CNC Turning Services at EGM
CNC turning services use modernized CNC lathes or turning centers to manufacture precision cylindrical components through a subtractive process. Used to create incredibly precise and accurate parts, CNC turning services like those offered at EGM are prized for their repeatability, versatility, and effectiveness on a diverse array of common and unique materials. CNC Turning is commonly used for cylindrical-shaped workpieces, however, it can be used for square or hexagonal-shaped raw materials, turning will be carried out on equipment such as a lathe or a turning center. This article will provide added insight into the different machines behind the CNC turning services at EGM and the many benefits customers can expect from working with an established Florida-based fabrication company.
Contact EGM for CNC Turning ServicesWhat is a CNC Lathe?
There are many different lathes out in the market suited for different kinds of projects. However, most modern fabrication companies like EGM are making the switch to more advanced machines that allow for multi-axis machining, faster turnaround times, and adherence to tight tolerances required by specific industries. Two types of lathes can be used for turning; a conventional lathe, which is for the most part restricted to two-axis tooling, and a CNC Lathe that can have up to six machining axes and in some cases, has a milling capability.
The experienced operators at EGM currently run several CNC lathes, including the technologically advanced Mazak Integrex 30Y CNC Lathe capable of traveling along the X, Y, and Z axes. This impressive machine offers variable spindle speeds ranging from 35 to 3,500 revolutions per minute, making it incredibly efficient and versatile. EGM consistently utilizes the Mazak lathe for any components that require surface facing, threading, and contouring and is critical for on-demand machining and prototyping projects.
The Difference Between Horizontal & Vertical CNC Lathes:
Horizontal CNC Lathes: These machines are one of the most widely used throughout the industry and offer precision fabrication capabilities for diverse industry needs. The actual machining occurs using horizontally configured lathes, meaning that they will rotate a workpiece cylindrically while tooling progressively cuts away the excess material to achieve the intended design specifications. Horizontal CNC lathes are best suited for lighter materials like titanium and aluminum since the chuck will hold the workpiece vertically against the gravitational force pulling down. Using a heavier, denser, or harder-to-machine material can damage the chuck and impact the final quality of the component.
Vertical CNC Lathes: In the instance of vertical CNC lathes the workpiece rotates upright, allowing the spindle to cut at hard-to-reach angles for complex designs, in this case, gravity works in favor of the machine’s vertical design, keeping the workpiece stable throughout the machining process. This allows for steady and consistent spindle movements and more accurate cutting capable of achieving tighter tolerances. Vertical lathes are not suited for high-production runs and are more desirable for taking heavier cuts from material intended for medium to large-sized components.
What is a CNC Turning Center?
CNC turning centers are a critical facet of any fabrication shop offering CNC turning services and are typically housed within a full machine enclosure to protect the operator and surrounding area from the chips and coolant used during the cutting process. These complex machines offered expanded capacity to include machining on five separate axes making them invaluable for precision components used in high-performance applications. Further, a CNC Turning Center can be fitted easily with additional “Live Tools” which gives the machine the capability to stop the spindle and let these rotating tools in the turret perform milling, drilling, and tapping tasks across the turned profile to machine complex component designs.
- Horizontal Turning Centers: Horizontal turning centers are the most common equipment used for CNC turning services across all industries. These machines feature a spindle a horizontally orientated spindle with tools mounted out of the side of the tool holder. Horizontal turning centers are a suitable option for any components that require drilling, boring, shaping, and other subtractive cutting processes to achieve the intended shape or contour.
CNC Turning Services Offered by EGM
Depending on the end application, material used, component design, and specific tolerances required customers may require different types of CNC turning services. Thankfully, as a full-service and experienced fabrication company EGM has tailored their equipment and personnel to meet these new and exciting requirements and provide the following types of CNC turning operations.
Straight Turning: Also known as cylindrical turning, straight turning decreases the working diameter in a uniform motion to prevent inconsistencies or measurable variations along the cut. Straight turning can also be referred to as a “roughing” operation considering it removes a large chunk or chip from the workpiece before supplemental CNC turning services are used. The workpiece is held by the chuck, and it rotates about the axis, and the tool is fed parallel to the lathe axis resulting in a uniform cylindrical shape.
Taper Turning: Taper turning produces a conical shape by a gradual reduction in diameter from a cylindrical workpiece. A taper is the uniform increase or decrease in the diameter of the workpiece and is measured along with its length. This turning method is highly desirable for customers in the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries or anywhere where aerodynamic efficiency is at a premium.
Grooving: This process gradually reduces the diameter of a workpiece over a very narrow surface. Also known as recessing, this CNC turning service utilizes a grooving tool at the end of a thread or adjacent to a shoulder to leave a small margin. Grooving can be used to machine holes with identifiable boundaries and is critical to any component that will join with another to create a tight and secure fit.
Thread Cutting: Thread cutting is done by cutting in a helical path to make grooves that can be screwed into other objects. This subtractive CNC turning service can create internal and external threads to custom diameters depending on the component design or application.
Separately, these CNC turning services are extremely useful to countless industries however none of these operations are magnificent. Yet, when an experienced fabrication company like EGM mixes and matches them all and incorporates the precision of computer programming, the result is a high-quality component with repeatable designs and levels of precision at expedited turnaround times and competitive prices.
What are the Benefits of CNC Turning Services?
CNC turning provides considerable benefits for industries demanding unmatched precision, accuracy, and turnaround times for on-demand or prototype machining projects of cylindrical, conical, or other component shapes. The following benefits are immediately apparent when working with EGM and continue long after the first precision component is completed.
- Accuracy: For many companies, the accuracy of CNC turning is one of their most competitive advantages. By incorporating CAD or CAM files into the process, the machine can perform rigorous measurements and eliminate the possible material or time waste induced by human error. Operating modernized and technologically advanced CNC lathes and turning centers provides extremely high accuracy, whether it is to produce initial prototypes or complete the entire production process.
- Faster Results: When using CNC lathes to perform tasks indicated by programming, there is less risk of errors. Therefore, this machine can complete production faster without affecting the quality of the finished product. In the end, customers receive their parts or components faster than other providers with a higher degree of accuracy and precision.
- Cost Effectiveness: The cost of hiring a person to manually machine parts at scale is far more expensive than having a machine do it, as a machine will not tire, does not need lunch breaks, and can, theoretically run 24/7. With more automation and computer programs hitting the market to optimize spindle speeds, monitor tool wear, and auto-feed materials, the cost-effectiveness of advanced CNC turning services will only continue to improve.
EGM CNC Turning Services in FL
There is little question that the available CNC turning services at EGM offer the necessary levels of precision, versatility, and efficiency demanded by countless industries with cylindrical or conical-shaped components. With a complete collection of modernized CNC lathes and turning centers, including the HAAS ST 20, and DOOSAN LYNX, EGM is well-equipped to handle the most demanding projects from the aerospace to the automotive industry and beyond. EGM’s ability to achieve tight tolerances, work with diverse materials, and deliver faster turnaround times ensures that customers receive high-quality, reliable components every time. By combining cutting-edge technology with skilled expertise, EGM maintains its position as the premier Florida provider of CNC turning services and is excited to work with your team to provide cost-effective and fast turnaround time solutions to meet the unique needs of every client.