Introduction to CNC Machining and Turning(milled aluminum Elma)
- Time:
- Click:5
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a manufacturing process that utilizes computerized controls to operate machine tools like lathes, mills, routers, and grinders. CNC machining revolutionized manufacturing by automating the machining process, allowing for greater precision, consistency, and productivity compared to manual machining.
One of the most common CNC machining processes is turning. Turning involves rotating a part while a single point cutting tool removes material to create cylindrical forms and complex geometric shapes. CNC lathes utilize programmable technology to precisely control the cutting tool location, feed rates, depth of cuts, and spindle speeds. This level of automation provides accuracy within 0.001 inches for dimensional tolerances.
Types of Turning in CNC Machining
There are several different types of turning operations in CNC machining:
- Outside Diameter (OD) Turning - The cutting tool shapes the external surface of cylindrical parts. OD turning reduces the diameter of a workpiece while creating the desired external features.
- Inside Diameter (ID) Turning - Also known as boring, the cutting tool shapes internal surfaces and diameters. The cutting tool moves along the ID of holes and cavities.
- Facing - A facing operation shapes and cuts the flat end surface of a cylindrical workpiece. It creates an even, smooth finish on the top face.
- Taper Turning - This shapes conical forms by turning at an angle to the workpiece axis. The cutting tool moves at a specific taper angle to the rotational axis.
- Grooving/Profiling - Narrow, straight cuts are made across a part to create grooves, threads, and profiles. Grooving can cut internal and external features.
- Parting/Cutoff - Cutoff tools slice through the entire diameter of the workpiece to cut off a completed part. The cutting tool moves linearly into the part.
- Threading - Thread turning operations cut screw threads into workpieces using single point threading tools. The tool follows a helical path to create external and internal threads.
- Drilling - CNC lathes utilize drilling tools to bore holes in the center of cylindrical parts. Deep hole drilling operations can also add cross-holes or holes at angles.
- Boring - After drilling, boring further enlarges and improves the accuracy of internal diameters. Boring bars are used to fine tune the size and finish of holes.
- Knurling - Special knurling tools imprint diamond, straight, or spiral knurled patterns into the workpiece. This adds grip, improves appearance, and aids assembly.
CNC Turning Process Explained
The CNC turning process starts by designing the part geometry with CAD software. The CAD file defines the shapes, dimensions, and tolerances of the part. CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software then converts this model into a CNC program with code G-code.
The workpiece, called a blank, must be properly prepared. This includes facing one end, center drilling or drilling a starting hole, and chucking it into the lathe spindle. Fixturing may be required to securely hold irregular shaped blanks.
During setup, the operator loads the tools needed into the turret, attaches the part to the chuck, and enters any offsets. Offsets account for variations in the blank's initial dimensions. Wheels or hand cranks manually position the cutting tool near the workpiece for the first operation.
When ready, the operator initiates the CNC program. The lathe follows the precise programmed instructions to execute the sequence of turning operations. Cutting tools approach the spinning workpiece and begin removing material.
As material is removed, the part takes shape. The lathe repeats the sequence of linear and rotational motions, advancing the tool after each pass. Between operations, the turret indexes to position the next required tool. Hundreds of tools can be stored in the turret for automatic changes.
Cutting Parameters in CNC Turning
The turning process parameters control the tool movements, speeds, and feeds. Proper settings are critical to achieve required tolerances, surface finishes, and optimized cycle times. Common parameters include:
- Cutting Speed (Surface Feet per Minute) - The speed at which the workpiece material moves past the cutting tool, typically 100-500 SF/min.
- Spindle Speed (RPM) - The rotational speed of the lathe spindle and workpiece, calculated from the cutting speed and work diameter.
- Feed Rate (Inches per Revolution) - The linear rate the tool advances into the workpiece, usually 0.001-0.020 IPR.
- Depth of Cut (Inches) - The thickness of material removed by the tool in each pass, up to 0.100" depending on rigidity.
- Tool Nose Radius (Inches) - The tip radius size affects surface finish quality and tool strength. Smaller radii are used for fine finishes.
Optimizing these parameters balances cutting tool life, machining forces and power, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. The CNC program sets the best values based on the tooling, workpiece material, operations required, and capabilities of the machine.
CNC Turning Advantages and Applications
There are many key advantages that explain why CNC turning and lathes are so commonly utilized for high-volume production across industries:
- Accuracy and Consistency - Turning dimensions within 0.001" are possible. Identical parts can be mass produced.
- Complex Geometries - Concave, convex, tapered, and irregular shapes are simple programming changes. No additional fixtures or setups are needed.
- Low Operation Costs - CNC automation provides fast cycle times and unmanned production. Skilled labor is not required. Tooling and fixturing costs are minimal.
- Material and Tooling Flexibility - A wide range of materials can be machined, from plastics to exotic alloys. Hundreds of tooling options are available.
- Surface Finishes - Fine surface finishes down to 8 Ra are achieved. Extended tool life also improves consistency.
- Productivity - CNC turning centers maximize production rates. Multiple parts can be machined simultaneously in one setup. Lights out production is feasible.
Due to these factors, turned parts span nearly every industry. Common automotive applications include transmission gears, pistons, axles, and turbochargers. Aerospace parts like jet engine disks and missile cones are turned from tough alloys. Medical parts like implants and surgical tools, plumbing fittings, and hardware components are also frequently CNC turned.
