Precision Craftsmanship: Exploring CNC Turning for Custom Parts
Understanding CNC Turning Service
The CNC turning service is best suited if you are looking forward to creating custom parts that are round or cylindrical shaped. The ability of CNC turning machines to perform cuts with extreme precision and high quality makes them suitable for industrial graded products.
You can also use the CNC turning services for different types of cuts. For example, you can perform drilling operations with the turning services to reach the desired outline for your designed part. If you want to perform boring cuts where you need to enlarge the diameter of a previously built hole, the lathes are suitable for such operations.
The indexable threading inserts are attached with lathes to make threading cuts. Overall, you can use the CNC turning services to get various types of jobs done.
You can watch this video to know more about turning services.
Types of Products Suitable for CNC Turning Processing
CNC turning, also known as Computer Numerical Control Turning is a machining process that has carved the niche of creating cylindrical parts. It does so by turning a workpiece and removing material with the tool. The approach can be applied to a wide range of materials but its applicability is based on material characteristics, complexity and tolerance. It works its way into the precise production of components that require high dimensional accuracy, such as shafts and axles or bushings and bearings. All kinds of connectors, couplings and fasteners hydraulic components pneumatic components pulleys gears all gain from the precision and accuracy that CNC turning gives.
CNC turning also does very well in the Medical sector, where it manufactures surgical equipment, implants and dental prosthetics. It is essential in aerospace for the manufacture of engine parts and landing gear units. In the automotive industry, it is used for drive shafts, brake cylinders and suspension parts. CNC turning is used by precision electronic connectors and components for tight tolerances as well as reliability. In addition, it eases rapid prototyping and small-batch manufacturing as a result of its adaptability and ability to generate complex geometries. This efficient and accurate method also addresses specific custom components that meet particular needs in various industries, thus making CNC turning a vital tool for the manufacturing of cylindrical parts.
Metals You Can Choose for CNC Turning Services
Aluminum:
Different alloys of aluminum are suitable for CNC turning services.Stainless Steel:
Different alloys of stainless steel are suitable for CNC turning services.
- Stainless steel alloy 304
- Stainless steel alloy 316
- Stainless steel alloy 2205
- Stainless steel alloy 303
- Stainless steel alloy 17-4
Mild Steel:
- Mild steel alloy 1018
- Mild steel alloy 1045
- Mild steel alloy A36
Alloy Steel:
- Steel alloy 4140
- Steel alloy 4340
- Tool steel alloy D2
- Tool steel alloy A2
- Tool steel alloy O1
Brass:
- Brass alloy C36000
Order Plastics For CNC Turning Services
Benefits of Choosing CNC Turning Services
-
Precision and accuracy:
-
High efficiency for cylindrical parts with repeatability:
-
Types of processes:
-
Cost efficiency:
-
High-quality process:
-
Order Variation
-
The versatility of material choice:
Working Principle of CNC Turning
CNC turning is a specific type of CNC machining in which the working piece is rotated, and a mechanical cutter does the cutting process. A computer-controlled sequence controls the complete movement of the cutter and the working piece. That’s why the process is termed CNC or computer numerical control.
You have to remember that you can only create a custom part with cylindrical, conical, or round shapes for CNC turning works. The first workpiece on which you want to perform the CNC turning doesn’t necessarily need to be cylindrical shaped. For that, you can choose a cubic or hexagonal shape as well.
The working material is attached with a chuck at one side. Then following a specific sequence, the piece is rotated at a very high speed. On the other side, the robotic arm of the machine will hold the cutting blade.
You need to input the motion instructions to the controlling software to reach your target design. The CNC machine will follow these specific sequences of motion to guide the cutter blade and cut the working piece.
You can watch this video to learn how the CNC turning works.
Surface Finishing You Can Get Through CNC Turning Services
-
As machined:
-
Bead blast:
-
Polished surface:
-
Black oxide surface finishing:
-
Powder-coated finish:
-
Anodized type II and type III surface finishing:
-
Plating
CNC Turning Can Be Used for Both Small and Large Production Runs
CNC turning is an effective method of manufacture that can be used for both small-batch and high output volumes. As rapid prototyping is costly due to the huge amount of time required and it does not offer customization, CNC turning has an advantage because in smaller quantities produced developer benefits from fast development as well as individual component minimizes space. The flexibility is also more expansive due to the fact that it can handle various part geometries and materials, which makes this tool very convenient for most small-scale projects.
However, for high-volume production and applications in industries where standardization is important such as automotive industry CNC turning has very low tolerance levels which have significantly contributed to the need of uniformity. While it takes an initial setup cost, nevertheless; its capacity to save money and labor requirements reduce the overall costs. However, as CNC machines are able to work intermittently with short downtimes large production volumes enjoy much shorter lead times and therefore strict quality control could be maintained. In conclusion, CNC turning is a versatile and adaptable operation that suits both small-scale production and large scale production with the essential accuracy in machining to achieve efficiency.
Differences Between CNC Milling And CNC Turning Services
The two processes act from two different perspectives for different application scopes. The differences are highlighted below:
The first difference is in terms of process. In the CNC milling operation, the cutting is performed by keeping the workpiece stable in a fixed position. Simultaneously, the computer-guided mechanism rotates the cutting tool and changes its position to perform the cut. On the other hand, in CNC turning operations, the cutting is performed by rotating the workpiece in a fixed position.
Another difference is in terms of cutting technique. For CNC turning techniques, the cutting tool typically has one point that performs cutting operations at a time. This single point is touched with the surface of the rotational workpiece, which results in the cutting or removal of material.
