Turning

Opinions vary on the definition of hard turning. Some industry experts say it’s the single-edge cutting of hardened steels from 58 to 68 HRC, while others suggest hard turning begins at 45 HRC and includes hardened irons and superalloys. All, however, agree it presents difficulties but is quite manageable provided the right cutting tools, machine and process parameters are used. 

Integrated automation of turning centers can be the solution to meeting production schedules and profit goals.

Insert geometries for effectively turning high-temperature superalloys.

Turning a lathe vertical can be a productivity turn for the better—for large and small parts.

Comparison between calculating cutting time when facing at a constant cutting speed vs. a constant rpm.

END USER: Axle Alliance Co. LLC, (313) 592-7438, www.daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com. CHALLENGE: Overcome workpiece variations while effectively hard turning large ring gears. SOLUTION: A workpiece measuring process for a vertical turning machine. SOLUTION PROVIDER: EMAG LLC, (248) 477-7440, www.emag.com

Various edge preparations are available for PCBN inserts when hard turning, but not all are equal.

END USER: Mercury Marine, (920) 929-5000, www.mercurymarine.com. CHALLENGE: To increase productivity when machining driveshafts and propeller shafts. SOLUTION: A lathe with a hob assembly. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Okuma America Corp., (704) 588-7000, www.okuma.com

Look Ahead feature looks at a laser-assisted turning process using diamond tools.