What is CNC Turning Process?

In the operation of a machine shop, CNC turning a machining process used to make cylindrical parts, where the cutting tool moves in a linear fashion while the work piece rotates. The rotation is performed using a lathe, turning process reduces the diameter of a work piece, typically to specify a dimension and produces a smooth part finish.

During the CNC turning process, the materials such as metal, plastic, wood are rotated with a computer numerical control. CNC turning can be performed on the outside of the work piece or the inside (also known as boring) to produce tubular components to various geometries.

The turning processes are typically carried out on a lathe, considered to be the oldest machine tools. There are four different types of turning, which are straight turning, taper turning, profiling or external grooving. These processes produce various shapes of materials such as straight, conical, curved, or grooved work piece. In general, turning uses simple single-point cutting tools. Each group of work piece materials has an optimum set of tools angles which have been developed through the years.