General turning

What is turning?

Turning generates cylindrical and rounded forms with a single point tool. The definition of turning is that the tool is stationary while the workpiece rotates.

A turning operation is the most common process for metal cutting and is a highly optimized process, requiring thorough consideration of the various factors in the turning application.

Turning can be broken down into a number of basic applications (longitudinal turning, facing and profiling), requiring specific type of tools, cutting data and programming for the operation to be performed in the most efficient way.

Initial considerations for turning

These initial considerations will affect the choice of turning tools and how they are applied.

The component

Consider the following dimensions and quality demands of the component to be machined:

• Type of applications, for example, longitudinal or profiling, internal or external
• Type of methods, for example, roughing or finishing
• Large, stable component
• Small, long, slender, thin-walled component
• Corner radius
• Quality demands (tolerance, surface finish etc.)

After considering the features, look at the component:

• Does the material have good chip-breaking qualities?
• Is chip evacuation a critical issue? Mass production justifies an optimized Tailor Made tool to maximize productivity.
• Batch size: a single component or mass production?
• Can the component be fixed securely?

The machine

Machine considerations include:

• Stability, power and torque, especially for larger components
• Coolant supply or dry machining
• Is high-pressure coolant for chip breaking in long-chipping materials necessary?
• Tool changing times/number of tools in turret
• Limitations in rpm, especially for bar feed magazine
• Sub-spindle or tail stock available?