Turning Parts

Turning is a machining process in which a cutting tool removes material from a rotating workpiece to shape it into a desired cylindrical form.

The workpiece rotates about its axis on a lathe, and a cutting tool is fed into the rotating workpiece to remove material and shape it into the desired form. Turning is a common and fundamental machining process used to produce various parts such as shafts, bolts, nuts, and other cylindrical or conical components

Turning is also capable of producing parts with high precision, smooth surface finishes, and tight dimensional tolerances. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathes have further enhanced the turning process by automating the tool movements, allowing for complex shapes and efficient mass production.

The material selection for turning parts depends on factors such as mechanical properties, chemical resistance, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, cost considerations, and the part's intended use. Different materials offer unique advantages and limitations, and choosing the appropriate material is crucial to achieving the desired performance and functionality of the turned components.

Turning parts can be made from a wide range of materials, depending on the specific requirements and applications of the components. Some of the most commonly used materials for turning parts include: 

ALUMINUM

Using aluminum in CNC precision turning offers several advantages, including ease of machining, natural corrosion resistance, and good conductivity. These properties, along with its cost-effectiveness and compatibility with various surface treatments, make aluminum a preferred material alternative of precision-turned components.

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is favored in turning for its great corrosion resistance, strength, durability, along with its appealing appearance. However, stainless steel can be more challenging to machine compared to softer materials, resulting in higher tool wear and slower machining speed. Despite these challenges, stainless steel remains a popular choice for for commercial, consumer, and medical products where corrosion resistance and mechanical strength are crucial considerations. 

BRASS

Brass is often selected for turning components due to its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, cost-effectiveness, and attractive golden appearance. Another advantage of brass is its malleability, allowing it to be shaped and formed into intricate and complex designs during turning process. However, it’s important to note that brass’s malleability also means it is softer and may not offer the same mechanical strength as harder metals like steel or stainless steel. Therefore, when selecting brass, it’s important for applications to balance between desired formability and necessary mechanical strength.

COPPER

Copper is one of the most conductive materials for electricity, making it a preferred choice for machinery requiring reliable electrical connections. Additionally, copper's resistance to heat and high corrosion resistance minimize the risk of deterioration and failure. Its ductility and malleability enable precise and intricate machining, resulting in high-quality finishes.

TITANIUM

Titanium offers exceptional properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, its use in turning presents significant challenges due to difficult machinability, high cost, and specific cutting requirements. These pros and cons must be carefully weighed based on the demands of the specific application. Free cutting steel contains sulfur, lead, and phosphorus to enhance its machinability, resulting in faster machining speeds and reduced tool wear. Therefore, in mass production, free-cutting steels are essential for producing numerous small parts that are subject to low loads and high machining rates. However, free-cutting steels may have reduced corrosion resistance compared to other steels, limiting their suitability for use in corrosive environments.

FREE CUTTING STEEL

Free cutting steel contains sulfur, lead, and phosphorus to enhance its machinability, resulting in faster machining speeds and reduced tool wear. Therefore, in mass production, free-cutting steels are essential for producing numerous small parts that are subject to low loads and high machining rates. However, free-cutting steels may have reduced corrosion resistance compared to other steels, limiting their suitability for use in corrosive environments.