What is Hard Turning?
Is Hard Turning Right for Your Business?
In the manufacturing industry, precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are key considerations for businesses in a wide range of industries. One technology that has gained significant attention in recent years is hard turning. This process offers a viable alternative to traditional grinding methods, allowing for the production of high-quality and durable components and tooling. Here, we’re answering the question: “what is hard turning?” We’ll also help you understand if it’s a good investment for your business.
Understanding Hard Turning
Hard turning involves an extremely hard cutting tool that can withstand high cutting forces and temperatures. This tool is pressed against the rotating workpiece, removing thin layers of material to achieve a desired shape and surface finish. The process is traditionally performed on metals with a hardness greater than 45 HRC.
The History of Hard Turning
Hard turning dates back to the mid-20th century when advancements in machine tools and cutting tool materials made this machining process possible. In the 1930s and 1940s, cemented carbide cutting tools were introduced, which offered improved wear resistance and cutting performance, making it possible to machine harder metals.
In the 1960s, cemented carbide tools would be switched out for even harder tool materials like cubic boron nitride (CBN) and ceramic materials. Later, the 1970s and 1980s saw advancements in machine tool rigidity, cutting tool materials, and coolant technologies. These advancements allowed for the development of hard turning as a viable alternative to grinding for producing precision components.
With all of these improvements, the process started gaining significant traction in multiple industries by the 1990s. The benefits of reduced machining time, elimination of post-heat treatment processes, and improved surface finish made hard turning an attractive option for manufacturers looking to enhance productivity and cost efficiency.
Why Businesses Choose Hard Turning
Cost Savings
CNC turning centers are less expensive and can perform multiple functions versus specialized grinding machines. Thus, your business will save money when you choose the hard turning process.
Faster Set Up and Cycle Times
Hard turning is three to six times faster than grinding, which will result in shorter lead times and less labor cost.
Improved Surface Finish
The process can provide a greater surface finish than other related grinding operations. It produces less heat than traditional grinding; too much heat can cause thermal damage like micro-cracks and residual stresses, which leads to a poorer surface finish. Additionally, the sharp tool used during the process helps minimize tool marks, producing a better finish.
More Environmentally Friendly
Consumers are more concerned about the environment, and they expect businesses to do what they can to reduce their environmental impact. Hard turning is a more environmentally friendly way to get the results you want than other manufacturing processes. The machines consume less energy than grinding machines, for one. Additionally, you can recycle the metal chips made from hard turning, whereas the swarf generated by grinding must be disposed of as industrial waste.
Applications of Hard Turning
Hard turning finds applications in various industries where hardened materials need to be machined with precision and accuracy. Some common applications include:
Automotive
Hard turning is great for creating parts like transmission shafts, gears, bearing races, camshafts, and crankshafts.
Aerospace
When it comes to manufacturing critical components like landing gear parts, turbine shafts, aircraft engine parts, and hydraulic system components, the aerospace industry turns to this process.
Tool and Die
Tool and die components require high wear resistance and dimensional stability, making hard turning a necessary step to create punches, dies, mold inserts, and cutting tools.
Oil and Gas
Components used in the oil and gas industry — such as valve bodies, drill bits, and pump parts — often require machining on hardened materials due to the harsh operating conditions.
General Engineering
Hard turning is used in a multitude of applications for a wide range of industries. You’ll typically see hard turning used to create items like shafts, pins, bushings, hydraulic cylinder components, and other precision parts.
Is Hard Turning Right for You? Ask the Experts
Not sure if your tooling needs hard turning? The knowledgeable team at Pivot Precision would be happy to help. Founded in 1961, we are a trusted tooling supplier for customers across the world, meaning we’re experts in helping our clients understand what they need to create long-lasting tooling.
We regularly create tooling for a wide range of industries, but we specialize in the automotive, medical, ammunition, and firearm sectors. With more than 60 years of experience, an ISO 9001:2015 certification, a dedicated workforce, and extensive manufacturing capabilities, we’re ready to take on even the most challenging projects. We’re also located near Niagara Falls, New York, which puts us near airports and interstates for quick delivery on international and domestic shipments.
Let’s Connect
Ready to see what we can do for you? Reach out to our team today.