What is CNC Turning, the Ultimate Guide to CNC Turning

CNC Turning is among the high-precision and efficient manufacturing processes. It has a wide scope of application in such industries that demand accuracy and complex geometries, Like CNC milling, CNC turning uses computerized control to run the machines. Moreover, it can deal with various types of materials. So, in this ultimate guide to CNC turning, we will discuss the complete processes, their applications, benefits, and drawbacks.

How Would You Define CNC Turning?

CNC turning is a manufacturing operation that cuts the material from the workpiece. It uses cutting tools and a rotating worktable in its application. Additionally, it is computer computer-controlled method that dictates the movement of the cutting tools and metal pieces. So, this method is ideal for making complex shapes and precise dimensions. Besides this, it has different applications in different industries. They usually include automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing.

Step-By-Step Process of CNC Turning

Here are the details of the complete process of how the CNC turning process works.

1. Designing and Programming

CNC turning works like CNC milling. But yes, they offer differences in their machine setup. So, CNC turning also starts with the designing phase of the workpiece. It is usually done on advanced tools like CAD. Here the engineers specify the different dimensions and features. Once the design part ends, it is imported into CAM software. It decodes the design of metal parts and specifies the machine commands, i.e. speed, accuracy, tolerance, etc.

2. Material Selection

The second crucial step is the material selection. So, it is usually done by checking the mechanical properties and application requirements of the workpiece. Different industries use different materials. Some of them are very hard but lighter in weight. So, they are widely used in making aircraft parts. Besides this, few are highly ductile and can easily deform in another shape without cracking or breaking. So, such materials are also used in many industries.

3. Machinery Setup

Once the design and material are decided. The next step is proper machinery setup. It will handle the tools and also carry out the operation. So, here the material is generally in tube or metal bar forms. This metal is placed on the CNC lathe. Moreover, other tools and parameters are also attached and incorporated with it. At the end, the turning operation starts to perform. It executes the program and then rotates the workpiece. Along with this, the cutting tool also rotates and cuts the defined paths to give a specific shape.

4. Finishing

The final step is to provide the necessary finishing to the workpiece. It helps increase the smoothness of the part surfaces. So, multiple methods and coatings can be used to carry out this operation. Once, the finishing is done, the metal part is tested thoroughly. Then it is delivered to the client.

Commonly Used Materials For CNC Turning

Here is the detailed table of materials and their properties which are widely used by the CNC tuning process.

 

Material Type	Material Alloys	Properties
Metals
Aluminum	6061, 7075	Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, good machinability
Steel	1018, 1045, 4140	High strength, durable, can be heat treated
Stainless Steel	304, 316, 17-4 PH	Corrosion-resistant, and high-strength
Brass	C360, C385	Excellent machinability, good electrical conductivity
– Copper	C101, C110	Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity,
Titanium	Grade 2, Grade 5	High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant
Plastics
ABS		Good impact resistance, easy to machine
Polycarbonate		High impact resistance, good dimensional stability
Nylon	6, 6/6	High strength, good wear resistance, low friction
PTFE	(Teflon)	Excellent chemical resistance, high-temperature resistance
PEEK		High mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, can withstand high temperatures
Others
Ceramics	Alumina, zirconia	High hardness, thermal stability
Composites	Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass-reinforced polymer (GRP)	High strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue resistance

 

Different Types of Machines Used in CNC Turning

Here are some common types of machines that help carry out different CNC turning operations. So, let’s discuss them in detail.

1. CNC Lathes

It is mainly comprised of spindle, chuck, tool turret, and carriage. These help hold the cutting tools and also move them along the workpiece. So, the workpiece starts to rotate and start cutting the excessive material attached to the metal part. Additionally, the lathe machines are suitable for small-scale productions and prototyping.

2. CNC Turning Centers

It is also an advanced equipment to cut the material. Besides this, it is also used for additional purposes like drilling, milling, and other secondary operations in a single setup. Additionally, the CNC turning centers have multiple turrets, living tools, and sub-spindles. These all features make it able to carry out different matching operations.

3. Swiss-Type CNC Machines

Swiss-type CNC machines are mainly used in small productions. But they give highly stable and precise metal parts.  These machines have sliding headstocks and guide bushing. They provide excellent stability and accuracy during the machining process. Additionally, these machines are widely used in the medical, electronics, and watchmaking industries.

