If you're in the manufacturing industry and operate CNC lathe machines, it's essential to understand the different CNC lathe turning operations available. Knowing these operations will give you the knowledge to select the appropriate operation for your job, optimizing your time and budget.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 essential CNC lathe turning operations that you should know.
1. Facing\
When the end of a workpiece is machined, this operation is known as a facing operation. The objective of facing is to generate a flat surface.
2. Turning\
Turning is one of the most common CNC lathe operations, which removes a part of the workpiece's diameter. This operation generates cylindrical shapes.
3. Drilling\
In this operation, a drill bit is used to create a hole in the workpiece. The depth, diameter, and position of the hole depend on the specifications required for the job.
4. Boring\
Boring is used to obtain precision holes with tight tolerances within a workpiece. Boring is used when a hole needs to be drilled in a position that is inaccessible by a drilling operation.
5. Grooving\
CNC lathe turning operations use grooving to produce specific designs on the workpiece by making cuts in the workpiece's surface.
6. Thread Cutting\
In Thread Cutting, the CNC machine tool creates helical, or spiral-shaped grooves called threads on the surface of a workpiece. It is mostly used for producing screws, bolts and nuts.
7. Knurling\
Knurling produces a regular and repetitive pattern by rolling or pressing knurls into a surface. This operation is used for producing gear shift knobs, handles, and other decorative designs.
8. Parting\
Parting operation cuts the workpiece into two at a specific position. This operation is useful when a workpiece needs to be divided into several parts, such as when generating rings.
9. Facing and Center Drilling\
Facing and Center Drilling are essential operations that are often combined together. This process involves producing a flat surface at the end of a workpiece and then drilling a precisely located center hole in its end.
10. Tapering\
Tapering operation helps to produce Precision-tapered shafts and shapes, which are widely used in automotive industries.
Conclusion:\
We have discussed the top 10 essential CNC lathe turning operations you should know. Understanding these CNC lathe operations will help you in enhancing your productivity, meeting tight tolerances, and manufacturing complex shapes. Using these operations, you can achieve a high level of precision and efficiency in your work, which ultimately leads to a better-quality final product.
cnc lathe turning operation