Understanding the Turning Process in CNC Machining
28 January 2021One type of manufacturing process that has been utilised by many industries today is computer numerical control (CNC) machining. This specific process maximises computerised controls and machine tools in removing parts of material from a workpiece and customising the said parts. The basic stages of the CNC machining normally include the designing of the CAD model, converting the CAD file into a CNC program, preparing the involved machine, and performing the machining operation.
Most machining operations that are being performed in CNC machining have been utilised by a wide variety of industries, which include automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and construction. One of the most common machining operations that can be done through CNC machining is turning.
Overview of the Turning Process
Turning is a type of CNC machining process that uses single-point cutting tools in removing parts from a rotating workpiece. The lathe, which is also known as the turning machine, feeds the cutting tool in a linear motion to get rid of the material around the circumference of the workpiece until the intended design is achieved. The pre-shaped workpiece is normally secured to the fixture that is attached to the lathe, allowing it to rotate at high speeds.
With this machining process, cylindrical parts that possess external and internal features are produced. Some features that these parts have include holes, grooves, threads, tapers, and contoured surfaces. Aside from producing these parts, turning is also maximised in adding or refining features on parts that were already manufactured by different processes. Some known operational capabilities of turning are boring, facing, grooving, and thread cutting.
The Process Cycle of Turning
The necessary processes or steps involved in turning can be plenty. Turning starts with the initial setup, wherein the turning machine will be checked and arranged. This specific setup also involves the planning of the tool movements and the installation of the fixture device into the turning machine.
Once the initial setup is complete, the turning process will now proceed with the production of the part. This specific part normally revolves around cycle time, which is further divided into four times. The first one is the load/unload time. This is the phase wherein the workpiece is loaded into the turning machine and subsequently unloaded after undergoing the actual turning process. The second part of the cycle time is the cut time. It is the time allocated for all the cutting that is done in the workpiece. The idle time, on the other hand, is the time during the turning process that does not directly involve the workpiece. It involves the movement of tools between features, adjustments in the machine settings, and tool changes.
Tool replacement time is also part of the cycle time. This specific time involves the replacement of a tool once it has already exceeded its service life.
Elements of the Turning Process
The parameters involved in the cutting process during turning usually rely on the workpiece material, tool material, tool size, and many more. Some of the known parameters of the turning process include cutting feed, cutting speed, spindle speed, feed rate, axial depth of cut, and radial depth of cut.
To know more about the turning process, feel free to contact us at Kinetic Engineering.
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