Introduction to CNC Turning(machined casting Rachel)
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- source:NEWRGY CNC Machining
How CNC Turning Works
A CNC turning center consists of a lathe with a computer controlled drive system. The workpiece is securely clamped into the headstock chuck which rotates it at the desired speed. The cutting tools are mounted on the tool post and can be precisely positioned against the workpiece. The CNC control guides the tools along programmed paths to cut the material. Common CNC turning tools include diamond tipped inserts, carbide inserts, and high speed steel tools. Proper selection of tooling materials and coatings is critical for efficient material removal.
The CAM software converts the CAD model into motion commands for the CNC lathe. Programmers specify toolpaths, feeds, speeds, and other parameters. Machinists setup the turning operation by mounting the workpiece, tools, and inputting the CNC program. Once running, the CNC lathe will automatically change tools and perform all machining operations until the part is complete. The CNC control allows for precise tolerances and repeatability that could not be achieved manually.
CNC turning can produce parts with excellent surface finishes and complex geometries. Typical turned parts include shafts, pins, bushings, rollers, and turbine blades. Medical, aerospace, automotive, and other industries utilize CNC turning for high volume production. One-off prototypes and small batches can also be efficiently machined on a CNC lathe.
CNC Turning Operations
Common CNC turning operations include:
- Facing: A square cutting tool faces off the end of a cylinder, creating a flat surface perpendicular to the axis. This can produce precise lengths and establishes a reference surface.
- OD (Outside Diameter) Roughing: Roughing cuts use heavier depths of cut to quickly remove the bulk of material. This uses less precise toolpaths to hog out material efficiently.
- OD Finishing: Finishing cuts use light depths of cut for semi finishing and finishing passes. This follows more precise toolpaths to create accurate diameters and surface finishes.
- ID (Inside Diameter) Boring: A boring bar machines internal diameters. Rigid boring bars with specialized inserts are used to bore holes to high tolerances.
- Grooving/Parting: A tool with a narrow insert cuts wide grooves and separates finished parts from the raw stock.
- Threading: Thread turning tools cut external and internal threads. Single or multi-point inserts create precise and strong threads.
- Drilling/Boring: Deep hole drilling operations can be done on a CNC lathe when clearance is limited.
- Tapering: By offsetting the toolpost, angled tapers can be machined on the OD or ID. Form tools are used for complex taper profiles.
- Knurling: A knurling tool rolls teeth patterns on the surface to create a textured grip. Popular patterns include straight, cross, and diamond knurls.
CNC turning centers can perform other secondary operations to produce complete parts in a single setup. Milling, drilling, tapping, and deburring tools can be loaded on turrets or tool holders to add features off centerline. Parts can be automatically unloaded and finished when the program is complete.
Benefits of CNC Turning
There are many benefits that make CNC turning popular across production environments:
- Accuracy and Repeatability: CNC turning machines produce precision parts with tolerances as tight as 0.001 inches. The stored programs allow for 100% repeatability.
- Productivity: CNC automation allows unattended machining. Larger turning centers run continuously with automatic loading/unloading for high productivity.
- Complex Geometries: CNC tools can create contours, radii, tapers, grooves, and profiles not possible on manual lathes. Multi-axis turning centers can actuate multiple spindles and turrets.
- Quick Changeover: Changing programs and tools is fast and simple compared to manual setups. This allows flexible production of small batches.
- Operator Skills: Less operator training and skill is required versus manual turning. One programmer can oversee multiple machines.
- Cost Savings: CNC reduces labor costs, tooling costs, and material waste while improving quality. This results in significant per-part cost reductions.
- Environmentally Friendly: CNC automation consumes less energy and resources versus higher skilled manual operations. Recycling metal chips is easier.
Disadvantages include higher initial investment costs, maintenance requirements, and the need for skilled programmers. However, for most production scenarios, the benefits of CNC turning far outweigh any downsides. The technology continues to rapidly advance and become more cost effective even for small machine shops.
Conclusion
From rapid prototypes to high volume manufacturing, CNC turning has made modern production possible. The precise control of cutting operations allows for mass production of components with accuracy and efficiency difficult to achieve by manual means. With emerging improvements in automation and programming, CNC turning will continue as a primary manufacturing process for machined parts across all industries. The technology has evolved from early NC machines to become an essential component of the digital manufacturing age. CNC Milling CNC Machining