A turning machine is a specialized device that uses mechanical or hydraulic power to rotate a workpiece 180° to 360°, primarily to change the workpiece's spatial orientation for subsequent processing or inspection. Its core structure includes a support, a drive unit (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic), a control system, and safety components. Depending on the load capacity, small turning machines can handle parts weighing tens of kilograms, while heavy-duty equipment (such as ship section turning machines) can handle hundreds of tons.
Turning machines operate in two ways:
1. Continuous rotation: A motor drives rollers or chains to achieve uniform workpiece rotation, suitable for assembly line operations.
2. Fixed-point turning: A hydraulic cylinder drives a fixture to adjust the workpiece to a specific angle, commonly used in large workpiece processing.
