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What is Gang Tooling and Turret Systems in CNC Machining

Machining is one of the broadest activities in manufacturing that entails several procedures to build objects from materials. Gang tooling and turret systems are some of the well-known ones in relation to this due to their distinctiveness and uses. In this article, GONGTIE, a trusted CNC machining equipment manufacturer and CNC automation solution provider, will walk you through these two systems to find out their pros and cons as well as the preferred advice for using the two systems. 

What is Gang Tooling and Turret Systems

CNC Machining Gang Tooling

Gang tooling is a method of holding various tools in a horizontal line either on the tool post or on the tool slide. This has made it possible for fast tool changes since the tools are pre-set to be used thus reducing on time that would have been spent adjusting the tools during operation. The tools are pre orientated normally and can be adjusted to a fixed axis where the whole of the tool post slides over from one tool to the next. 

GONTIE FLAT bed CNC Lathe P3518

GONTIE FLAT bed CNC Lathe P3518

GONGETIE SLANT ben CNC lathe tool holder

GONGETIE SLANT ben CNC lathe tool holder

GONGTIE provides gang tools and live tools to achieve more effective and sophisticated processing.

GONGTIE CNC Machine With Gang Tools Examples

P3538 High Precise Flat Bed optional integrated automation of gantry robot system CNC Lathe with long movement on Z-axis

P3538 High Precise Flat Bed optional integrated automation of gantry robot system CNC Lathe with long movement on Z-axis

P3518 Flat Bed CNC Lathe With Gang Tools Ideal For High Precision Small Parts Processing With Automatic Bar Feeding Machines

P3518 Flat Bed CNC Lathe With Gang Tools Ideal For High Precision Small Parts Processing With Automatic Bar Feeding Machines

CNC Machining Turret System

GONGTIE CNC MACHINE POWER TURRET

GONGTIE CNC MACHINE POWER TURRET

GONGTIE CNC MACHINE SERVO TURRET

GONGTIE CNC MACHINE SERVO TURRET

GONGTIE CNC Machine With Power Turret Examples

Muti axis Slant Bed CNC Turning-Milling Lathe with Power Turret MDY0642

Muti axis Slant Bed CNC Turning-Milling Lathe with Power Turret MDY0642

High Precise Slant Bed CNC Turning-Milling Lathe with Power Turret MDY0842

X/Y/Z Axis Turning-Milling Slant Bed CNC Lathe For Big Parts Processing With Power Turret MDY0842

SDY08D06 High Precise Slant Bed CNC Turning-Milling Lathe With Double Spindle and Double Power Turret

SDY08D06 High Precise Slant Bed CNC Turning-Milling Lathe With Double Spindle And Double Power Turret

GONGTIE CNC Machine With Servo Turret Examples

MJ0850 Slant Bed Cnc Turning Lathe With Servo Turret1

MJ0850 Horizontal Type Slant Bed Precision CNC Machine With Servo Turret

Directly Drive Spindle Slant Bed CNC Turning-Milling Lathe With Power Turret MD0842,Optional For Two Steps Processing

MJ0830 High Precision CNC Slant Bed Turning Lathe With Servo Turret

Pros and Cons of Gang Tooling and Turret System

Advantages of Gang Tooling

  1. Speed and Efficiency: Gang tooling can be able to bring down the cycle times because the tools can be changed within shortest time possible. All the tools are preset and synchronized to the job; the machine does not have to stop to switch the tools, thus increasing the output rates.
  2. Simplicity: The setup of gang tooling is not as complicated as one would expect with fewer pins and/or bushes and are easily removed as opposed to a turret. All these aspects lead to consumption of lesser energy thus pulling down of maintenance bills and minimized mechanical breakdowns.
  3. Less Cost: The cost of gang tooling is usually less than that of a turret.

Disadvantages of Gang Tooling

  1. Limited Tool Capacity: There is limit on the number of tools that can be held by a tool post and hence the amount of gang tooling achievable. This can be a disadvantage especially in cases where a material or work piece needs several tools to be machined. 
  2. Setup Time: While using gang tooling, the time taken in changing the tools during the operation of work is significantly reduced; however, it takes more time in setting and aligning the tools into the working position. 
  3. Limited Processing Length and Complexity To Be Dealt With
  4. Chip Removal: Compared to using the turret system, it requires more effort to remove the chips when using gang tools.

Advantages of Turret Systems

  1. Versatility: Turrets can store many tools, so there is a possibility to do rather complicated and diverse milling without changes of the turret very often. 
  2. Automation: CNC turrets allow the changer of the tools to be done automatically; this improves the overall accuracy of the machined material. This automation enhances efficiency and at the same time minimizes the chances of human made mistakes. 

Disadvantages of Turret Systems

  1. Complexity: Turrets are relatively complicated structures as they are full of moving parts. Due to this complexity they require higher maintenance, and they are more prone to mechanical problems. 
  2. Cost: Costs can initially be higher when compared to other systems, because the systems are turret-based and are equipped with many advanced features. A lot of money can also sometimes be spent on maintenance and repairs of the equipment. 

Choosing Between Gang Tooling and Turret Systems

There are various factors which determines the tooling system to be used; these are the type of machining operations, the frequency of usage, budget and specific application.

Considerations for Gang Tooling

  1. High-Speed Production: Gang tooling is designed for high production rates where relocation of the tools is required soon to another operation. Gang tooling is most suitable in businesses, where high-speed and cyclical cutting procedures are performed, like the automotive industry. 
  2.  Simplicity and Cost: To some of the small shops, or those within a given financial reach, gang tooling is economical in the sense that they are relatively quick to set up and also maintain. It is appropriate for those applications in which tool changeover is small or the machining process that is being followed is not complex.
GONGTIE gang tooling processing parts

GONGTIE gang tooling processing parts

GONGTIE gang tooling processing parts

GONGTIE gang tooling processing parts

Considerations for Turret Systems

  1. Complex Machining Operations: Turrets on the other hand are suitable for more elaborate jobs which need several tools and different operations. Specifically, turret systems are useful in highly precise industries including aerospace and the production of medial devices.
  2. If you need to process disc-shaped or long-shaft products that require more complex machining, then the turret system is more suitable for you.
GONGTIE turret systems processing parts

GONGTIE turret systems processing parts

GONGTIE turret systems processing parts (1)

GONGTIE turret systems processing parts

GONGTIE turret systems processing parts

GONGTIE turret systems processing parts

GONGTIE turret systems processing parts (2)

GONGTIE turret systems processing parts

Conclusion

Gang tooling and turret systems are some of the most important components of the machining industry and while they assist in improving the process in unequal ways. Gang tooling is fast, economical and easy to operate and thus recommended for applications involving high speed operations and which require only a few cutting tools. Turrets have been designed in such a way that they come with automation and they are capable of handling complicated or detailed work, something that makes them very suitable for environments where precision is very important or whenever the tool change is very frequent. These two, therefore, come down to the requirement of the manufacturing environment, which either requires the use of gang tooling or turret systems. Evaluations of machining factors for instance production volume, complexity of operations, and etc., can influence an appropriate selection of tooling system resulting to efficiency, and quality, and cost-effective machining processes in manufacturing organizations.

Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions about CNC machining equipment. Goingtie is always happy to help you find the most suitable machines and solutions.

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