Various Parameters and Operations of the Turning Process
29 April 2021Machining is a process where a cutting tool is used to cut a workpiece into its intended final form. Usually, this process entails the removal of small chips of materials to produce the desired product. To date, there are numerous types of machining process that can be conducted and maximised by manufacturers in producing various products. One of these types is the turning process.
Turning is a subtractive machining process that can create cylindrical parts and products out of removing small chips of materials. This process often utilises lathe machines and other similar tools to produce the desired products. These machines and tools typically move along the axis of the workpiece while the workpiece itself rotates, which then establishes a helical toolpath. Computer numerical control (CNC) services are also employed to conduct the turning process due to their consistency, reliability, and safety.
The Parameters of CNC Turning Process
There are various parameters that must be considered when conducting the CNC turning process. One of the parameters of the said process is the spindle speed. This specific parameter is expressed as rotations per minute, which can determine the rotational speed of the spindle as well as the workpiece. Spindle speed is directly correlated with the cutting speed and the workpiece diameter. If the workpiece diameter changes significantly, the spindle speed must vary while the cutting speed must be consistent.
Axial cut depth is another parameter that is involved in the CNC turning process. This specific parameter signifies the depth of a cut in the axial direction and is often used as the primary parameter for facing operations. The opposite of the axial cut is the radial cut. And with radial cut depth, it can effectively showcase the depth of cutting perpendicular to the axis.
Feed rates, ultimately, indicate the distance the cutting tool moves per one turn of the part or workpiece. Higher feed rates put more pressure on the cutting tool, which can shorten its service life. Lower feed rates, alternatively, can lengthen the service life of the tool and can produce better results.
CNC Turning Process Basic Operations
Turning is, perhaps, the most common operations when it comes to CNC turning. This process uses a single-point tool to move along the axis of the workpiece and subsequently eliminate materials from the workpiece. Steps, tapers, and other contours can be produced out of this operation.
Another operation of CNC turning is facing. It entails the removal of a layer of material from the end of the workpiece to achieve the desired surface finish. The movement of the tool during the facing operation is perpendicular to the spinning axis. Grooving is another operation wherein the tool moves in perpendicular to the spinning axis. But instead of cutting the end of the workpiece, the cuts during the grooving operation are made along the side of the workpiece.
Other operations of the CNC turning process include threading, drilling, reaming, and tapping.
If you have more questions about CNC turning, you can reach us at Kinetic Engineering. We are a proudly Australian-owned and family-run CNC machining and general engineering services company with a vision to grow within the industry and produce quality Australian-made products for its customers.
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