Machining is a type of subtractive manufacturing process that shapes materials into the desired product. Two main types of machining include CNC turning and CNC milling. During CNC turning, the cutting tool remains stationary while the material is rotated at a specific speed to create the exact shape. CNC milling, on the other hand, involves the workpiece being held in place while the cutting tool rotates around it.
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Although these processes achieve similar results, they each offer their own unique benefits that make them suitable for different applications. Here, well dive into the advantages and common uses of each method to help you determine which option is best for your needs.
While CNC milling and turning serve similar functions, they differ in terms of overall process, benefits, and applications.
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During the CNC turning process, the workpiece is held in a lathe. The lathe rotates at high speeds while the cutting tool moves in to remove material until the desired shape is achieved. This process can be performed manually or through the use of computer numerical control (CNC), which involves pre-programming an exact set of instructions for the turning machine to follow.
CNC turning is particularly ideal for machining cylindrical parts, as they fit better into the lathe compared to other shapes. Milling is typically preferred for rectangular, square, and other angular geometries.
CNC turning comes with several key advantages over CNC milling, including:
CNC turning is well-suited for the following applications:
CNC milling works by utilizing various rotating cutting tools to produce parts from a block of material based on a pre-designed CAD model. During the process, the workpiece is held stationary, while the rotating cutting tool removes material. Factors such as the cutting depth, tool path, spindle RPM, and axis travel are all predetermined by the CNC control program. The coding used in these operations allows for optimal repeatability to produce large volumes of custom parts with consistent designs.
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The key benefits of CNC milling include:
CNC milling is mostly well-suited for workpieces that arent cylindrical, as they dont need to fit into the turning center. Common applications include:
Understanding the key differences between CNC turning and CNC milling is key in selecting the method that best fits the needs of your project. If you require dependable turning or milling services for your application, the professionals at Chapter 2 Incorporated have the equipment and expertise needed to give you quality results every time. We offer turning and milling services for clients across a range of industries, including power generation, agriculture, industrial equipment, medical, and oil and gas.
Reach out to us to learn more about our CNC machining capabilities or request a quote to get started on your next project today.
Turning is a popular form of CNC machining process. CNC turning basics comprise affixing suitable materials in a rotating chuck. At the same time, the cutting tools fed to the workpiece remove the material until the needed shape is formed. Generally, CNC lathes or turning centers apply in turning operations.
Before the advent of computer programs, manufacturers operated lathes by hand, making them more labor-intensive. Thus, the innovative development of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) uses pre-programmed software to automate various processes on suitable workpieces. They include drilling, boring, grooving, parting, facing, knurling, etc.
A CNC lathe comprises a chuck and multi-sized cutting tools. Before using the machine, the machinist must set the cutters speed, feed rate, depth, and other important instructions to get the desired shape component automatically. During the turning operations, the chuck helps hold the workpiece in place, while the cutting tools attached to a turret move toward the rotating workpiece to remove excess material where required.
Most manufacturers use CNC lathes with only one turret and apply suitable cutting tools individually to complete many projects on one side. In other cases, some experts also use turning centers with a main spindle and sub-spindle for more rapid operations. In this configuration, the main spindle moderately machines the material. It then gets directed to the sub-spindle to perfect the work on the other side of the desired component.
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