Different types of turning operations result from variations in tool ends and the kinematic relationship between the tool and the workpiece. The processes follow distinct procedures to meet design specifications. However, each operation can achieve distinct results for individual projects.
Therefore, there is a need to understand the different types of turning operations and their peculiarities. This article will examine 10 of the most vital operations performed on a lathe machine, explaining their processes and applications. You will also learn how you can choose the best one for your project. Let’s get right into it.
How Does Turning Operation Work?
Turning is a machining process used to create cylindrical parts, where the cutting tool moves in a linear path while the workpiece rotates. This process is typically performed on a lathe, which is a machine tool that holds and rotates the workpiece against a fixed cutting tool.
cnc lathe working
The basic steps involved in a turning operation are:
Setup: The machinist begins by calibrating and setting up the CNC turning apparatus to ensure optimal performance. Then, the workpiece is securely fixed to the lathe spindle for stable rotation.
Tool Selection: The next step involves choosing the cutting tools and positioning them within the tool turret for efficient tool changes. The selection depends on the material and design requirements.
Program Loading: The machinist then loads the CNC machining program into the system and completes the setup. This program guides the workpiece rotation and controls the movement of the cutting tool.
Machining Operation: Once the program is loaded, the CNC machining operation begins. The workpiece rotates, and the cutting tool shapes it based on the programmed design. The cutting parameters are adjusted for optimal material removal rates and dimensional accuracy.
Real-time Monitoring: Sensors monitor conditions during turning for real-time adjustments, ensuring consistency and meeting quality standards.
Types of Turning Operations
The turning process can involve several different operations, depending on the outcome you’re willing to achieve. Before we get into the different types of CNC turning operations, here’s a brief overview of what you should know about them:
| Types of Turning Operations | Description | Avantages | Applications |
| Tournage | Shapes rotating workpieces using a single-point cutting tool. | Efficiency, precision, versatility, scalability | Shafts, bushings, axles, pins, various rotational components |
| Taraudage | Forms screw threads inside pre-drilled holes using a tap. | Strong connections, standardization, disassembly/reusability | Creating threaded holes for assembly in various industries |
| Filetage | Carves external screw threads on the outer diameter of a workpiece. | Strong and standardized assembly, versatility, scalability | Manufacturing threaded rods, bolts, fasteners, etc. |
| Alésage | Refines and enlarges existing holes in workpieces. | Dimensional accuracy, surface finish, capability | Enlarging pre-drilled holes for bearings, shafts, etc. |
| Gravure à la roulette | Enhances the gripping ability of workpiece surfaces by creating textured patterns. | Improved grip, safety, aesthetics | Handles, knobs, machine parts require secure grip |
| Rechargement | Refines accuracy and surface finish of existing holes. | Dimensional accuracy, surface finish, precision | Applications requiring precise fits, like bearing housings |
| Forage | Creates cylindrical holes in workpieces. | Versatility, efficiency, integration | Creating holes for fasteners, pins, and further machining processes |
| Faceage | cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. |
| Rainurage | cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. |
| cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. |
Tournage
cURL Too many subrequests. cURL Too many subrequests.. cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
Taraudage
cURL Too many subrequests. cURL Too many subrequests. cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
Filetage
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
Alésage
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
Gravure à la roulette
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
Rechargement
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
cURL Too many subrequests.
Like boring, reaming requires a pre-drilled or bored hole with a specific diameter to accommodate the reamer. It’s best suited for refining existing holes rather than creating entirely new ones. Additionally, it removes minimal material and may not be suitable for significantly enlarging a hole.
Forage
The drilling operation removes material from the inside of a workpiece to create a hole. This hole has a diameter matching the drill bit’s size. Proper positioning of the bit is essential for optimal performance. Therefore, machinists position the drill bits on a tailstock drill holder or a lathe tool holder while the material rotates in a chuck or faceplate. The feed rate and drill bit size determine the depth and accuracy of the hole.
drilling working process
Drilling is It’s used extensively for creating holes for fasteners, pins, and dowels, or for further machining processes like tapping or boring. It is crucial for component assembly, part creation, and various other applications in almost every industry.
However, hole accuracy and quality can be affected by factors like drill bit size, feed rate, and material properties. Improper parameters can lead to inaccurate hole placement, size deviations, or burrs around the hole. Furthermore, creating complex hole geometries may require additional machining processes.
Faceage
In machining, workpieces are often longer than the final part. Facing addresses this by machining the end of a workpiece parallel to the axis of rotation. The tool moves along the workpiece radius, removing a thin layer of material to achieve the desired part length and smooth face surface.
facing working process
This operation is essential for creating a flat and square surface for perpendicular mating surfaces, bearings, or for further machining processes. It’s a fundamental operation for many components requiring precise positioning and assembly. For example, it ensures a bearing sits well against a machined surface.