The cutting tool used in the CNC milling process has multiple points that are involved in the cutting process at a time. All the required cutting edges of the rotating cutting blade make contact with the workpiece to perform the cutting operation. Due to the process involved, the CNC turning service is limited to the final shape of the product.
Since the workpiece remains in constant rotation, with CNC turning service, you can only create round or cylindrical-based objects. On the other hand, the shape of the final product is unlimited with the CNC milling process. Since you keep the workpiece stationary and position the rotary cutting tools to cut, you can get any form of the final shape.
In the CNC turning process, the computer guides the cutting tool to maintain continuous contact with the surface of the working piece where you want to perform the cutting process. With the CNC milling process, the cutting tool doesn’t maintain similar contact.
The cutting head is involved for a small cut and then taken out and repositioned for a different cut or cuts in a different area. Due to differences in cutting features, mostly continuous chips of waste are produced during the CNC turning process. On the other hand, in CNC milling operations, discontinuous chips are produced.
Tolerance Standards You Can Expect From CNC Turning Services
- Most of the CNC turning services can maintain a tolerance level of ±0.01 mm for all products.
- For the circumference of a cylinder, the tolerance level is ±0.01 mm for a nominal size of 100 mm.
- For flatness at the end face, the tolerance level is ±0.02 mm for a nominal size of 200 mm.
- Accuracy for thread pitch, the tolerance is ±0.06 mm for a nominal size of 300 mm.
- Surface roughness without additional finishing to about Ra 0.8.
- For the accuracy of an outer circle, tolerance is 0.005 mm to 0.01 mm
Quality Control Productions For CNC Turning Services
-
Standard design input:
-
Healthy coordination with customers:
-
Legal and standard specifications:
-
Raw material quality inspection:
-
Experienced and skilled workforce:
-
Updated and hi-tech production line:
-
In-process QC inspection:
-
Post-process final QC inspection:
Difference Between Rough CNC Turning And Finish CNC Turning
A complete CNC turning process is divided into two steps. The first step is the rough CNC turning, and the second is the finished CNC turning. Here are some of the differences highlighted for you to understand.
| Difference in | Rough CNC turning | Finish CNC turning |
Purpose of operation | Every turning process is started by rough CNC turning on the raw material. The purpose of rough CNC turning is to remove a bulk amount of material from the workpiece to give it a shape closer to the final geometry of the designed part. | The purpose of finish CNC turning is to convert the roughened part to the final shape. |
Starting piece | The rough turning operation is performed on the first raw material. | The finish turning operation is performed on the roughed part. |
| Finishing piece | Through rough CNC turning, you can get a roughened part. | Through finish CNC turning, you can get the finished final output. |
Feed rate | The feed rate is higher in rough CNC turning. | The feed rate is slower in finish CNC turning |
Cut depth | Each cut depth is higher in rough CNC turning. | Low cut depth is applied in finish CNC turning. |
Material removal rate | More material is removed per unit time in the rough CNC turning. | Less material is removed per unit time in the finish CNC turning. |
Surface finish | The CNC rough turning ends with a rough surface finishing. | The CNC finish turning ends with a smooth surface finishing. |
Dimensional accuracy and tolerance | Low dimensional accuracy and tolerance level are maintained in rough CNC turning. | High dimensional accuracy and tolerance level are maintained in rough CNC turning. |
Cutting tool | Cutting tools with negative rake inserts are used in rough CNC turning to get more cutting speed. | Cutting tools with positive rake inserts are used in finish CNC turning to ignore the speed and improve finishing quality. |
Find The Suitable CNC Turning Service
- Find a CNC turning service that houses the best and updated CNC turning machines to provide their service.
- Quality control is an important step in CNC turning services. Always choose the service that ensures quality control in their production line.
- Choose the CNC turning service that can perform a range of capabilities. You don’t want to waste your important time opting for different service providers for different services.
- Analyze the production time on how quickly the CNC turning services make get your product done.
- Consider the cost and budget. Choose the manufacturer who can get your product done at efficient costs.
- Good customer support is important in any service. Choose a manufacturer who maintains good customer support.
- One of the most beneficial factors is to consider the market reputation of a service provider. If they are good in every aspect of their service, they must have a good reputation.
Guidance for Custom CNC Turning Parts from Manufacturers
- Define Requirements: State dimensions, material type, tolerances and the quantity ordered.
- Research Manufacturers: Search for reliable and reputable CNC turning companies.
- Request Quotes: Acquire precise cost estimations (RFQ) from several manufacturers.
- Evaluate Quotes: Compare prices, delivery times, quality and applicability
- Material Selection: Use a suitable material for your application.
- Prototyping: Alternatively, you may request a sample part for validation.
- Quality Assurance: It is therefore necessary to ensure that the manufacturer adheres with quality standards.
- Lead Time: Develop a production schedule that fits into your timeline.
- Communication: Keep communication channels open throughout the process.
- Inspect and Test: The components should be verified upon arrival and tests that are necessary to conduct must also be done.
- Documentation: All communications and documentation should be recorded.
- Payment: Meet them halfway on payment terms and stay within those boundaries.
- Long-Term Relationship: It is possible to suggest a long-term relationship for continuity.
Conclusion
If you are involved with any kind of engineering-based business, the CNC turning services are an essential part for you. Moreover, the huge availability of CNC turning services with affordable and flexible offers from the service providers are attracting more businesses.
With such high demand and scopes, you can opt for CNC turning services to get your custom parts within a very short time. You should also familiarise yourself with various aspects of CNC turning and CNC turning service opportunities for more efficient trade. Consider important factors while choosing the best CNC turning service to suit your ultimate need.
