Turning machining: a pillar of the precision mechanical industry

Turning Machining: A Pillar of the Precision Mechanical Industry

Turning machining is one of the fundamental processes in the world of precision mechanics, a sector that in 2023 reached an estimated value of over $700 billion globally. Foma, a company specializing in mechanical machining and metal components, has made turning its core business, providing high-quality and reliable solutions for clients across various industrial sectors.

How turning works

Turning is a mechanical machining process that involves material removal. It is highly versatile, capable of producing cylindrical, conical, and spherical components with a high degree of precision.

Foma employs a wide range of turning machinery, including multi-spindle lathes, CNC lathes, and sliding headstock lathes. This variety of equipment allows the company to work with materials of different types, from bars with diameters ranging between 3mm and 80mm to sections up to 600mm in diameter, always ensuring superior quality and on-time delivery.

Machinery used by Foma

The quality of mechanical machining depends not only on the skills of the operators but also on the machinery used. Foma stands out for its use of advanced technologies, which enable optimal results even on challenging materials. Below is an overview of the machines we use:

• Gildemeister Multi-Spindle Lathes: These lathes can work on multiple pieces simultaneously, increasing productivity without compromising quality. They are ideal for series production, particularly for small metal components.

• Biglia CNC Lathes with 2 Turrets: CNC lathes offer a very high level of precision. Multiple turrets allow the use of several tools simultaneously, reducing production time and improving overall efficiency.

• Miyano CNC Lathes with 3 Turrets: These models are even more efficient, enabling complex machining in a single pass. This type of lathe is suitable for intricate geometries and requires minimal manual intervention during the production cycle.

• Gildemeister Fixed-Head Lathes: Fixed-head lathes are mainly used for long components where precision in tool movement is crucial. Foma uses them to produce parts requiring dimensional stability as a priority.

• Citizen Sliding Headstock Lathes: These lathes are particularly suited for small components, such as high-precision metal parts or very long pieces. Their configuration ensures optimal surface finishes and tight tolerances.

• Takisawa Front Turning Lathes: Ideal for front turning processes, these lathes offer great versatility, allowing for the production of complex components in a single cycle.

The importance of precision in turning

Precision is critical in the world of subcontracting. When manufacturing components for industries such as heating, automotive, and hydraulics, strict dimensional tolerances must be met. The modern CNC machines employed by Foma maintain tolerances within hundredths of a millimeter, minimizing the risk of errors. Precision in turning not only ensures high product quality but also improves the efficiency of the entire production cycle. Reducing waste means lowering costs and increasing market competitiveness.

Materials processed

One of Foma's distinguishing features is its ability to process a wide variety of materials. Commonly processed materials include:

• Steel: Used for producing robust and durable components, steel is one of the most common materials in turning.
• Brass: Often used for components requiring excellent corrosion resistance and machinability, such as fittings for hydraulic applications.
• Aluminum: Known for its light weight and corrosion resistance, aluminum is widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries.
• Plastics: Foma also processes non-metal materials, especially for electronics and automation applications.
• Titanium: Primarily used in sectors like medical technology, titanium requires extreme precision and advanced machining technology.
• Superalloys: Chromium- and nickel-rich steels are ideal for applications requiring thermal, structural, and corrosion resistance, such as in the oil and gas sector.

Applications of turning

Foma’s turning services have applications across a wide range of industrial sectors. Examples include:

• Automotive: Essential for producing engine, transmission, and suspension components. Foma provides turned parts that comply with stringent international quality standards for OEMs and component suppliers.
• Electronics: Small metal components are used in a variety of electronic devices, from connectors to microchips. Foma's ability to work with non-metallic materials makes it ideal for producing electronic parts.
• Medical: Precision machining of materials such as stainless steel and titanium is crucial in producing surgical instruments and prosthetics. Foma delivers top-quality components meeting the highest standards in the medical sector.
• Hydraulics: The production of hydraulic components requires machining that ensures leak-proof performance and pressure resistance. Brass and steel are commonly used in this sector, and turning is a primary technique for manufacturing valves, fittings, and other components.

Innovation and automation

The future of turning lies in innovation and automation. Thanks to its use of state-of-the-art CNC machines, Foma is already at the forefront of this process. The digitization of production processes enables real-time monitoring of turning operations, reducing machine downtime and optimizing production cycles.

Advanced quality control software also allows dimensional and surface inspections during machining, ensuring every piece meets specifications and that production processes remain stable. This not only improves the quality of the final product but also reduces costs associated with non-compliant components.

Product customization

A key advantage of working with Foma is the ability to fully customize turning processes to meet specific needs. With the flexibility offered by CNC machines and the team’s technical expertise, each project can be tailored to meet particular requirements, whether related to dimensions, materials, or tolerances.

CNC machines not only allow for highly complex machining but also enable rapid reconfiguration between setups.

Sustainability in mechanical machining

Another distinguishing feature of Foma is its commitment to sustainability. The mechanical machining sector has long faced pressure to reduce its environmental impact, and Foma has responded by adopting measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste. The use of high-efficiency machinery and optimized production techniques allows the company to minimize energy consumption and material use.

Additionally, Foma has implemented a waste management system that recycles nearly all scrap materials, particularly metals like brass, steel, and aluminum, thereby reducing its overall ecological footprint. This focus on sustainability makes Foma an ideal partner for companies sharing the same values, increasingly aware of the importance of adopting environmentally friendly production practices.

The evolution of turning: from traditional techniques to industry 4.0

The mechanical machining industry, including turning, is undergoing a profound transformation with the advent of Industry 4.0. Foma is at the forefront of this revolution, having already implemented numerous automation and digital control systems in its production processes.

Industry 4.0 integrates intelligent production systems that communicate in real-time, enabling monitoring and optimization of the entire production cycle. The introduction of smart sensors and advanced production management software allows real-time detection of anomalies, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.

Precision turning: Foma’s future

Looking ahead, Foma aims to expand its offerings in precision turning, investing in innovative technologies and maintaining a high level of technical expertise. The company is well-positioned to face the challenges of the global market, thanks to its combination of experience, technology, and a commitment to excellence.

Turning machining lies at the heart of Foma’s operations, a company that has evolved over time while maintaining high standards of quality and precision. With cutting-edge machinery, rigorous quality control systems, and a commitment to continuous innovation, Foma remains a reliable partner for companies requiring high-precision mechanical components across various industrial sectors.

Whether manufacturing components for automotive engines, medical devices, or electronic parts, Foma is ready to meet the challenges of modern mechanical engineering with tailored solutions, ensuring reliability, quality, and punctuality. Contact us for more information.