CNC Turning Centers For Sale

Computer numerical control (CNC) turning centers are necessary for multiple industries. Learn more about CNC turning center machines from R.R.I.C. Associates below. 

Browse our current inventory or contact our office directly for assistance.

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What Is CNC Turning?

CNC turning is a subtractive machining process that uses CNC to create a finished piece. The piece is held in a chuck and rotated against a cutting tool like a lathe or turning center to remove material. 

Some cutting tool options include:

• Straight turning to remove large amounts of material.
• Taper turning to decrease the diameter gradually.
• Spherical generation to create spheres.
• Grooving to create cavities.
• Threading to create grooves for screwing.
• Knurling serrated patterns for grip.
• Parting to remove the completed piece from the stock piece.

Parts used for this manufacturing process are often cylindrical, though they can include square and hexagon shapes. CNC turning is used for wood, metal or plastic to create parts like ball bearings and car engine pistons.

What Is a CNC Turning Center?

CNC turning centers are advanced machines that hold the cylindrical part in place using a chuck. The chuck rotates the part against the cutting tool to remove material. It uses an automated CNC system to control the rotation speed, tool angle and movement, tool selection and more.

CNC turning center tools are mounted on a computer-controlled turret. Some options include:

• Drilling
• Milling
• Tapping

CNC turning centers also have different spindle options, outer diameter limits and power and speed capabilities. These factors affect the parts you can make with the turning center.

Turning centers are either vertical or horizontal, differing in how the machine holds the part.

Benefits of CNC Turning

Compared to manual machining, CNC turning offers several advantages:

• Cost efficiency: Hiring, training and paying a person costs more than buying a machine to process materials. They also offer cost savings from reduced waste.
• Speed: CNC turning can produce hundreds of parts consistently, and they can run autonomously for several cycles.
• Accuracy: Once the CNC turning center is programmed, it will complete consistent and accurate work every time. Its results are repeatable for the highest product quality.

Difference Between CNC Turning and Milling

CNC milling and turning have a few key differences in:

• Purpose: CNC milling is a mechanical process that removes material to create custom components. CNC turning is a manufacturing process that rotates parts against a cutting tool to create the desired shape.
• Process: CNC milling rotates the tool to cut the material, and CNC turning rotates the material against the tool.
• Capabilities: CNC milling is used for mechanical, chemical, thermal and electrical processes. CNC turning can complete boring, knurling, drilling and more.
• Applications: CNC milling can create complex parts since the cutting tool can move to create custom shapes. CNC turning is used for cylindrical parts since the part itself must rotate to remove material.

Contact R.R.I.C. Associates for a Free Quote Today

If you're in the market for CNC turning centers, browse our inventory at R.R.I.C. We have CNC equipment for assembly, injection molding and other processes. R.R.I.C. also has CNC milling machines for various applications and user requirements. For further information about our turning centers, contact us online.