Difference Between CNC Milling And CNC Turning

Most CNC machines use CAD and CAM tools to create precise and accurate parts. But the biggest problem in modern production is that people don’t always understand how these machines work. The most common CNC machining processes used by manufacturers to make different parts are still turning and milling.

While CNC turning and milling have similarities they use different methods to make things. Read on to learn the difference between CNC turning and CNC milling. Once you understand the differences, you can choose the right machining process for your project.

What Is CNC Milling?

Using computer software to automate and control the milling tool is an important part of using CNC milling. It uses different methods such as face milling, angle milling, or flat milling to create precise parts out of the right material.

A CNC milling machine has a vertical spindle and a rotating head with a rotating tool. The rotary head is used to feed the tool into the workpiece. When CNC milling is performed, the milling machine holds the workpiece in place on the bed. The rotating multi-point cutting tool is then fed into the surface of the workpiece. Next, the excess material is gradually removed in a controlled manner until the desired part shape is formed.

In addition, CNC milling machines are available in a variety of designs. These include 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis mills. A standard 3-axis CNC milling machine can only move the cutting tool in three directions: X, Y, and Z. A modern 5-axis CNC milling machine can move the cutting tool in up to five directions.

Remember, the more cutting angles or axes a CNC mill has, the more flexibility it has. This means it can machine unique parts with complex shapes and minute details. In this way, you’ll find that a five-axis machine costs more. Because it can do more, this will change the final cost of machining complex milled parts.

Benefits Of CNC Milling

Manufacturers and prototype companies can benefit greatly from CNC milling machines. Milling machines, on the other hand, are more flexible and versatile machines that can machine many different shapes. There are many types of cutting tools available for different machining tasks, such as roughing and milling. Choosing the right CNC milling service provider is also a factor worth considering.

Even though CNC milling machines are tools used to make things, they can also be used for post-processing. One way to do this is to add detail to turned, molded, or 3D-printed parts.

CNC milling is fast and can be done over and over again, and the cost of a small amount of cutting and machining is not prohibitive. As a result, it can be found in services that make items and services that make rapid prototypes.

What Is CNC Turning?

A common process using CNC machines is turning. The basic principle of CNC turning is to place the correct material into a rotating chuck. At the same time, a cutting tool is fed into the workpiece and removes material until the desired shape is achieved. In most cases, a CNC lathe or turning center is used to complete the turning operation.

Before the advent of computer programs, manufacturers had to operate lathes manually, which required more work. As a result, the cutting-edge technology of computer numerical control (CNC) uses pre-programmed software to automate different tasks on the right workpiece. These include drilling, boring, grooving, splitting, end machining, knurling, and more.

A CNC lathe consists of a chuck and different-sized tools. Before using the machine, the machinist must set the tool speed, feed rate, depth, and other important parameters. This allows the machine tool to automatically machine the correctly shaped parts. During turning, a chuck helps hold the workpiece in place and a cutting tool on a turret moves toward the rotating workpiece to remove excess material as needed.

Most manufacturers have only one turret on their CNC lathes. They use a suitable cutting tool to complete multiple projects on one side. Some specialists also use turning centers with spindles and sub-spindles to speed up work in other situations. When set up this way, the spindle makes only light cuts in the material. The material is then sent to the sub-spindle to complete the work on the other side of the selected part.

Benefits Of CNC Turning

The biggest advantage of CNC turning is that it can create round shapes. Other types of CNC cutting, such as CNC milling and CNC routing, make it difficult to get a perfectly round shape.

In addition, CNC turning is very accurate, which makes it a useful tool for machining holes with precise dimensions within a certain range.

You can use both CNC routing and CNC turning to get the most out of both. CNC turning is usually the first step. This allows the machinist to add more detail to the part through milling.

 What Is the Difference Between CNC Milling and Turning?

The most important difference between CNC milling and CNC turning is the way the body and cutting tool move. In CNC turning, the workpiece rotates at a set speed, but the cutting tool remains motionless. On the other hand, in CNC milling, the workpiece remains motionless while the cutting tool rotates around the workpiece to remove excess material.

In short, the difference in the way the cutting tool or workpiece moves indicates the optimum range of sizes and shapes that can be machined by each machining method. Here are some of the more important differences between CNC turning and cutting:

• Tool Components:Single-point cutting tools are used for CNC turning, while multi-point cutting tools are used for CNC milling.
• Machining Operations:CNC milling includes operations such as plane milling, angle milling, and rule milling. CNC turning, on the other hand, includes operations such as threading, knurling, grooving, boring, drilling, straight turning, and taper turning.
• Manufacturing Shapes: CNC turning is best suited for manufacturing part shapes that are symmetrical along an axis. This includes cylinders, disks, cones, and shapes. Whereas CNC milling can create complex parts that are symmetrical or asymmetrical.
• Materials Used:CNC turning can use many different materials such as metal, plastic, and wood. On the other hand, CNC milling is more selectively compatible with raw materials. For this reason, professionals often use CNC milling to work with materials such as nylon, carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

