CNC precision turning parts are special components made with a very high degree of accuracy. They employ the computer-controlled technological process. The main part of the process is a workpiece that is a cylindrical material that rotates. You just need to a fixture of a cutting tool that is fixed to remove material and get the shape of the desired part.
These parts are irreplaceable in the field of manufacturing today. They can produce virtually any kind of circular parts, whether it be cylindrical, conical, or any other form. These very pieces go on various industries parts, from the aerospace sector to robotic devices. Their prominent feature is the accuracy.
You are in the right place if you want to know all about it. We will cover the turning process and standard materials. Also, we will offer design suggestions that can help you.get the best results. In addition, we will demonstrate how to find the most suitable supplier for your CNC-Drehservice.
The Basics of CNC Precision Turning Components
Understanding how cnc precision turning components are made helps you design better parts. The process happens on a machine called a CNC lathe. “CNC” stands for Computer Numerical Control. This means a computer guides the entire operation.
The process is a subtractive manufacturing method. First, we start with a block of material or bar which we call bar stock. We remove the material to create a specific shape. The bar stock is placed on the lathe spindle which spins at a high rate. At the same time, a tool moves straight or in an arc along the piece. The computer program is responsible for the movement of the cutting tool.
This method is great because it has a wide range of operations. The biggest advantage would be that CNC turning machining now offers more options than ever before. It can produce complex cylindrical shapes.
Among the alphabets operations, here are the basic turning processes:
* Facing: This operation machines a flat, finished, and smooth face on the end of the part.
* Parting: In this process, the finished component is cut off from the main stock bar.
* Grooving: The grooving process makes narrow slots or grooves into the surface of the part.
* Drilling & Boring: Makes a hole in the center of the part (drilling) or increases the size of a hole (boring).
* Threading: it is making screw threads on the inside or the outside of a part.
* Knurling: The surface is knurled to improve grip and create a pattern.
CNC Turning and CNC Milling: What are the main differences?
The terms CNC turning and CNC milling are often mistaken for each other. What makes these two processes fundamentally different is the movement of the machine. Workpiece rotates in CNC turning, while the cutting tool is static overall.
In CNC milling, the cutting tool moves and rotates with respect to a non-moving workpiece. Turning is appropriate for making cylindrical components, mainly shafts and pins. Milling is used for flat surface work, pockets, and random shapes.
Necessary Materials for Crafted CNC Turned Components: Characteristics and Applications
It is very important to choose the correct materials. They will change the performance, duration of service, and the overall cost of your component. The selection of materials affects the structural properties such as strength and weight as well as external properties like heat and corrosion resistance. Your decision is based on the part’s application and environmental conditions.
The table below lists the most frequently used materials in the manufacturing of cnc precision turning components with key characteristics and applications.
| Material | Wichtige Eigenschaften | Gemeinsame Anwendungen |
|---|---|---|
| Metalle | ||
| Aluminium (6061, 7075) | Lightweight, good strength-to-weight ratio, resists rust. | Aerospace parts, automotive bodies, consumer electronics. |
| Stainless Steel (303, 304, 316) | High strength, excellent rust resistance, heat resistant. | Medical devices, food processing equipment, marine parts. |
| Carbon Steel (1018, 12L14) | Strong, low cost, easy to machine. | Fasteners, shafts, general industrial parts. |
| Messing | Low friction, conducts electricity well, resists rust. | Plumbing fittings, electrical connectors, musical instruments. |
| Titan | Very high strength-to-weight ratio, safe for the body, resists rust. | Aerospace components, medical implants, high-performance parts. |
| Kunststoffe | ||
| PEEK | High-performance, resists chemicals and high temperatures. | Medical implants, aerospace parts, semiconductor components. |
| Nylon | Durable, wears well, tough. | Gears, bushings, wear pads. |
| Acetal (Delrin®) | Stiff, low friction, stable shape. | Bearings, precision mechanical parts, fuel system parts. |
Optimize Your Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
The process of creating a part that considers the manufacturing process is called Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Applying DFM principles on your CNC turned components can significantly lower the cost. It will also enhance the quality and speed the delivery process. The following are some valuable tips for you to get better results.
One of the most common mistakes is the design with sharp inside corners. The corners should be special ones, slow and of course, move tools. This would add more costs and time. The remedy lies in simply adding one small plus rounding the corners. This rounding can help to use normal tools. Time and money saved!
Keep Tolerances Realistic
Tolerances are the limits on how much a part’s size can change in the end. The more precise a tolerance is, the more correctly a part has to be made. You need to remember that it’s possible to have very high precision but it’s not always necessary.
Unnecessarily tight tolerances dramatically increase machining time. They also increase inspection costs and the chance of rejection. Standards for tolerances are on average +/- 0.005 inches (0.127mm) and are often utilized. However, for precision tolerances, they can be as extreme as +/- 0.001 inches (0.025mm) which is obviously much more expensive. Only put in specific tolerances on critical features where fit and function are affected.
Design with Standard Tooling in Mind
CNC machine shops hold various standard cutting tools which are in the shops. The way to design the features that are compatible with these tools will be a lot cheaper. This way you won’t require a shop to buy or manufacture particular tools for your job.
For instance, you would like standard tool sizes to design corner radii, groove widths, and hole depths. Having a chat with your manufacturer early in the design process can be helpful. It allows you to adjust your design to their available tooling. This way your project stays on time and avoids the costs such as those incurring from delays for your precision turned components.
