Cutting tool materials such as ceramics and PCBN make it possible to machine hard workpieces through turning rather than grinding. Workpieces on the order of 50 or 60 HRc can be—and frequently are—machined in the hardened state on a CNC turning center, with no grinding involved.
Not every part is a candidate for this. Grinding achieves tolerances superior to turning. In addition, the part’s surface requirements might make grinding a must. But in those cases in which hard turning can take the place of grinding, this substitution delivers multiple benefits. Productivity increases, not only because turning’s metal removal rate is higher, but also because setup time is likely to be less. Tool inventory is reduced, with a single turning tool possibly taking the place of a range of different grinding wheels. Plus, performing most or all of the part’s tight-tolerance work with a single turning machine makes it more likely that the plant can add a robot or other workhandling device to automate this process.
Read more: Success Factors for Hard Turning