CNC Turning of Aluminum Metal Parts
Eight Common Machining Processes
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Turning
Custom CNC Turning of Precision Mechanical Parts
Turning can be divided into different types, including external turning, internal turning, face turning, and thread turning.
In turning, the workpiece rotates, creating the primary cutting motion. When the cutting tool moves parallel to the axis of rotation, it forms internal and external cylindrical surfaces. When the cutting tool moves along a line intersecting the axis, it forms conical surfaces. On copy lathes or CNC lathes, the tool can be controlled to feed along a curve, thereby forming a specific rotational surface. Rotational surfaces can also be machined using a form tool with transverse feed. Turning can also be used to machine threaded surfaces, end faces, and eccentric shafts. The machining accuracy for turning is generally IT8–IT7, with a surface roughness of 6.3–1.6 μm. During finish turning, accuracy can reach IT6–IT5, with a surface roughness of 0.4–0.1 μm. Turning offers high productivity, a relatively smooth cutting process, and simple tooling.