Simplify and Consolidate
Look for opportunities to simplify your design. Can two or three separate parts be combined into one stronger, single component?
Making one complex part is often more cost-effective. This beats making several simple parts and then paying for assembly. A single, consolidated part also eliminates weak points at joints. It improves overall strength and reliability. This approach is a hallmark of efficient product development.
Consider Wall Thickness
Machining parts with very thin walls is a major challenge. Thin walls can vibrate or bend during cutting. This leads to poor surface finish and inaccurate dimensions. This makes it difficult to produce consistent cnc precision turning components.
A good rule of thumb is to keep wall thickness above 0.040 inches (1mm) for metals. For plastics, keep it above 0.060 inches (1.5mm). If your design requires long, thin, or complex small-diameter features, it may be best to use specialized equipment. In these cases, it’s wise to explore Schweizer CNC-Drehdienstleistungen. These are designed to support the workpiece right at the cutting point.
Checklist on How to Find and Choose the Right CNC Turning Partner
Picking the right manufacturing partner is equally important as the design. A reliable supplier is like a partner. They will provide their expertise and assure the success of your project. Here is a checklist to assist you regarding how to analyze possible suppliers, and make the right choice.
You should always request to see a sample part or take a tour of their facility if possible. A shop floor that is organized and clean often reflects its quality in the work it does. It also reflects the precision of its components.
1. Evaluate Their Technical Capabilities
Does the supplier have the right machines for your part? For simple parts, a 2-axis lathe may be fine. For more complex cnc precision turning components with off-center features, you will need a partner with multi-axis lathes or live tooling. Ask about their machine list and their stated tolerance capabilities. This ensures they can meet your needs.
2. Check Their Quality Certifications
Look for quality certifications like ISO 9001. This certification shows that a company has a strong, documented quality management system. It is a key signal of reliability. It shows a commitment to producing high-quality parts consistently.
3. Assess Their Material Expertise & Sourcing
Can the shop source and properly machine the specific material you need? Ask if they provide material traceability certificates. This documentation proves the origin and grade of the raw material. This is critical for medical, aerospace, and other demanding applications.
4. Inquire About Their Full Range of Services
Does the supplier offer secondary operations? These can include heat treating, anodizing, plating, or grinding. Using a single-source supplier that manages these extra steps can simulate your logistics. It reduces lead times and ensures accountability.
5. Review Case Studies and Industry Experience
Search for a partner that has proven experience in your industry. Have they produced mission-critical components in aerospace and defense before? A supplier who understands your industry’s standards and challenges will be better equipped. They can meet your expectations for precision turned components.
6. Request a Detailed Quote
An excellent quote is the one that is explicit and detailed. You should, therefore, have a breakdown of tooling costs, materials costs, and the price per part for different order volumes. You have to be very careful with dubious quotes that do not explain the costs clearly. A quote that is clear and explains the costs is a sign of a trustworthy partner.
7. Use Industry Resources
Create a short list of potential suppliers by using professional networks and trusted online platforms. Authoritative directories like Thomasnet can help you find and compare qualified CNC turning shops. You can search in your area or across the country.
Teaming with Mekalite for Your CNC Turning Needs
The principles of DFM and rigorous supplier selection are the launching pads for successful projects. We at Mekalite stand on these principles in every aspect of the work we do.
Our team is flexible and always striving to form partnerships with our clients reliably. We offer thorough knowledge in a wide range of materials. Our commitment to quality is unshakable. We collaborate with you in order to secure that your parts are designed for success from the first step.
Your high-quality cnc precision turning components will be finished whether you order a non-volume prototype or a mass production run. Get in touch with us and we will discuss your ideas. Learn more about our commitment to precision at Mekalit.
FAQ: Answers to Your Doubts on CNC Precision Turning Components
What is the average lead-time for CNC turned parts?
The lead time will truly depend on part complexity, material availability, quantity, and any finishing required. Simple parts in common materials usually may take 1-2 weeks. Complex orders with special finishing might take 6-8 weeks or more. Always request a specific lead time with your quote.
What are the main cost factors for CNC precision turned components?
The main cost factors are: 1) Machining time, which is decided by part complexity and tolerances; 2) Material costs, which tend to be high for some metals and plastics; 3) Set up costs, which tend to be significant for short runs; and 4) Secondary operations like plating or heat treating.
What formats must files be to get a quote for the turned component?
The most preferred formats are 3D CAD files like STEP (.stp) or IGES (.igs). Additionally, it is also important to provide a 2D technical drawing (.pdf). The drawing should clearly depict all tolerances, materials, surface finishes, and other critical notes which are not in the 3D model.
What is the difference between a standard CNC lathe and a Swiss-style lathe?
A standard lathe holds the workpiece at one end while it spins. A Swiss-style lathe feeds the workpiece through a guide bushing. The tools cut it very close to this support point. This makes Swiss turning ideal for long, slender, or very complex cnc precision turning components that require extremely tight tolerances.
Can you create non-cylindrical features on a turned part?
Yes. Modern multi-axis CNC turning centers have “live tooling.” These are rotating tools that can mill, drill, and tap features that are not on the part’s centerline. This allows for making complex parts with flats, cross-holes, and slots in a single setup. This improves accuracy and reduces costs.