Conclusion
Turning is an essential CNC machining process, ideal for high-volume production of precision cylindrical and lathe cut parts. When combined with automated tool changers, bar feeders, and part handling systems, modern CNC lathes offer lights out untended manufacturing capabilities for maximum productivity and competitive advantages. With expanded use of CAD/CAM programming, CNC turning will continue growing as a mainstay manufacturing method across all industries. CNC Milling
One of the most common CNC machining processes is turning. Turning involves rotating a part while a single point cutting tool removes material to create cylindrical forms and complex geometric shapes. CNC lathes utilize programmable technology to precisely control the cutting tool location, feed rates, depth of cuts, and spindle speeds. This level of automation provides accuracy within 0.001 inches for dimensional tolerances.
Types of Turning in CNC Machining
There are several different types of turning operations in CNC machining:
- Outside Diameter (OD) Turning - The cutting tool shapes the external surface of cylindrical parts. OD turning reduces the diameter of a workpiece while creating the desired external features.
- Inside Diameter (ID) Turning - Also known as boring, the cutting tool shapes internal surfaces and diameters. The cutting tool moves along the ID of holes and cavities.
- Facing - A facing operation shapes and cuts the flat end surface of a cylindrical workpiece. It creates an even, smooth finish on the top face.
- Taper Turning - This shapes conical forms by turning at an angle to the workpiece axis. The cutting tool moves at a specific taper angle to the rotational axis.
- Grooving/Profiling - Narrow, straight cuts are made across a part to create grooves, threads, and profiles. Grooving can cut internal and external features.
- Parting/Cutoff - Cutoff tools slice through the entire diameter of the workpiece to cut off a completed part. The cutting tool moves linearly into the part.
- Threading - Thread turning operations cut screw threads into workpieces using single point threading tools. The tool follows a helical path to create external and internal threads.
- Drilling - CNC lathes utilize drilling tools to bore holes in the center of cylindrical parts. Deep hole drilling operations can also add cross-holes or holes at angles.
- Boring - After drilling, boring further enlarges and improves the accuracy of internal diameters. Boring bars are used to fine tune the size and finish of holes.
- Knurling - Special knurling tools imprint diamond, straight, or spiral knurled patterns into the workpiece. This adds grip, improves appearance, and aids assembly.
CNC Turning Process Explained
The CNC turning process starts by designing the part geometry with CAD software. The CAD file defines the shapes, dimensions, and tolerances of the part. CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software then converts this model into a CNC program with code G-code.
The workpiece, called a blank, must be properly prepared. This includes facing one end, center drilling or drilling a starting hole, and chucking it into the lathe spindle. Fixturing may be required to securely hold irregular shaped blanks.
During setup, the operator loads the tools needed into the turret, attaches the part to the chuck, and enters any offsets. Offsets account for variations in the blank's initial dimensions. Wheels or hand cranks manually position the cutting tool near the workpiece for the first operation.
When ready, the operator initiates the CNC program. The lathe follows the precise programmed instructions to execute the sequence of turning operations. Cutting tools approach the spinning workpiece and begin removing material.
As material is removed, the part takes shape. The lathe repeats the sequence of linear and rotational motions, advancing the tool after each pass. Between operations, the turret indexes to position the next required tool. Hundreds of tools can be stored in the turret for automatic changes.
Cutting Parameters in CNC Turning
The turning process parameters control the tool movements, speeds, and feeds. Proper settings are critical to achieve required tolerances, surface finishes, and optimized cycle times. Common parameters include:
- Cutting Speed (Surface Feet per Minute) - The speed at which the workpiece material moves past the cutting tool, typically 100-500 SF/min.
- Spindle Speed (RPM) - The rotational speed of the lathe spindle and workpiece, calculated from the cutting speed and work diameter.
- Feed Rate (Inches per Revolution) - The linear rate the tool advances into the workpiece, usually 0.001-0.020 IPR.
- Depth of Cut (Inches) - The thickness of material removed by the tool in each pass, up to 0.100" depending on rigidity.
- Tool Nose Radius (Inches) - The tip radius size affects surface finish quality and tool strength. Smaller radii are used for fine finishes.
Optimizing these parameters balances cutting tool life, machining forces and power, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. The CNC program sets the best values based on the tooling, workpiece material, operations required, and capabilities of the machine.
CNC Turning Advantages and Applications
There are many key advantages that explain why CNC turning and lathes are so commonly utilized for high-volume production across industries:
- Accuracy and Consistency - Turning dimensions within 0.001" are possible. Identical parts can be mass produced.
- Complex Geometries - Concave, convex, tapered, and irregular shapes are simple programming changes. No additional fixtures or setups are needed.
- Low Operation Costs - CNC automation provides fast cycle times and unmanned production. Skilled labor is not required. Tooling and fixturing costs are minimal.
- Material and Tooling Flexibility - A wide range of materials can be machined, from plastics to exotic alloys. Hundreds of tooling options are available.
- Surface Finishes - Fine surface finishes down to 8 Ra are achieved. Extended tool life also improves consistency.
- Productivity - CNC turning centers maximize production rates. Multiple parts can be machined simultaneously in one setup. Lights out production is feasible.
Due to these factors, turned parts span nearly every industry. Common automotive applications include transmission gears, pistons, axles, and turbochargers. Aerospace parts like jet engine disks and missile cones are turned from tough alloys. Medical parts like implants and surgical tools, plumbing fittings, and hardware components are also frequently CNC turned.
Conclusion
Turning is an essential CNC machining process, ideal for high-volume production of precision cylindrical and lathe cut parts. When combined with automated tool changers, bar feeders, and part handling systems, modern CNC lathes offer lights out untended manufacturing capabilities for maximum productivity and competitive advantages. With expanded use of CAD/CAM programming, CNC turning will continue growing as a mainstay manufacturing method across all industries. CNC Milling