Operators use a computer numerical control (CNC) turning machine to make cylindrical components, usually from metal.

Machinists or operators program the turning machine as required, both the software controls and cutting tools need setting, to shape the specified part.

A CNC Turning machine is accurate to within 0.01mm, approximately an eighth of the width of a human hair.

Machinists use either the machine control unit or computer-aided machining (CAM) software to produce the final product to specification.

These parts are used in many industries including automotive and aviation.

Fast Facts

The oldest indisputable example of the Turner’s art so far discovered is a fragment of an Etruscan wooden bowl, made c.700 BC and found in the Tomb of the Warrior at Cornetto.
Source: © The Worshipful Company of Turners

Take a look at your car – the steering column, axles and crankshaft will all have been produced by a Turner.
Source: WorldSkills Australia

Featured Competitor

Guillaume Grenier

Nation: Canada
Competition: 2009
Skill: CNC Turning

How did you get involved in your skill?

I've always had a passion for mechanics and I wanted to learn as much as possible about working with materials like metal and plastic. That is what motivated me to learn about computer numerically controlled (CNC) turning.

Results

Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal
Haruki Abe Japan Sun Jic Oh Korea Teeranun Choppanid Thailand