cnc turning
Using our high-speed, state-of-the-art lathes, we are able to use CNC turning to produce a wide range of precision turned parts for a variety of industries.
Computerized controls operate the machine.
Single-point cutting tools cut along the X and Z axes to turn the workpiece to the desired diameters and shape. During the turning process, the machine can bore, face, groove, and cut threads in order to meet the desired specifications for the part.
CNC turning is ideal for round, cylindrical, or tubular parts that have external and internal features, such as bores, grooves, tapers, and threads.
Meet precise specifications, minute details, and rigid designs to produce and reproduce exact components.
At CT&F, we are comfortable running a small number of parts on our CNC machine lathe, where other machine shops may only run higher volumes. Ask us.
turning parts
Using CNC turning to create a part typically involves four steps:
- Using CAD (computer-aided design) software to design a model that includes all the part’s technical specifications.
- Converting the model using CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software into a CNC-compatible program that will control the machining operations.
- Setting up the CNC lathe to machine the parts. The more complex the final product, the longer it takes to program, complete the set-ups and prove out the machining operations, and make any necessary adjustments.
- Running the turning operation to automatically create the final part and inspect the part to print.
It may take an experienced operator three hours to set up the CNC lathe and another 10 minutes to run a part, but once it’s set up, it’s easier to make additional parts. Plus, we can run a part and if it doesn’t turn out the way you expected, we can tweak the programming and run it again. Using a manual lathe, it may take two hours for the same part. If you need to adjust the specs and run the part again, it may take another two hours.
manual turning
CNC turning has many advantages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Manual turning may be more suitable for making what you need and be more cost-effective.
Our manual lathe allows us to efficiently create a part without the extra time it takes to program and run the CNC turning machine. Depending on your design specs, our experienced operators may be able to turn some parts faster and more cost-effectively using manual turning rather than using our CNC turning machines. Manual turning is good for small, intricate projects that take a lot of skilled operator intervention to complete. And if you have just a few parts you need to run, manual turning may be the more efficient process.
WHEN YOU REQUEST A QUOTE, WE WILL CONSIDER THE MOST EFFICIENT MACHINING PROCESS FOR THE RESULTS YOU NEED. CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE.
