3 Tips to Improve the Quality of Your CNC Turning

Lathes have been essential tools for craftsmen for thousands of years. Modern machine shops no longer rely on hand-turned lathes to shape individual components. Instead, CNC lathes are used.

A CNC lathe can increase production rates and help reduce machining errors, but only when used properly. Here are three tips that you can use to help improve the overall quality of your CNC turning tasks in the future.

1. Increase Your Speed

Slow and steady doesn't win the race when it comes to using a CNC lathe. This is especially true when your lathe is fitted with carbide tools.

A slow feed rate means that your base material will be in contact with the tool tip for a longer period of time. This causes edge buildup to form along the tool tip. Edge buildup has the potential to interfere with the turning process and can mar the finish of your final product.

Increasing your surface feet per minute speed will help you avoid edge buildup and improve the quality of your CNC turning.

2. Reduce Your Feed Rate

While increasing your turning speed can be beneficial, you must ensure that you are limiting your feed rate if you want to produce high-quality turned products with your CNC lathe.

A reduced feed rate will produce shallow cuts in your raw material. These shallow cuts limit the amount of surface damage that can occur during the turning process.

A slower feed rate can also minimize flank wear to help create a smoother finish.

3. Monitor Your Tool-Holding and Work-Holding Components

Since CNC lathes are able to complete the turning process without any manual direction, the components that hold both the cutting tool and the base material in place must be in good working condition.

A tool holder that is worn or damaged may not be able to keep the tool tip in the right position while turning. Vibrations or sudden slips in the tool tip can have a negative impact on the quality of your finished products.

The work-holding component must also be able to maintain a solid grip on the base material you are working with your CNC lathe. The work-holder must be rigid and structurally sound to prevent the base material from moving during turning.

Without structurally sound tool-holding and work-holding components, you won't be able to achieve the high-quality finish you are looking for when turning with your CNC lathe. Reach out to a CNC lathe machine shop to learn more.