use high-precision measuring equipment (e.g. CMM) to check whether the dimensions match the design. The surface of the workpiece is inspected using a roughness measuring instrument. This is done to ensure that it meets the design requirements.
Conclusion
CNC turning is the core technology of modern mechanical manufacturing. Its precision is the key. It is related to product quality and enterprise competitiveness. CNC turning must maintain high precision. It is the key to improving efficiency and ensuring product function, safety, and life. How to improve the accuracy of CNC turning, this article from the above aspects to do a brief discussion, I hope to help you. If you need help in machining parts, please contact us. We will provide you with professional services and quality solutions.
FAQ
Why is CNC turning accuracy important?
The accuracy of CNC turning is crucial. It ensures product quality, reduces production costs, and helps meet complex machining requirements. Therefore, in CNC turning, it is important to pay great attention to accuracy. Take effective measures to ensure that the accuracy meets the design requirements.
How to minimize errors in CNC turning?
Calibrate the CNC lathe regularly. Do maintenance and repair. Use high-quality tools. Maintain a stable environment. Use software to simulate new programs before machining. This allows for early detection and resolution of problems. Reduce errors in CNC turning.
What advanced technologies can improve CNC turning accuracy?
These technologies can greatly improve the efficiency of CNC turning. These techniques include error compensation, power tooling, and 5-axis machining.