A turning center, also known as a turning machine or lathe, is a machine tool that is used to shape and finish parts by removing material from a rotating workpiece using a cutting tool. Turning centers are typically used to create parts with cylindrical or circular cross-sections, such as shafts, gears, and other machine components.

A turning center typically consists of a bed, a headstock, and a tailstock. The bed provides a foundation for the machine and supports the headstock and tailstock. The headstock is located at one end of the bed and holds the workpiece, which is rotated by a motor. The tailstock is located at the other end of the bed and is used to support the workpiece and to keep it in alignment.

The cutting tool is mounted on a tool post that is attached to the carriage, which is guided along the bed by a leadscrew. The carriage and the cutting tool are moved along the bed, so that the cutting tool can remove material from the workpiece. Many turning centers also have a cross slide and a compound rest that can be used to create angled cuts or to create threads on the workpiece.

There are several types of turning centers that are designed for specific types of work. For example, there are single-spindle turning centers, which can only work on one workpiece at a time, and multi-spindle turning centers, which can work on several workpieces simultaneously. There are also CNC turning centers, which are controlled by a computer and can be programmed to create very precise parts.

Turning centers are used in many different industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction, and can be used to create a wide range of parts, from simple bolts to complex gears, shafts, and other machine components. They require a skilled operator and specialized tooling to be able to produce precise and accurate parts.