Using a lathe to create a shape is one of the earliest forms of machines used by humans. The first use of the lathe dates back to the Ancient Egyptians and in the time period around 1300 BC.
In those times, a lathe was used to create shapes in wood. This included both cooking utensils and dishes, and later, as a way to shape both wood and metal tools and weapons.
By the 1750s, the lathe was seen as an essential machine for the production of metal parts and components that sparked the Industrial Revolution. Most scholars consider the lathe to be the “mother of machine tools” and see it as a key in changing from limited production to large scale production.
Today, a CNC turning service operates using the same basic principles as the traditional lathe. However, with the use of fully automated CNC controls and technology, today’s processes offer high levels of precision and the ability to produce parts and components at high production levels without any sacrifice in quality.
Options to Consider
An experienced CNC turning service has the ability to work with a wide variety of materials. This includes stainless steel, aluminum, and other alloys used across a range of industries.
Keep in mind; the CNC turning service can provide both exterior shaping for the piece or component, as well as internal boring. This includes creating final parts that include features such as curved exteriors or curved sections, conical shapes, tapered design, and grooves within the workpiece.
For an OEM, choosing a turning service offering CNC technology means that every piece is created to match the original CAD/CAM drawing provided. This includes parts in a single order, or parts across multiple orders. Once the file is programmed into the system, it can be recalled and configured at the push of a button, providing exceptional quality control for single and ongoing orders.
