CNC turning is a cutting technique that we use to remove material from a rotating rigid sheet metal piece.
This particular cutting process is used to help produce and manufacture different shapes and sizes of sheet metal.
To find out more about the sheet metal services we offer, go to the Morfabrication page or feel free to call us at 0191 816 2718.
In this post, we look at a guide to CNC turning, alternative fabrication techniques, and the advantages of opting for this process for your project.
What is CNC turning?
CNC turning – the computer numerical control is programmed to automate the machining process. Turning the workpiece with precision while a single-point cutting tool gets to work removing excess material to leave you with a final shape and size…to be precise, an axially symmetric part.
One of the oldest forms of manufacturing, CNC turning, is a versatile process that is often used to produce cones, cylinders, and discs, as it is the rotation of the workpiece that helps to form the shape.
It is most suited to short-run volumes.
Note: For more elaborate designs, opting for CNC milling may be more beneficial. The main difference between CNC turning and CNC milling is that milling involves the cutting tool rotating while the workpiece remains stationary.
CNC turning is suitable for:
Aluminium
- Brass
- Plastics
(Stainless steel and titanium may require specialist tooling, and your sheet metal fabricator will discuss these with you at the start of your project).
Everything to know about CNC cutting
CNC turning involves holding the material in place using a chuck, with the metal then rotating while the cutting tool removes the unwanted material to create the programmed shape.
The CNC machinery can have various tooling options that also allow you to carry out other techniques, such as drilling to create holes and slots.
Below we take a look at the process of CNC turning.
Starting with the design. All fabrication projects will begin with a CAD design or drawing. For CNC turning this CAD design will be converted to a CAM file for the programming of the CNC machinery. The CAM file is the computer program that will control the CNC turning machine, directing the tool along the cutting lines and making very small yet extremely precise cutting movements.
Measurements – as part of the design and conversion stage, certain measurements,
including cutting speed and feed rate, will also have to be taken into account. For example, the speed rate looks at the rotation of the workpiece, whereas the feed rate looks at the speed at which the cutting tool moves along the rotating workpiece.
It is essential that you work with experienced sheet metal fabricators UK to ensure the right estimations, as these can and do affect the result of the final piece.
Material choice – material selection is vital when you take into account the final finished service. Bear in mind size, weight, and shape when making your selection.
Cutting – bars of raw material are held and rotated at high speed, and as the piece rotates, the cutting tool gets to work removing material to create the desired shape.
Welding – once the cutting is complete, some projects may require spot welding. Welding is a skilled process, so we always recommend that you work with an experienced professional.
Finishing – once the project is complete, you can look to increase the metal’s longevity and corrosion resistance with a range of finishing options. These can range from sandblasting to painting and powder coating.
Advantages of CNC turning
- Can achieve a high level of precision, producing meticulous and exact results.
- Creates a smooth, more polished finish.
- It requires fewer tools, and the set-up process is much quicker, saving you time and money.
- It is an excellent process option if you need to create fast and symmetrical parts.
- CNC turning also supports other fabrication processes such as drilling, boring, reaming, and taper turning.
- CNC turning is a great sheet metal fabrication technique when you require rotational symmetry.
- Can achieve high precision and tight tolerances.
As well as learning the advantages of CNC turning, it’s also important to understand some disadvantages; primarily, if you require complex geometrics, various sizes, or high production volumes, other fabrication processes may be more suitable.
Methods such as CNC milling, injection moulding, and even die casting.
When you choose to work with Morfabrication, we work with you at every stage of the fabrication process to ensure that each stage is the most appropriate for the application.
Providing you with a high-quality finish, customers return to us time and time again because of our skill, experience, and ability to deliver projects to a high standard.
To find out more or if you have a project coming up, speak to a member of our team today at 0191 816 2718 or email us at info@morfabrication.com. We’re happy to help.
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