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CNC Milling vs Turning: What's the Difference?

When it comes to manufacturing precision parts and components, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines have revolutionized the industry. CNC machines allow for faster and more accurate production of parts, compared to traditional machining techniques. Two of the most common CNC machining processes are milling and turning. While both processes involve cutting metal to create parts, there are several key differences between the two. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between CNC milling and turning.

What is CNC Milling?

CNC milling is a process that involves using a cutting tool to cut and shape metal into a desired shape. The machine moves the cutting tool across the surface of the metal, cutting away material until the desired shape is achieved. CNC milling machines can produce a wide range of complex parts, including those with intricate curves and contours.

What is CNC Turning?

CNC turning, on the other hand, involves placing a metal rod into a chuck and rotating it at high speeds. A cutting tool is then fed into the metal, cutting away material to form the desired shape. One of the key benefits of CNC turning is that it allows for the production of highly symmetrical cylindrical parts, such as bolts and screws.

Key Differences

While both CNC milling and turning involve cutting metal to create parts, there are several key differences to keep in mind:

Method: CNC milling involves cutting into a workpiece, while turning involves cutting around the workpiece.

Setup: CNC milling machines require a workpiece to be securely clamped to a table, while turning requires a workpiece to be placed into a chuck and centered.

Tools: CNC milling machines use a variety of cutting tools, including end mills and drills, while turning uses mainly lathe tools.

Applications: CNC milling is better suited for creating complex shapes and parts with intricate details, while turning is better suited for creating highly symmetrical cylindrical parts.

Speed: CNC milling is generally slower than turning due to the need to cut into the workpiece.

Which is Right for Your Project?

Ultimately, the decision to use CNC milling or turning will depend on the specific needs of your project. If you require complex shapes and intricate details, CNC milling may be the way to go. However, if you need highly symmetrical cylindrical parts, turning may be the better choice. It's important to consult with a machining expert to determine which process will provide the best results for your specific application.

In summary, CNC milling and turning are two of the most common CNC machining processes used to create precision parts and components. While both processes involve cutting metal, they differ in their methods, setup, tools, applications, and speed. By understanding these key differences, you can make an informed decision about which process is right for your project.

difference between cnc milling and turning

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CNC Machining FAQs

Get the support you need on CNC machining and engineering information by reading the FAQ here.

It may be caused by unstable processing equipment or tool wear and other reasons, so it is necessary to check the equipment and tools in time and repair or replace them.

It may be due to severe wear of cutting tools or inappropriate cutting parameters, which require timely replacement or adjustment of cutting tools or adjustment of machining parameters.

It may be caused by programming errors, program transmission errors, or programming parameter settings, and it is necessary to check and modify the program in a timely manner.

It may be due to equipment imbalance or unstable cutting tools during the processing, and timely adjustment of equipment and tools is necessary.

The quality and usage method of cutting fluid can affect the surface quality of parts and tool life. It is necessary to choose a suitable cutting fluid based on the processing materials and cutting conditions, and use it according to the instructions.

It may be due to residual stress in the material and thermal deformation during processing, and it is necessary to consider the compatibility between the material and processing technology to reduce part deformation.