CNC Milling Parts

Parts that can be machined with CNC milling include:

• Fittings: Milled fittings join two or more parts together.
• Covers and housings: Custom-milled housings protect the inside of appliances and other items.
• Plates and brackets: Milled brackets can be more complex than sheet metal brackets because they may have specialized holes and threads.
• Gears: CNC milling can create mechanisms with spur and helical gears.
• Molding tools: Milling molds, which can be made of steel or metal, allow you to quickly create prototypes of molded parts.
• Engine parts: Automotive specialists use CNC milling to make engine blocks and other parts.
• Medical devices: CNC milling machines make implants, surgical tools, and other medical devices.
• Water pumps: Multi-axis milling machines create impellers for hydraulic equipment that work well.
• Forming punches: CNC milling machines also make other manufacturing tools, such as forming punches used to make sheet metal.

CNC Turning Parts

Some of the parts that can be manufactured with CNC turning include:

• Rollers: For industrial use, CNC lathes can make rollers with very tight tolerances.
• Ball joints: CNC lathes are the best way to make smooth joint parts such as ball joints.
• Bolts and nuts: Due to the very high accuracy of turning, it can be used to manufacture parts such as nuts and bolts that need to be within a certain range.
• Shafts: CNC turning is best suited for machining round shafts.
• Pipes: CNC-turned joints make pipes and beams stronger.
• Nozzles: Nozzles are usually round or tapered with an inner opening, making them suitable for CNC turning.
• Turbines: CNC turning can produce round turbine blades for the energy industry.

Selection Guide: CNC Milling Or CNC Turning?

The choice is between CNC milling and CNC turning. It depends on many factors. These include the part’s shape, needed accuracy, the material, and the budget.

• Part shape:CNC milling is for complex shapes, like flat or curved surfaces and multi-axis structures. CNC turning is for cylindrical, tapered, or symmetrical parts.
• Accuracy requirements: CNC turning may be more appropriate if high accuracy is required, especially for cylindrical parts. We can also optimize cutting parameters and use precision tools. To further improve turning accuracy.For complex parts, CNC milling can provide multi-axis operation and high accuracy.
• Materials: Certain materials may be better suited to one type of machining. For example, hard materials may be more challenging to CNC mill, while CNC turning is better suited for softer materials.
• Budget: CNC turning is usually cheaper. This is due to the relative simplicity of the operation. In contrast, CNC milling can be more complex and costly to set up.

Conclude

The choice between CNC milling or CNC turning depends on specific needs. For best results, consider the part’s shape, accuracy needs, material, and budget. Use a mix of these factors to maximize machining efficiency and quality.

Generally speaking, CNC milling is better suited for all other shapes, while CNC turning is better suited for round, cylindrical, or conical parts. If you’re not sure which CNC machining service is best for your job, contact us, and Yonglihao Machinery can tailor the CNC service to your needs.

That said, CNC milling and CNC turning can work well together. CNC milling can be performed after CNC turning if the part is mostly round, but needs to be notched or has uneven features. Although it is not common, CNC turning can also be performed after CNC milling if a square or irregularly shaped part needs a large hole drilled in the center.

FAQ

What Is the Difference in Cost and Setup Time Between CNC Milling and CNC Turning?

CNC milling often needs complex setups and multi-axis operations. So, its cost is higher than CNC turning. In terms of setup time, CNC milling can take longer because of more complex alignments and multiple tool changes. In contrast, CNC turning has shorter setup times. This is for situations that need quick adjustments.

What Is the Difference in Equipment Complexity Between CNC Milling and CNC Turning?

CNC milling typically needs multi-axis operation. So, it needs more complex gear. This is especially true for 5-axis milling machines, which are for making complex parts. CNC turning gear is simpler. It mainly involves rotating the workpiece and fixing the cutting tools. But, more complex machining can use extra tools. In addition, CNC milling usually requires more cutting tools, whereas CNC turning uses mainly single-point cutting tools.

How Does CNC Milling Differ from CNC Turning in Terms of Maintenance and Safety?

CNC milling may need more maintenance. This is due to the complexity of the equipment, especially in multi-axis operations. Maintenance includes regular inspections of cutting tools, bearings, and drivelines. CNC turning is simple, but it requires attention to safety. The work area must meet safety standards. Since CNC turning involves high-speed rotating workpieces, safety precautions are very important.

When Should I Choose CNC Milling or CNC Turning?

CNC milling is good for complex shapes and when you need multiple axes. It is also good for asymmetric parts. In contrast, CNC turning is good for cylindrical, tapered, and axisymmetric parts. It is the best choice for high-volume production and quick setups.