4. Multi-Spindle CNC Machines

These are majorly consist of multiple spindles. Every spindle makes separate workpieces. So, these machines are highly suitable for large-volume productions. They are also used in performing turning, drilling, tapping, and other operations. Additionally, their capability of dealing with various workpieces helps reduce the cycle times. So, it ultimately increases the output.

Types of CNC Turning Operations

So, let’s discuss all types of CNC turning operations.

1. Straight Turning:Such operations help remove material along the length of the workpiece. So, it gives a constant diameter.
2. Taper Turning:This operation may help produce a conical shape. It gradually decreases the diameter along the length of the workpiece.
3. Profiling:Mostly used operation. So, it is used to produce complex shapes. It allows the cutting tool to move in various paths.
4. Grooving:It is usually done using different shapes of cutting tools. So, it cuts the narrow channels on the workpiece
5. Threading: This is one of the finishing operations. It helps make threads on the external or internal surfaces of the workpiece.
6. Facing:Such CNC turning operation helps remove the material from the end of the workpiece. So, it creates a flat surface.

Differences between CNC Turning Vs CNC Milling

Here is the detailed difference between CNC Milling vs CNC Turning.

 

Feature	CNC Turning	CNC Milling
Operation	It tends to rotate the workpiece.	It tends to rotate the cutting tool.
Ideal Shapes	More suitable for cylindrical parts.	They can deal with Complex and non-cylindrical shapes.
Tooling	Single-point cutting tools.	Multi-point cutting tools.
Machine Design	CNC lathes.	CNC milling machines.
Typical Products	Shafts, screws, bolts.	Gears, engine blocks, cavities.
Material Removal	External surfaces.	External and internal surfaces.
Precision	High for cylindrical parts.	High for complex shapes.
Setup Time	Generally faster.	Often longer due to complexity.
Production Volume	High-volume cylindrical parts.	Suitable for various volumes and shapes.
Cost	Lower for simple, high-volume parts.	Higher for complex parts.

 

Applications of CNC Turning

This operation is widely used in different industries. So, let’s discuss them here.

• Automotive:To make the engine components and other transmission parts.
• Aerospace:It is used to make turbine blades and landing gear parts with high precision.
• Medical: To make medical instruments and orthopedic implants.
• Industrial: To make Shafts and pulleys.

What are the Advantages of CNC Turning

1. CNC turning is suitable for making high-precision metal parts with high accuracy.
2. The cutting tool follows a consistent path to cut the workpiece. So, it gives constant production quality.
3. CNC turning is the best go-to option for making complex geometries.
4. CNC turning can handle both low and high-volume production efficiently.
5. It is a computer-controlled and automated process. So, it reduces the labor costs.

What are the Disadvantages of CNC Turning

1. It requires high initial investments in CNC machinery. So, it is an expensive process.
2. CNC turning is automated. So, it needs skilled operators to program the process and maintain it periodically.
3. It gives limited to rotational parts.

Alternatives to CNC Turning

If we consider the limitations of CNC turning. We can opt for the different alternatives. They may include;

• CNC Milling:It is highly suitable for non-cylindrical parts.
• 3D Printing:Good option for making complex geometries and prototyping.
• Injection Molding: It is used to make high-volume plastic part production.
• Manual Turning: if you need to deal with simple design and low-volume tasks. It is a good option. 

Need CNC Turning Process? Choose TOPS

TOPS has years of experience dealing with various projects using CNC turning. We believe in providing high precision, quality, and efficiency. Besides this, we have advanced technology, that not only gives precision. It also reduces the production time. Additionally, TOPS has skilled staff to meet all the needs of custom parts. So, if you are looking for one, you can choose our CNC-turning services. We will give you the best deal. Get your Quote today.

Conclusion

In sum, CNC turning is a versatile and flexible process. It helps cut the material using advanced operations and machinery. So, it is beneficial for making cylindrical parts. It uses different types of machines to cater to the different shapes and functions. CNC turning has different applications dealing with various industry demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the Typical Turnaround Time for CNC Turning?

A1: This turnaround time mainly depends on the complexity and volume of the project you are dealing with. But generally, it takes to complete the orders within 2-4 weeks. 

Q2: Can CNC Turning Process is Suitable for Complex Geometries?

Absolutely yes, CNC turning is widely useful in making complex parts. Besides this, it gives high-precision and accurate parts for different industrial components.

Q3: How does CNC Turning Guarantee High Precision?

As its name suggests, CNC turning. It is a computer-controlled program that dictates both cutting tools and machinery to give high-precision and accurate metal parts.