Find out more about CNC Turning with our introductory guide. Learn more about the CNC turning process and when to use CNC turning to produce your parts.Find out more about CNC Turning with our introductory guide. Learn more about the CNC turning process and when to use CNC turning to produce your parts.

CNC Turning is a specific type of CNC Machining, referring to the particular subtractive machining process where the final piece, or material, is spun at high speed and a cutting tool shaves away material. However, unlike the more commonly used CNC milling technique, CNC turning uses one of the oldest styles and forms of manufacturing. This is because CNC turning works to the same principles as a lathe, a tool that has been used by humans as far back as Ancient Egypt.

What does CNC stand for?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and refers to the broader term for a manufacturing process led by a computer program. Parts are designed and developed using CAD (Computer-Aided Design). This CAD file will then be used to produce a computer program that will control the CNC turning machine, directing the cutting tools using long lines of code. The code or programming language is often in G-code format. This precise coding language allows CNC turning machines to make small and very precise cutting tool movements.

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What is the process of turning?

Turning is the name given to the manufacturing process where bars of raw material is held and rotated at high speed. As the piece rotates, a cutting tool is fed to the piece, which works at the material, cutting away to create the desired shape. Unlike other cutting styles where the cutting tools themselves move and spin, in this case, the workpiece is rotated during the cutting process.

CNC Turning is commonly used for cylindrical shaped workpieces, however, it can be used for square or hexagonal-shaped raw materials. The workpiece is held in place by a ‘chuck’. The' chuck' spins at varying RPMs (rotations per minute).

Unlike a traditional lathe, today’s machines are numerically controlled. Often the turning process is under constant supervision and adjustment. Meticulous and exact results are possible due to the lathe being consistently monitored by a computer program. Modern CNC Turning machines have various tools, spindles, and speed capabilities. Additionally, the different sizes and shapes of the cutting tools themselves mean a wide range of geometries are possible. Tubular and circular shapes benefit the most from CNC Turning techniques.

What is the difference between CNC Milling and Turning?

There are some fundamental core differences between CNC Milling and Turning. The core mechanisms differ, meaning some processes will be more suited to milling or turning, respectively.

Factors that will affect this include:

• Shape and size of the part
• Material in use
• The volume of parts required
• Finish required
• Budget

In deciding which CNC machining process is suited to what design, the biggest determining factor is the part shape followed by the volume of parts needing to be produced.

Benefits of CNC Turning

CNC Turning is best if you are looking to create fast and repeated symmetrical or cylindrical parts with a high production volume.

CNC Turning can produce parts of high quality and an extremely smooth finish. CNC turning is also capable of:

• Drilling
• Boring
• Reaming
• Taper turning

What is a CNC machine used for?

CNC machines can manufacture highly accurate, high-quality parts via subtractive machining technology. The materials that can benefit from CNC Machining include:

• Aluminium
• Steel
• ABS
• Titanium
• Copper
• PP
• PEEK
• Brass
• Nylon

If you’re looking for more information on the best type of CNC machining for your project, get in touch today, and one of our team will get back to you. For a fair price, quality assurance, fast lead times, regular communication and a concise quote within 24 hours, your project is in safe hands.

What is Turning, What is Milling?

CNC Turning is a manufacturing process in which bars of material are held in a chuck and rotated while a tool is fed to the piece to remove material to create the desired shape. A turret (shown center), with tooling attached is programmed to move to the bar of raw material and remove material to create the programmed result. This is also called “subtraction machining” since it involves material removal. If the center has both tuning and milling capabilities, such as the one above, the rotation can be stopped to allow for milling out of other shapes.

• The starting material, though usual round, can be other shapes such as squares or hexagons.
• Depending on the bar feeder, the bar length can vary. This affects how much handling is required for volume jobs.
• CNC lathes or turning centers have tooling mounted on a turret which is computer-controlled. The more tools that that the turret can hold, the more options are available for complexities on the part.
• CNC’s with “live” tooling options, can stop the bar rotation and add additional features such as drilled holes, slots and milled surfaces.
• Some CNC turning centers have one spindle, allowing work to be done all from one side, while other turning centers, such as the one shown above, have two spindles, a main and sub-spindle. A part can be partially machined on the main spindle, moved to the sub-spindle and have additional work done to the other side this configuration.
• There are many different kinds of CNC turning centers with various types of tooling options, spindle options, outer diameter limitations as well as power and speed capabilities that affect the types of parts that can be economically made on it.

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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.