CNC turning is a manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled cutting tools to shape rotating workpieces. CNC turning is used to produce high-precision, high-reliability, and high-quality round parts. This process is used to manage metals and plastics in the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries.
During turning, if the cutting tool rotates in the same direction as the workpiece at a corresponding speed ratio (the tool speed is generally several times the workpiece speed), the relative motion trajectory between the tool and the workpiece can be changed, producing workpieces with polygonal cross-sections (triangles, squares, rhombuses, and hexagons, etc.). If, during the longitudinal feed of the cutting tool, a periodic radial reciprocating motion is added to the tool holder relative to the workpiece for each revolution, cams or other non-circular cross-section surfaces can be machined. On gear hobbing lathes, a similar working principle can be used to machine the flank face of certain multi-tooth cutting tools (such as form milling cutters and gear hobs), a process called "flank hobbing."
