Summary of CNC turning operation,techniques,benefits

Computer numerical control (CNC) turning is a subtractive machining process where a cutting tool is placed against a spinning piece to take material off. This is usually done with a CNC lathe or turning center which cuts the material including wood, metal, and plastic.

Most subtractive CNC machines such as mills, water jets, and plasma cutters have the workpiece secured to a bed and the cutting done by a spinning tool. To cut, the tool moves across the workpiece or a tool head shoots at it. In contrast, CNC turning reverses that process by rotating the workpiece and cutting away at it (by moving a static cutting bit against the workpiece).

Because of how they operate, CNC mills are primarily used for creating complicated geometries, while CNC lathes are used for creating cylindrical or oblong shapes. A CNC lathe is usually chosen over a CNC mill or 3D printer because of its ability to make multiples of the same part incredibly fast and from one stock piece of material.

Types of Lathes

There are several different types of lathes out there and each is suited for various kinds of projects. The primary difference between a CNC and a conventional lathe is that a conventional lathe is usually restricted to two axes for tooling, while a CNC lathe can have up to six machining axes and even milling tool options as well.

Horizontal CNC lathes are one of the most commonly used machines and have all the capabilities of a conventional lathe except they’re controlled by a computer and primarily used for turning and boring.

Vertical CNC lathes hold the workpiece from the bottom (instead of the side grip in horizontal) and spin it like a top. This is good for workshops with space constraints and when working on particularly stout, heavy workpieces.
Horizontal turning centers are enclosed CNC lathes that integrate milling and drilling capabilities. A turning center can also include a traveling tool turret, more tooling axes, coolant flooding, a tailstock that is separated from the carriage, and sometimes a conveyor belt.

Vertical turning centers are a combination of a horizontal turning center and a CNC mill.While there are many more types of conventional lathes out there, the above four are the primary styles of CNC lathes.

Types of Lathes

There are several different types of lathes out there and each is suited for various kinds of projects. The primary difference between a CNC and a conventional lathe is that a conventional lathe is usually restricted to two axes for tooling, while a CNC lathe can have up to six machining axes and even milling tool options as well.

Horizontal CNC lathes are one of the most commonly used machines and have all the capabilities of a conventional lathe except they’re controlled by a computer and primarily used for turning and boring.

Vertical CNC lathes hold the workpiece from the bottom (instead of the side grip in horizontal) and spin it like a top. This is good for workshops with space constraints and when working on particularly stout, heavy workpieces.
Horizontal turning centers are enclosed CNC lathes that integrate milling and drilling capabilities. A turning center can also include a traveling tool turret, more tooling axes, coolant flooding, a tailstock that is separated from the carriage, and sometimes a conveyor belt.

Vertical turning centers are a combination of a horizontal turning center and a CNC mill.While there are many more types of conventional lathes out there, the above four are the primary styles of CNC lathes.

What are the Benefits of CNC Turning?

CNC machining is far better than manual machining for a few specific reasons:

Accuracy: Programming a CNC to complete a job creates a consistent and accurate cut to ensure product quality. It can be repeated over and over in the exact same manner.

Cost Effectiveness: The cost of hiring a person to manually machine parts at scale is far more expensive than having a machine do it, as a machine will not tire, does not need lunch breaks, and can, theoretically run 24/7.
Speed: CNC turning can churn out hundreds and hundreds of parts while retaining a consistent end product.

Is my part a good fit for CNC turning?
While a lot of factors go into determining if a part can be made most cost-effectively on a specific CNC turning center, some things we look at are:

How many parts are needed short-term and long-term? CNC turning centers are generally good for prototypes to short-run volumes.
What is the largest OD on the part ? For the CNC turning centers at Pioneer Service, the maximum OD for colleted (bar feed-capable) parts is 2.5.”

Parts over 2.5″ OD are chucked individually, which depending on volume, can contribute to price.
Parts under 1.25″ OD and medium to high volume may be a better fit for the Swiss screw machines.
If a part can be made both on the CNC turning center and on a 32 mm Swiss Screw Machine factors such as projected volume and lead-time are critical for making the best call on which to use.

When it comes to machining parts, there are a lot of variables. Pioneer Service can help you determine the best way to have your parts made. Contact us for help with your requirements.

Is my part a good fit for CNC turning?

While a lot of factors go into determining if a part can be made most cost-effectively on a specific CNC turning center, some things we look at are:

How many parts are needed short-term and long-term? CNC turning centers are generally good for prototypes to short-run volumes.
What is the largest OD on the part ? For the CNC turning centers at Pioneer Service, the maximum OD for colleted (bar feed-capable) parts is 2.5.”

Parts over 2.5″ OD are chucked individually, which depending on volume, can contribute to price.
Parts under 1.25″ OD and medium to high volume may be a better fit for the Swiss screw machines.
If a part can be made both on the CNC turning center and on a 32 mm Swiss Screw Machine factors such as projected volume and lead-time are critical for making the best call on which to use.

When it comes to machining parts, there are a lot of variables. Pioneer Service can help you determine the best way to have your parts made. Contact us for help with your requirements.