The use of computer numerical control turning machines is fundamental to many production processes. It can make cylinders with a wide range of profiles.
There is no way to transfer power from the motor to the moving components of a machine without using shafts. Naturally, shafts need to be rotated. However, CNC turning machines and boring find widespread use in many sectors for the production of axisymmetric components.
Turning using a CNC Machine
What exactly happens during the turning process? While the cutting process is simple, we’ll examine the whole process, which begins with developing a CAD file.
Procedure stages are as follows:
- Producing a CAD model of the component.
- Making CNC programs from CAD drawings
- Initiating a CNC Turning Center
- Construction of the turning components
The Components of a CNC Lathe
Let’s take a look at what makes up the core of a CNC turning machine.
- Headstock
The front of a computer numerically controlled lathe is known as the headstock. The spindle’s driving motor is located in this section of the mechanism.
Connecting the spindle to the chuck or collet. The piece to be turned may be held by any of them in turn.
- Replaceable parts: chuck and collet
The machinable component is held firmly in the chuck’s jaws. Various sized components may be machined thanks to its direct spindle attachment and interchangeability.
A collet is essentially a chuck’s smaller cousin. For collets, the maximum part diameter is 60 mm. Holding tiny components is easier with them.
- Tailstock
The rotary part of a computer numerically controlled turning center. For longer pieces of work, a tailstock may be attached directly to the bed. The hydraulic force is provided by the tailstock quill.
The spindle is still the engine, while the tailstock just rides along for the ride. A tailstock is not a good choice to turn a face since it gets in the middle of the work.
- Carriage
The workpiece is spinning, and the carriage is supported by rails that slide along the rails. It is where the cutting implements are stored in order to facilitate the cutting operation.
Rather than a carriage, most modern machines use a turret that can be rotated 360 degrees. The ability to carry multiple tools at once means that transitioning between tasks takes much less time.
- Routing and Milling Machine
Live tools may be standard in certain CNC turning machine centers. Live tooling includes mills, drills, and other tools that don’t need an external power source to operate, whereas single-point cutting tools are best suited for most turning tasks. Without the need for any additional equipment, keyways or holes may be drilled at right angles to the component axis.
Conclusion
The manufacturing sector would collapse without turning. This manufacturing process is ideal for producing accurate axisymmetric components. Large-batch production with almost similar results is now possible because of the adaptability and production capacity.
CNC milling and turning capabilities are now sometimes integrated into big CNC machining centers like Parallel Ventures. With the addition of milling capabilities, CNC machines have become formidable tools for producing complex designs. The machinable component is held firmly in the chuck’s jaws. Various sized components may be machined thanks to its direct spindle attachment and interchangeability.
