When you read about CNC Machining, you may have noticed the terms turning and milling. So what is the difference between these two processes? In this article, we will learn the basics of both processes, including how they work and where they are best suited.
What is turning?
Turning is the process of removing material by the movement of the tool as the workpiece rotates. The cutting tool is usually a single-point non-rotating tool that moves along the workpiece and continuously removes layers of material according to the design until it reaches the desired shape.
Before computers were used in the industry, these processes were done manually, requiring constant adjustments to achieve the stated goals. Today, turning is usually performed by automated machines following algorithmic and numerical rules.
CNC turning can efficiently produce different shapes such as cones, cylinders, discs, polygons, and sometimes even hexagons or other regular polygons. Develop different shapes by combining a variety of processes, including turning, external grooving, threading, knurling, boring, and drilling. The most common processing materials are wood, plastic or metal.
CNC turning has many practical applications - from simple screws and bolts to high-precision aerospace or automotive parts.
What is CNC milling?
Unlike turning, the workpiece does not rotate during milling. Instead, the cutting tool rotates and moves. Additionally, the tool can be moved along several different axes for more complex designs.
Since the 1960s, computer numerical control (CNC) milling has been increasingly used to replace manual milling. CNC milling is faster and can produce simple and complex shapes ranging from rings, necklaces and key chains to automotive and aerospace parts with complex geometries.
Milling can include any combination of face, face or corner milling processes to achieve highly complex shapes. Metals, plastics, composites and wood are all suitable materials for this process.
The applications for CNC milling are endless - it's even used to produce guitar bodies.
Difference Between CNC Turning and Milling
The most significant difference between turning and milling is how the workpiece and tool move.
In turning, the workpiece rotates while the cutting tool usually does not.
In milling, the tool moves and rotates while the workpiece remains stationary.
This simple difference reflects the shapes that each method can produce. The table below highlights the key differences between these manufacturing processes for easy reference.
How to choose between turning or milling?
If your workpiece is axisymmetric, you may want to consider CNC turning.
As long as the substrate is suitable for turning, a lathe or turning center can efficiently manufacture parts to precise dimensional tolerances, even for relatively large lengths and diameters!
If your project has more complex geometries than CNC turning, you may want to consider CNC milling. Milling can produce an endless variety of shapes and, like CNC turning, can meet extremely tight tolerances.
ant to consider CNC milling. Milling can produce an endless variety of shapes and, like CNC turning, can meet extremely tight tolerances.
