What is CNC Turning?(machining ceramics Francis)
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CNC turning has become one of the most common methods of machining used in manufacturing industries today. It enables fast, accurate, and repeatable production of high precision parts in large volumes. Compared to manual turning operations, CNC turning is more efficient, consistent, and cost-effective.
How Does CNC Turning Work?
CNC turning centers utilize programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that follow coded instructions for the machining sequence. The basic CNC turning process involves the following steps:
1. A 3D model of the desired part is created using CAD software. The CAD file is then converted into a CNC machine compatible file format called G-code.
2. The G-code provides precise coordinates, speeds and feed rates that guide the machine tool motion to shape the part. This program is loaded into the CNC turning center.
3. Raw material in the form of a cylindrical bar, rod or tube is automatically loaded into the turning center by the machine handling system or robot.
4. The turret or tool post on the turning center holds the cutting tools like turning, grooving or threading tools. These tools are automatically changed as per the sequence coded in the CNC program.
5. As the workpiece rotates at high rpm, the cutting tools move radially and axially, removing material layer by layer to produce the required diameter, length, surface finish, and features on the part.
6. Cutting fluids are applied to cool the work area and remove metal chips. The system collects or filters used coolant for reuse or disposal.
7. When machining is complete, the finished part is automatically unloaded, while a new raw material is loaded for the next cycle to start.
Benefits of CNC Turning
CNC turning offers various advantages over conventional turning methods:
- Higher accuracy and consistency: CNC systems provide micron-level precision due to precise control over cutting tool movements. This results in uniformity of finished parts.
- Faster process: CNC turning performs operations much faster than manual techniques. Complex parts can be machined in minutes.
- Lower labor costs: CNC turning reduces the need for skilled labor and operator intervention. One operator can supervise multiple machines.
- Less material waste: Optimized tool paths minimize cutting forces and scrap material. Unattended operation also prevents operator errors.
- Flexibility: Quick changeover between jobs allows producing small batches efficiently. Various parts can be machined without retooling.
- Safer working: CNC turning completely eliminates risks associated with manual turning processes. Operators don't need to handle dangerous cutting tools.
- Higher complexity parts: Intricate shapes, profiles and features can be produced that are not feasible with manual turning.
CNC Turning Methods
There are several distinct turning methods and operations that can be performed on CNC turning centers:
- External Turning: Produces cylindrical surfaces by rotating the part around a fixed cutting tool. Controls the diameter and surface finish.
- Facing: Machines surfaces perpendicular to the workpiece axis using a facing tool. Squares the faces of a cylinder.
- Boring: Enlarges existing holes or produces internal cylindrical forms by moving a boring tool parallel and against the hole axis.
- Grooving: Cuts internal and external grooves of specified widths along the workpiece using special grooving tool inserts.
- Threading: Cuts internal and external screw threads using tapping tools and thread turning inserts. Single or multi-start threads can be produced.
- Drilling: Makes holes using rotating drills mounted on the CNC turret. Allows machining cross holes and center holes.
- Taper turning: Shapes conical external or internal surfaces by adjusting relative movement between tool and workpiece. Done by offsetting tailstock or using taper attachments.
- Profiling: Contours the edge of the machined surface by moving the cutter linearly while rotating the part. Used to make special profiles.
- Knurling: Squeezes small teeth-like indents into the surface by using press tools. Adds decorative grip improving patterns on the workpiece.
Applications of CNC Turning
Due to its versatility, accuracy and efficiency, CNC turning is used to manufacture a wide range of parts across various industries:
- Automotive: Engine blocks, shafts, axles, gears, pulleys, wheels, brake drums and discs, steering columns, drive trains, turbochargers, etc.
- Aerospace: Turbine blades, spindles, brackets, landing gear components, hydraulic actuators, fasteners, flight control surfaces.
- Medical: Implants, surgical instruments, drug delivery parts, prosthetics, medical tools, fittings for equipment.
- Defense: Missile casings, rocket engine nozzles, shells, gun barrels, mine parts, warhead components, optics, triggers.
- Semiconductors: Wafer chucks, external cylinder heads, vacuum chambers, gas valves, manipulator arms, robot joints.
- Telecom: Satellite dish antenna poles, waveguides, microwave horn assemblies, dielectric resonators.
- Commercial: Pump shafts, valves, plumbing fixtures, hardware, fasteners, bushings, candles, lamps, furniture parts.
CNC Turning Machines
There are various configurations and types of CNC turning centers designed for specific applications:
- Vertical Turning Lathe: Rotates the chuck vertically while the fixed cutters machine the sides of the workpiece. Useful for very large diameter parts.
- Horizontal Turning Center: The spindle holding the workpiece points horizontally. Turret is mounted vertically allowing radial tool approach. Most common turning machine.
- Chucking machine: Designed for mass production of small precision parts like fasteners, bushings, pins, studs, etc. Has high spindle speeds.
- Bar Machine: Feeds bar stock through the spindle and creates finished parts by machining in one continuous operation. Minimal material waste.
- Multi-Tasking Turning Center: Combines turning capabilities with milling, drilling, threading and other machining processes in one setup.
- Swiss-style Lathe: Uses sliding headstock to guide bar material past fixed cutting tools. Well suited for small, complex parts like watch components.
- Twin Spindle Turning Center: Has two spindles allowing simultaneous dual side machining. Doubles production rates.
Getting into CNC Turning
For companies looking to adopt CNC turning, here are some tips:
- Assess part sizes and volumes. Bigger machines are meant for bigger parts produced in lower volumes.
- Determine the required accuracy, surface finish, geometry, and features. Complex parts may need multi-tasking capabilities.
- Factor in space requirements, installation costs, maintenance needs and operator training requirements.
- Look for user-friendly controls and automated features for easier setups and quick changeovers between jobs.
- Consider future expansion scope and flexibility for handling new materials or machining methods.
- Choose machines with standard tooling and widely available spare parts supply for cost savings.
With capabilities for fast, flexible and accurate production of machined components, CNC turning continues to be an essential manufacturing process for industries across the board. CNC Milling CNC Machining