What is The Difference Between CNC Milling and Turning

CNC milling and CNC turning are two main processing modes in today’s society, they can suit different needs and requirements. This short essay will give you some information of CNC milling and turning, also we will compare these tow ways so that you can choose a more suitable one for you to use.

List: 

1. Definition of CNC Milling     

2. Definition of CNC Turning

3. Differences Between CNC Milling and Turning

Definition of CNC Milling

CNC milling machine is also called CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machine. Its english meaning is a milling machine controlled by an electronic meter with digital signals. CNC milling machine is an automatic processing equipment developed on the basis of general milling machine. The processing technology of the two is basically the same, and the structure is similar. CNC milling machines are divided into two categories: without a tool magazine and with a tool magazine. The CNC milling machine with a tool magazine is also called a machining center. CNC milling machine is a kind of CNC machine tool with strong processing function. The machining center and flexible machining unit which are rapidly developed at present are all produced on the basis of CNC milling machine and CNC boring machine. Both of them are inseparable from milling. Since the numerical control milling process is the most complicated and the technical problems that need to be solved are the most, therefore, milling and machining have always been the focus when researching and developing software for numerical control systems and automatic programming languages.

Definition of CNC Turning

CNC turning is a manufacturing process in which strips of material are kept in chucks and rotated while tools are supplied to the workpiece to remove the material to produce the desired shape. The turret with tools (display center) is programmed to move to the raw material bar and remove the material to produce the programming results. This is also called "subtractive processing" because it involves material removal. If the center has adjustment and milling functions, rotation can be stopped to allow milling of other shapes. In the operation of machine shop, CNC rotation is used to manufacture cylindrical parts, in which the cutting tool moves in a linear way when the workpiece rotates. Turning reduces the diameter of the workpiece by using a lathe to rotate, usually specifying the size and producing a smooth surface of the workpiece. In CNC turning process, metal, plastic, wood and other materials are rotated by computer numerical control. CNC turning can be performed outside or inside the workpiece (also known as drilling) to produce tubular parts of various geometric shapes.

Differences Between CNC Milling and Turning

• CNC turning is a parallel process between single point cutting tool and material. Then rotate the material (metal, wood, plastic or stone) and cut the tool across two moving axes to produce precise depth and diameter. This can be done either externally or internally (in a process called drilling) of the material, which can be used to produce tubular components of various sizes. This process can be done manually, but now it is more common to use a computer-controlled automatic lathe, unlike the manual process, which does not require continuous operator supervision. CNC milling involves the use of commands or G codes programmed into milling machines, with each alphanumeric code having a specified function performed by the machine. Then, the milling cutter drills and rotates along the axis to cut and shape the material into the dimension programmed in the machine tool. The NC milling machine can be controlled by a computer control device or a manual control device located in the front of the machine. Although the program is the preferred method for controlling the process, manual overshoot allows operators to accelerate and slow down when necessary because the spindle can be programmed to perform any required cutting.

• The main difference between CNC turning and milling is the final product produced by the program. In the turning process, the single point cutting tool is parallel to the metal insertion being processed. When the cutting tool performs precise cutting with a previously determined diameter and depth, the metal rotates. One of the main purposes of the program is to make a tubular or circular metal incision. In addition to creating external decorative cutting, CNC turning is also used to form one or more plate-shaped cavities in the material being processed. All kinds of machine parts and tools are the end products of CNC turning.

After reading this article, you know what is CNC milling and CNC turning, also, you know the differences between CNC milling and turning. We believe you will choose the right one to product.