The Evolution of CNC Vol. 1: CNC Turning
A sneak peek at this issue:
The ballpoint pen in your hand, the drive shaft in a car, the precision nuts found everywhere—if you look closely, all these components display an extremely precise rotational structure. How is it that these parts can be made so perfectly round and so finely crafted? Today, we’re going to lift the veil on the mystery behind them: CNC turning.
What is CNC turning?
If we regard manufacturing and machining as a form of artistic creation, then CNC turning can be described as “the realisation of metal-based pottery on the potter’s wheel”.
, The workpiece is clamped securely and rotates at extremely high speeds, whilst hard, sharp cutting tools—much like our nimble fingers—trace the contours of the workpiece to perform the cutting operation. Excess metal is gradually removed, resulting in smooth, standard cylinders, cones, threads and even spheres.
CNC turning has three key characteristics:
However, CNC turning has some significant limitations, The key principle of CNC turning lies in “rotational machining”; consequently, it can only be used to machine symmetrical, rotational parts such as circular and cylindrical components. When dealing with irregular parts featuring unique geometric characteristics, it is necessary to employ other CNC processes in conjunction with it.
Three key parameters
To produce parts that meet specifications, three key parameters must be carefully controlled in CNC turning.
1. Rotational speed: how fast the workpiece rotates
When it comes to raw materials, the rotational speed must not be too fast, nor too slow. If the speed is too high, the parts are prone to overheating and warping. If the speed is too low, machining efficiency will be poor and the surface finish will be rough.
This is usually adjusted according to the material and dimensions of the part. For example, when machining aluminium alloy, the spindle speed can be set slightly higher, whereas when machining hard steel, the spindle speed needs to be set slightly lower.
2. Feed rate: the “speed” at which the tool moves”
The distance a cutting tool travels with each revolution is known as the feed rate. If the feed rate is too high, noticeable tool marks will appear on the workpiece surface; if it is too low, machining speed will be reduced and efficiency will suffer.
3. Tool material: the “scalpel” of machining”
It is essential to select the correct tool material to ensure efficient and precise machining. There are three common types of tools, each made from a different material to meet specific machining requirements.
Applications of CNC turning
Turned products are found almost everywhere in our daily lives, precisely because they have perfected the art of the “circle”.
Automotive industry
The drive shafts in cars, as well as brake discs and shaft components on the engine, all rely on CNC turning. The precision of these components directly affects the vehicle’s road safety and stability; it is essential to ensure that tolerances are accurate and error-free to prevent issues such as loosening or wear.
Electronics industry
Many of the electronic devices we use on a daily basis, such as mobile phones, computers and headphones, contain a number of precision CNC-turned parts, such as the screws in mobile phones and the metal tubes in headphones. These components are small in size but require a high degree of precision, and CNC turning is capable of producing compact and accurate results without interfering with the normal operation of the electronic devices.
Hardware industry
Basic hardware components, such as screws, nuts and bolts, are mostly produced in bulk using CNC turning. It is precisely because of CNC turning that these components can be manufactured to uniform specifications and fit together tightly.
CNC Turning Solutions
If you have any requirements for CNC turning, whether for prototyping or mass production, Zhemi Technology can meet your needs precisely.
Coming up next
In this issue, we’ve unlocked the secrets of CNC turning
Although it excels at machining rotary parts, it is “at a loss” when it comes to irregular surfaces”
Those irregular, irregularly shaped parts and complex curved parts
What manufacturing process is used?
Chinese 
Japanese 
English 
German 
Finnish 
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