Accuracy CNC turning is the process of cutting spinning workpieces using CNC lathes to create components with the desired size and form. To accomplish high-precision processing, CNC lathes use pre-programmed programs to control the cutting parameters and motion trajectory of the tool.
The machine tool body, CNC system, driving system, and auxiliary devices make up the majority of CNC lathes. The bed, spindle box, tool holder, tailstock, and other parts of the machine tool body provide fundamental processing support. The CNC lathe’s key component is the CNC system. To operate the several components of the machine tool for accurate movement, it takes programming instructions and transforms them into control signals. The spindle drive and feed drive, which regulate the spindle’s rotation and the tool’s feed movement, respectively, are components of the drive system. Auxiliary devices that perform essential auxiliary tasks for processing include automated tool changers, cooling systems, chip removal systems, etc.
The workpiece is sliced during precise CNC turning when the tool travels in a straight line or curve along the workpiece’s axis of rotation. The tool’s cutting settings include depth of cut, feed speed, and cutting speed, among others. The efficiency and quality of processing are directly impacted by the choice of these factors. High-precision and effective machining may be accomplished by carefully choosing the cutting settings.
Steps involved in precise CNC turning operation
1. Preparation of programming
Programming preparation is necessary prior to precise CNC turning. First, ascertain the tool path and machining procedure based on the part’s machining specifications and drawing. The machining program is then written using CNC programming software, which also translates the tool path and machining process into instruction codes that the CNC system can understand. To guarantee machining quality and efficiency, variables including tool radius compensation, cutting parameter selection, and machining sequence must be taken into account throughout the programming process.
2. Clamping of the workpiece
To guarantee that the workpiece is positioned and oriented correctly, clamp it before processing it on the CNC lathe. There are several methods for clamping the workpiece, including spring chucks, four-jaw chucks, and three-jaw chucks. Depending on the size and form of the workpiece, choose the proper clamping technique. In order to prevent the workpiece from loosening during the machining process and to prevent excessive clamping force from producing deformation of the workpiece, it is important to pay attention to the clamping force size during the clamping operation.
3. Tool configuration
Finding the tool’s location in the machine tool coordinate system is known as tool setup. Installing the tool on the tool holder and adjusting the tool extension length are prerequisites for carrying out the tool setup procedure. Next, find the tool’s location in the machine tool coordinate system using the tool setting instrument or trial cutting technique. Because processing accuracy is directly impacted by the precision of the tool setting operation, it is essential to operate with caution to guarantee that the tool setting is exact.
4. The act of processing
You may begin the processing procedure after the workpiece clamping, tool configuration, and programming preparation are finished. Start the machine tool, enter the written processing program into the CNC system, and the CNC system will operate the tool to carry out cutting processing in accordance with the program’s instructions. To guarantee processing quality and efficiency, it is essential to closely monitor the machine tool’s operating conditions throughout processing, including cutting force, temperature, tool wear, etc., and make timely adjustments to the cutting parameters. At the same time, focus on safe operation to prevent mishaps.
5. Inspection of quality
Following processing, the pieces must undergo quality inspection to make sure their surface quality, dimensional correctness, and form accuracy satisfy specifications. Three-coordinate measurement machines, measuring instruments, and other equipment may be used for quality inspection. The components’ varied dimensions and forms are measured, and the surface quality is examined and assessed in accordance with the drawings and processing specifications. If any issues with the components’ quality are discovered, they must be promptly fixed and corrected until the parts’ quality satisfies the standards.
Because of its great accuracy and efficiency, precise CNC turning, a kind of automated mechanical processing, offers crucial technical assistance for production across a range of industries. Precision CNC turning will become more significant in a wider range of sectors as automation and CNC technology continue to grow.
