There are fifteen parameters to be considered when analyzing a new part to be made in a CNC lathe. While this may seem like a lot of considerations, if you examine a part properly you will be successful in its implementation. Here are the parameters to consider and the questions to ask:

• What are the tightest tolerances, are they achievable with the desired manufacturing process?

• What are the dimensions? Will it fit properly in the machine?

• What are the quality demands?

• What type of cutting operations are there?

  • Facing cuts

  • Longitudinal cuts

  • Profiling cuts

  • Roughing passes

  • Finishing passes

  • External cuts

  • Finishing cuts

• What is the number of passes?

• What is the material?

• Is the material machinable?

• Is the part cast material?

• Is the part pre machined?

• Is the part coming out of bar material?

• What is the hardness of the material?

• Was the material annealed?

• What are the material alloys?

• Will the material break a chip?

• What grade and style of inserts and cutting tools are required?