CNC Turning is the most common process to manufacture cylindrical components. CNC Turning is performed in a CNC lathe, also called a CNC Turning Center.
During CNC Turning, the component is turning at a high rate of speed and cut with a tool. The tool is moveable in two directions, parallel to the axis and towards the component. In lathes equipped with CNC (computer numerical control), information about the component is stored in a computer, and the computer controls the CNC lathe.
Turning can be performed on the outside and inside of components, which makes it possible to create hollow components.
Lathes are available at almost every workshop, and normally the speed is adjustable to match most materials. The size of the component is measured in diameter and length, and the workpiece should roughly match the lathe's size to be effective.
Compare CNC turning to auto turning, when components are small and in large volumes, high precision machining when tolarences are of high importance, or Large Machining where you find suppliers who delivers components that are unusually long or with a large diameter. It most commonly used for gears, rollers and similar products.