What is CNC Turning?
CNC turning can create various cylindrical, conical, and helical shapes. It is an extremely versatile machining process that can be used for many applications
Modern CNC turning machining
Turning machines were operated manually until computer numerical control (CNC) was introduced. This opened up a lot of potential for errors. Like a painter seeing the final result in his head before beginning work, the machinist had a visual picture of what he wanted to create.
How Does a CNC Turning Machine Work?
However, when computer numerical control (CNC) was introduced, turning suddenly became a very precise and accurate multi-step procedure. There are a few steps involved in creating a part using a CNC turning machine:
First, the product's CAD model is designed. For this, several computer-aided design (CAD) software can be used. Each component of the final product must be specified in the design.
The format of CAD files is not recognised by CNC turning machines. Instead, they follow a set of digital instructions called G-Code that tells them where to go and what to do in three-dimensional space. For this reason, it is essential to transform CAD files into G-Code. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is useful in this context. Once a CAD model is complete, the designer sends it to a CAM program, which interprets the data and generates the appropriate G-Code for manufacturing.
The next step is to set up the machine. The operator must prepare the CNC turning machine by mounting the workpiece, clamping the right cutting tool to the turret, and filling the relevant storage with cutting fluid before the CNC program can be performed.
Once the machine is set up, the operator will start turning using the machine's control panel. The turning process begins when the machine moves the cutting tool across the surface of the rotating workpiece.