Turning: Engine Lathe
Turning is another of the basic machining processes. Information in this section is organized according to the subcategory links in the menu bar to the left.
Turning produces solids of revolution which can be tightly toleranced because of the specialized nature of the operation. Turning is performed on a machine called a lathe in which the tool is stationary and the part is rotated. The figure below illustrates an engine lathe. Lathes are designed solely for turning operations, so that precise control of the cutting results in tight tolerances. The work piece is mounted on the chuck, which rotates relative to the stationary tool.
Turning
Turning refers to cutting as shown below.
The term "facing" is used to describe removal of material from the flat end of a cylindrical part, as shown below. Facing is often used to improve the finish of surfaces that have been parted.
