1. Objectives and purpose of cylindrical turning and facing

Turning as metal-cutting operation with primarily single-edged tool which is constantly in action, is used to produce rotationally symmetrical parts. Turning is basically characterized by the cutting movement and feed movement.

Figure 1 Main movements of turning operations

1 cutting movement
2 longitudinal feed movement
3 cross feed movement

The techniques of cylindrical turning and facing as forms of metal cutting serve

- to cut the shape of the part
- to produce the required/necessary accuracy to size
- to ensure the required surface finish.

Cylindrical turning (plain turning) means machining of the external or internal surface of the part by means of the turning tool in longitudinal direction to the axis of rotation.

Figure 2 Cylindrical turning

1 internal surface
2 external surface
3 axis of rotation

Facing (surfacing, transverse turning) means machining of the part in transverse direction to its axis of rotation on its end or base face.

Figure 3 Facing

1 end face
2 feed movement
3 axis of rotation

Figure 4 Facing

1 base face,
2 feed movement,
3 axis of rotation