CNC Turning and Milling: Understanding Their Differences  

You might find it difficult when you are not familiar with the process because CNC Turning and Milling can seem no distinction. 

CNC Turning and Milling – understanding their differences allows you to use the right machine to gain the best results. Moreover, helps we decide which method best works for your project requirements undoubtedly saving you a lot of time and money.

In this article, TDB Tech provides detailed guidelines on what makes CNC Turning and Milling different from each other. 

CNC Machining  

Before we explain the difference between CNC turning and milling, we want to introduce the overarching term that is used to describe both processes first. 

The CNC is an abbreviation of a technical term, Computer Numerical Control, which involves feeding instructions into a machine and then controlling the lathes, mills, routers, and grinders. After that, the excess will be removed from the raw material to produce parts to precise specifications. 

What is Turning?

Turning is one of the oldest and simplest forms of creating parts using lathes. Although lathe machines nowadays are highly advanced with cutting-edge technologies, they actually were invented back in 1300 BCE in ancient Egypt.

Lathes are specifically designed for the workpiece to rotate at high speed, they combine with the cutting tool, which is stationary, to remove material. Consequently, the vast majority of lathes will produce parts that are cylindrical or radially symmetrical. Furthermore, lathes are also capable of drilling, reaming, grooving, threading, etc…The raw materials used are usually round in shape, but can also be square or hexagonal. The lathe’s configuration makes them ideal for oversized workpieces.

If you’d like more about CNC turning and which type of parts it can make, our blog can help. 

What is Milling?

Unlike CNC turning, CNC milling is operated using various axes. 

For milling, the cutting tool rotates to cut the material and the workpiece is placed on a bed by a vise or jig. Depending on the configuration of the machine, the bed may move along the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis, but the piece of work itself doesn’t move or rotate. 

Normally, milling machines can range from 2-axis to 3-axis, 4-axis, and multi-axis milling machines for cutting intricately shaped parts. 

Milling machines are also divided into 2 main types: vertical milling machines and horizontal milling machines.

• Vertical milling machine: The main axis is perpendicular to the machine table (the machine table is where the part to be processed is placed).
• Horizontal milling machine: The spindle is horizontal relative to the table.

Understanding the Differences Between CNC Turning and CNC Milling

Let’s find the type of machining that’s right for you. Both CNC machines are vital parts of modern CNC machining. The most noteworthy difference between turning and milling is how the raw material and tooling work:

• In turn, the piece of work rotates, while the cutting tool typically does not.
• In milling, the workpiece remains fixed and the cutting tool rotates.

An experienced machinist can use one of those machines or both to create parts with exacting tolerances.

CNC milling is applicable for surface work, such as cutting, grinding, and symmetrical and angular geometries when producing parts. Ideal materials for CNC milling are metal, wood, plastic, and composites.

In terms of CNC turning, it is moderately convenient for prototyping low-volume production. CNC turning can be used for high-volume production of certain specialized parts, such as screws or bolts. The CNC turning technique is also suitable for creating asymmetrical and cylindrical geometries.

Ideal materials for CNC turning are metal, wood, and plastic.

Reason Work With TDB

You do not know how to start your project? If you are looking for a trustful supplier which has reliable precision engineering services, CNC turning, and milling? 

The components you need must be of the highest quality and built to stand the test of time. 

This is where TDB Tec can help. We’ve gained years of experience in producing industry-leading precision-engineered components and are experts in forming lasting relationships with our clients that have seen them return to us from time to time. For several years now, we have been serving clients from various industries, including aerospace, military, energy, and electronics industries. 

See our CNC turning services page to learn more about how we can help you.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between CNC Turning and Milling can be daunting due to the many techniques and materials available nowadays. However, for the most basic parts, the answer lies in how they remove material and what part rotates: tool or part? When selecting a type for CNC machining, consider the function and operations of machines, desired shape of products, as well as their cost.

Choosing the right CNC type is the first step. But using the right CNC machining services is also a critical decision. TDB Tec is the best available answer in this regard. As a leading CNC machining service provider, We can provide custom prototype and CNC production machining and parts with diverse specifications. You can get in touch with our experts via phone on 0969828515. Alternatively, you can send us an email with your requirements and queries at info@tdb.com.vn.