There are some obvious differences between CNC Turning and CNC Milling in the machining process, mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Processing method: CNC Turning mainly removes materials from the workpiece by rotating the cutting part, in order to obtain the desired shape and size. CNC Milling, on the other hand, uses a rotating milling cutter to remove material from the workpiece. The milling cutter can move in different directions, including horizontal and vertical directions.
Workpiece fixation method: In CNC Turning, the workpiece is usually clamped on the spindle and rotates with the rotation of the spindle. The cutting tool performs feed motion relative to the workpiece to complete the machining. In CNC Milling, the workpiece is fixed on the machining table, and the milling cutter cuts through high-speed rotation and movement along different coordinate axes.
Machining object: CNC Turning is mainly used for machining rotationally symmetrical workpieces, such as shaft parts, disc parts, etc. CNC Milling is more suitable for processing workpieces with complex outer contours, such as planes, surfaces, grooves, etc.
Tools and fixtures: CNC Turning typically uses tools to process workpieces, and the selection and installation of tools have a significant impact on machining accuracy and efficiency. At the same time, the workpiece needs to be clamped on the spindle, so the design and manufacturing of the fixture are also very important. In CNC Milling, the milling cutter is
The selection of the shape and size of the main cutting tools has a significant impact on the machining quality. At the same time, the workpiece needs to be fixed on the machining table, so the design and manufacturing of the machining table also need to consider the fixation and positioning of the workpiece.
Processing efficiency: CNC Turning usually has higher processing efficiency because it mainly removes materials through rotary cutting. CNC milling, on the other hand, requires the movement and rotation of the milling cutter to remove materials, resulting in a relatively slow processing speed. However, CNC Milling has higher flexibility and accuracy in processing complex outer contours.
When it comes to precision manufacturing, we often encounter inquiries about the differences between CNC turning and CNC milling. As experts deeply involved in the field, we understand that these two machining processes play distinct yet crucial roles, each with its own set of characteristics, capabilities, and ideal applications.
CNC turning and CNC milling both leverage computer – numerical control technology to transform raw materials into finished parts with high precision. However, the fundamental ways in which they manipulate the material set them apart significantly.
In CNC turning, we focus on rotating the workpiece while a stationary cutting tool removes material. Picture a lathe – like machine where the part, typically cylindrical in nature, spins at high speeds. We use this process when creating components such as shafts, axles, and cylindrical pins. The cutting tool moves linearly along the X and Z axes (in a two – axis setup) or additional axes in more complex machines, gradually shaping the outer and inner surfaces of the rotating workpiece. This method is excellent for producing parts with concentric features, like threads on a bolt or the smooth, tapered surface of a spindle. We can also perform operations such as facing, which creates a flat end surface on the workpiece, and boring, to enlarge an existing hole with high precision.
On the other hand, CNC milling operates on a different principle. Here, the workpiece remains stationary, and the cutting tool rotates while moving along multiple axes (usually X, Y, and Z, and sometimes additional rotary axes). Milling machines are incredibly versatile and are our go – to for creating parts with complex geometries, flat surfaces, slots, and pockets. Whether it’s machining a detailed mold cavity, a circuit board enclosure with intricate cutouts, or a gear with precisely shaped teeth, CNC milling allows us to achieve a wide variety of designs. The rotating cutter can approach the workpiece from different angles and directions, enabling us to mill features on multiple sides of the part without the need for excessive repositioning.
The types of materials we work with also showcase differences between the two processes. While both CNC turning and CNC milling can handle a broad range of materials, including metals like aluminum, steel, and brass, as well as plastics, turning is often more efficient for long, cylindrical workpieces made from these materials. Milling, due to its versatility, is better suited for complex parts made from harder materials that require multiple operations and angles of approach. For instance, when creating a titanium aerospace component with irregular surfaces and deep pockets, we would likely opt for CNC milling.
Another key difference lies in the surface finish and dimensional accuracy achievable. CNC turning typically provides an excellent surface finish on cylindrical surfaces, with smooth, concentric finishes that are ideal for parts requiring rotational functionality. Meanwhile, CNC milling can produce high – quality surface finishes on flat and contoured surfaces, but the finish may vary depending on the type of cutter used and the machining strategy. In terms of dimensional accuracy, both processes can achieve tight tolerances, but the nature of the parts and the operations performed mean that the areas of precision focus differ. Turning excels in maintaining consistent diameters and lengths of cylindrical parts, while milling shines in accurately machining complex shapes and features with precise angles and depths.
In our day – to – day operations, the choice between CNC turning and CNC milling depends on the specific requirements of each project. If the part is primarily cylindrical and requires operations along its axis, we’ll turn to CNC turning. But when the design calls for complex geometries, multiple surfaces, and intricate details, CNC milling is our preferred method. Understanding these differences allows us to select the most appropriate process, ensuring that we deliver high – quality, precision – machined parts that meet and exceed our clients’ expectations every time.
