Exploring Turning: Machining Metals and Plastics

Turning is a machining process for metals and plastics. Turning can be performed manually on a lathe or automatically on a CNC turning machine. Unlike milling and drilling, the workpiece rotates, performing the primary cutting motion with its rotation. The fixed tool (turning chisel) moves along the rotating workpiece with the aid of the tool carriage to remove material; it performs the feed and depth of cut motions. Only in special cases (such as thread whirling) does the tool also contribute to the cutting motion.