The difference between CNC Milling and CNC turning

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Author : Vanmodel
Update time : 2024-06-24 23:10:01
CNC milling machines and CNC turning machines are the two most commonly used CNC machine tools at present. Their differences are as follows:
1: Different working principles
The processing principle of lathes is that the workpiece rotates and the tool is fixed. During processing, the blank or workpiece is first fixed on the rotating spindle using a fixture. When the spindle rotates, the turret equipped with the tool controls the tool movement to remove excess material from the blank or workpiece. Since the blank or workpiece rotates, the final shape is a certain form of rotating contour, such as a cylinder, sphere, cone, etc.
The processing principle of milling machines is that the tool rotates and the blank or workpiece is fixed. During processing, the blank or workpiece is fixed on the processing platform using a fixture, and then the spindle rotates the tool, and the tool moves on the direction axis to cut the blank or workpiece, which can form a variety of shapes.
Below is a video of a CNC lathe in action:
2: Differences in processing technology
Processing technology of CNC turning
CNC lathes are mainly used for rotationally symmetrical parts processing, and can process outer circles, inner circles, end faces, gears, etc. During the machining process of the lathe, the workpiece is fixed on the spindle and rotates, and the tool cuts according to the pre-set path to achieve the machining of the workpiece.
Processing technology of CNC milling machine
CNC milling machine is mainly used for the machining of complex parts such as planes, curved surfaces, and threads. During the machining process of the milling machine, the workpiece is fixed on the workbench, and the milling cutter moves in different directions and cuts according to the pre-set path to achieve the machining of the workpiece.
Below is a video of a CNC milling machine working on an injection mold for an automotive part.:
3: Moving path of tools and workpieces
CNC turning: the workpiece rotates, and the turning tool moves along a straight line or curve.
CNC milling: the milling cutter rotates, and the milling cutter moves along a straight line or curve.
"Vanmodel" is a CNC machining factory that can customize precision hardware and plastic parts according to customers. Including automotive parts, prototype parts, medical product parts, etc.
The  CNC turning machine:
 
The CNC milling machine:


4. Processing capability
CNC turning: can be used for drilling, tapping and knurling.
CNC milling: can process planes (horizontal, vertical), grooves (key grooves, T grooves, ant grooves), gears, helical surfaces (threads, spiral grooves) and various curved surfaces.
CNC turning parts pictures provided by "Vanmodel" auto parts manufacturers:
CNC  Milling parts pictures provided by "Vanmodel" car part manufacturers:
5. Purpose
CNC turning: mainly used for processing internal and external cylindrical or conical surfaces, such as shafts, bushings and sleeves.
CNC milling: used for processing planes and irregular surfaces with complex shapes or features, such as grooves, gears, threads and special molding surfaces of molds.
6: Difference in scope of application
Scope of application ofCNC turning
CNC lathe is suitable for processing circular parts with larger diameters, and is often used in automobiles, automation equipment, electronics and other industries. It can process outer circles, inner circles, end faces, etc., and has the characteristics of high efficiency and high precision.
Application scope of CNC milling machine
CNC milling machine is suitable for processing parts with complex shapes such as planes, curved surfaces, threads, etc., and is often used in aerospace, medical, molds, drones and other industries. It can perform multi-axis and multi-directional cutting, with high precision and high efficiency.
"Vanmodel" is cnc machining manufacturer in china, we provide precision machining part, plastic molding parts, molding inserts, cnc machining car parts, injection molding mold parts, cnc machining rims, injection plastic parts, cnc machining wheels, plastic mold parts, plastic injection parts , precision mechanical parts, plastic injection components,
You can watch the video below to learn about CNC turning parts, CNC milling parts and sheet metal parts:


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