However, facing cannot create angled or curved surfaces on complex geometries. Depending on the initial condition of the workpiece end, it might remove a significant amount of material.
Rainurage
Also known as necking, grooving creates a narrow cut in the base material. The size of the cut depends on the cutting tool’s width. Wider grooves require the tool to make multiple passes along a single path. There are two types of grooving – face and external. In face grooving, the cutting tool makes a narrow groove on the workpiece’s face, while external grooving removes material through a radial movement into the side of the workpiece.
grooving working process
Grooving serves various functional and aesthetic purposes. It can create channels for O-rings or snap rings, which are essential for sealing or retaining components. Grooves can also be used to part off individual components from a longer bar stock or to create channels for lubrication or fluid flow.
However, grooves weaken the overall cross-section of the workpiece, especially for deep grooves. This must be considered during the design phase to ensure the remaining material can withstand operational stresses. Selecting the appropriate cutting tool geometry is crucial for achieving the desired groove profile and minimizing tool wear.
cURL Too many subrequests.
Parting is the final operation to separate a completed component from the raw bar stock. Here, a specific-shaped tool progressively cuts through the workpiece as it rotates, eventually reaching the center where the part detaches and falls off. A part catcher is often employed to catch the separated part. This operation occurs after the workpiece has been machined to the required size and shape.
parting working process
This process is essential for high-volume production runs where multiple identical parts are created from a single material bar. It streamlines the production process by completing the part creation within a single CNC turning setup. However, it is important to note that improper programming can lead to uneven parting surfaces or excessive scrap generation.
How to Choose the Right Turning Operations
While Tournage CNC opens up the possibilities of achieving an extensive range of products, choosing the right operation is key to the success of your project. Let’s examine the various considerations to put you on the right track.
Type de matériau
Different materials have varying machinability. Certain turning operations might weaken a workpiece depending on the material. For instance, deep grooves machined in a soft aluminum part can significantly reduce its overall strength. Conversely, harder materials like steel can withstand deeper cuts without compromising their structural integrity.
Ductile materials like aluminum or brass can deform slightly under the cutting pressure during turning. This ductility can be beneficial for achieving smooth finishes. On the other hand, brittle materials like cast iron can crack or chip if subjected to excessive force during operations like drilling or knurling. Selecting operations that minimize stress on brittle materials helps prevent these issues.
Précision dimensionnelle
Each CNC turning operation offers a different level of accuracy. Operations like turning and facing excel at creating highly precise features like cylindrical shapes and flat surfaces. Conversely, drilling and knurling may have slightly lower inherent accuracy due to factors like drill bit deflection or tool vibration.
Therefore, it’s always best to consider the desired accuracy. Similarly, sharper, more rigid lathe tools create cleaner cuts and tighter tolerances compared to dull tools. A dull tool can cause the part to be slightly larger or smaller than intended. Thus, you need to carefully consider the inherent accuracy of each operation and the desired tolerance level to select the right operation.
Finition de surface
Different types of turning operations in lathes have inherent capabilities when it comes to surface finish. Turning and facing typically create smoother finishes compared to drilling or knurling. Additionally, operations like reaming and polishing are specifically used to improve surface finish after an initial machining process. Understanding the impact of the desired surface finish on your part’s functionality and aesthetics will help you select the most suitable CNC turning operation.
Shape and Features
Different turning operations create diverse forms and features. Turning creates cylindrical shapes while facing flattened ends. Threading carves external threads, and tapping creates internal threads for screws. Choosing the wrong operation will simply not achieve the desired outcome.
However, Tournage CNC’s strength lies in its ability to combine multiple operations on a single workpiece. A complex part might require turning for the cylindrical shape, then drilling for holes, and then tapping those holes to create threaded inserts. The ability to combine operations efficiently on CNC lathes creates intricate parts in a single setup. Knowing the capabilities of each operation and how they work together will help you choose a successful operation.
Conclusion
Turning plays a crucial role in CNC machining, allowing for precise cuts to create intricate components. Its versatility extends to working with various materials and producing diverse shapes. The various types of turning operations available make it even more useful in several situations. However, the extensive list of technologies makes it challenging to select the optimal option for your project.
XTJ est un fabricant OEM leader dédié à fournir des solutions de fabrication tout-en-un, du prototype à la production. Nous sommes fiers d'être une entreprise certifiée ISO 9001 en gestion de la qualité et déterminés à créer de la valeur dans chaque relation client. Nous le faisons par la collaboration, l'innovation, l'amélioration des processus et un travail exceptionnel.
