CNC Turning

Our advanced CNC turning centers at dti EXACT™ are equipped with live tooling, allowing us to perform 7-axis machining in a single set up. CNC lathes provide the ultimate in versatility, allowing us to produce any volume of production efficiently with minimal set up. We are capable of working with exotic materials such as aluminum-nickel-bronze alloys and precipitation hardened stainless steels (PH steels) as well as standard varieties of plastic, aluminum, and steel. Parts up to 8″ in diameter and 20″ in length can be machined while holding dimensional tolerances of ±0.0001″ or less. While small, higher volume parts may be better suited to our Swiss machining division, we can assist customers in determining the optimal manufacturing methods for their specific application.

Our entire shop is based around precision machining and innovative manufacturing techniques. We specialize in complex, precision components, but are efficient enough to also machine simple parts at competitive prices. Additional services include CNC milling, brazing, adhesive bonding, and mechanical assembly. Our broad customer base includes the aerospace, medical, and OEM industries. dtiEXACT™ arranges mutually agreed upon delivery times for product deliveries depending on quantities, factory work loads, customer usage, and material availability. We offer one time orders, stocking programs, blanket orders, and just in time shipping arrangements to cater to our diverse customer needs. For more information about our CNC turning capability, see the table below, or contact us directly.

The CNC Turning Process

Unlike a standard lathe which only uses stationary tools, a CNC lathe can also use rotating cutters like drills or end mills that allow for greater machining freedom. In a process called turning, the lathe operates by fitting a rod into a rotating chuck on the machine. As the chuck rotates at a high speed, so does the rod, and a fixed cutting tool within the lathe moves along and across the rod to cut the precise part features. A CNC lathe provides the simplest, most cost-effective way to create cylindrical parts like pins, shafts, and spacers.

Advantages of CNC Turning

CNC turning takes advantage of recent technology in ways that increase production speed and efficiency to produce parts more cost-effectively. The use of turning tools along with rotating cutters provides greater machine freedom and the ability to create asymmetrical features in parts. With such technological advances, CNC turning provides these benefits:

  • Operation without human intervention that leads to safer processes
  • Cost-effective production
  • Easy achievement of radial symmetry
  • Completed parts with high precision and a smooth surface finish
  • Greater efficiency for serial production

Applications of CNC Turning

Rapid Tooling
Also known as prototype tooling and soft tooling, rapid tooling enables the quick and cheap manufacturing of parts. The use of rapid tooling for testing in the prototype stages of new product development can test chosen materials for weaknesses and help you determine whether changes need to be made before expensive production tooling begins.

Rapid Prototyping
Prototyping small quantities of parts often comes into play on a new design so a component can be tested or fit checked prior to high production runs. This allows design revisions to be implemented without rejecting large quantities of parts. Because CNC turning can be applied to a wide range of materials, allows for a low cost per unit, and offers a high speed of production, it often makes sense to first prototype the parts, then, after approval, continue with production run quantities. With the use of 3D computer-aided design (CAD), a drawing model can be used to produce tool paths (programs) for the CNC Lathe, after which rapid prototyped parts, models, or assemblies can be fabricated.

Serial Production
The act of manufacturing large quantities of goods in the exact same way is referred to as serial production. It is cost-effective in small organizations where mass production isn’t an option. CNC turning is favored for serial production parts because it creates a high quality finish, offers vast material options, and holds precise tolerances.

Is CNC Turning Right for My Project?

CNC turning is a specific process used to create certain parts. While it’s a cost-effective way to quickly mass-produce intricate parts, it’s not the right process for every situation. Consider these factors to determine whether CNC turning is right for your project:

  • The number of parts needed: CNC turning lathes are usually considered most cost-effective for prototypes or short-run production volume.
  • The size of the part: Parts up to 8″ in diameter and 20″ in length can be machined while holding dimensional tolerances of ±0.0001″ or less. However, small, higher-volume parts may be better suited to our Swiss machining division.

CNC Turning is an efficient technology, used in a wide array of industries, to work with a variety of materials and designs to produce high quality parts. At the dtiEXACT™ facilities, working daily with super hard materials such as diamond and carbides, as well as in-house fixturing, tooling, laser marking, kitting, and assembly, requires the effective use of CNT Turning. Our team at dtiEXACT™ understands the necessity of efficiency in today’s manufacturing environment. Learn more about our value-added services and the broad range of industries we serve.

dti EXACT™ is an ISO 9001 and AS 9100-certified company with new facilities, top-of-the-line equipment, and talented employees, positioned to meet the demands of the ultra high-pressure waterjet-cutting industry. Contact us to learn more about the CNC turning process or for help determining if CNC turning is the right application for your project.