Plastic
turn
Turning, in the context of plastics processing, refers to a specific machining technique in which a piece of plastic is shaped using a lathe.
A lathe is a machine used to make round workpieces through rotating movements.
When turning plastic, a cylindrical piece of plastic, also called a rod, is placed in the lathe. The bar is clamped firmly between the head and the chuck of the lathe. Then the lathe is turned on, causing the rod to start rotating.
As the rod rotates, cutting tools remove material to create the desired shape. These cutting tools are placed in the lathe's tool holder and move along the rotating workpiece to remove the material. There are different types of cutting tools that can be used, such as chisels, turning chisels and wire cutters, depending on the desired result.
The turning process makes it possible to create different shapes such as cylinders, cones, spheres and more complex geometric shapes. Turning can achieve precise dimensions and surface finishes. It is a commonly used technique in the production of parts, prototypes, works of art and other objects made of plastic.
Plastics suitable for turning include acrylic, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene and POM (polyoxymethylene). Each type of plastic can have different properties, such as strength, toughness and machinability, and thus may require different approaches during the turning process.
Plastic turning is a skill that requires careful planning, knowledge of the properties of the material and experience. It is important to use the correct cutting tools, cutting speeds and feeds to achieve the best results and avoid damage to the workpiece.
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