The Primary Differences Between CNC Milling and CNC Turning

Custom CNC machining can be accomplished in a number of ways

Custom CNC machining can be accomplished in a number of ways. CNC milling and CNC turning are two of the most common CNC machining services. Both of these operations are commonplace in a machine shop. Both methods rely on the use of a cutting tool to remove material from a solid workpiece. This will be done in order to create 3D products, which can also be accomplished through online 3D printing. CNC milling and CNC turning are both considered subtractive manufacturing processes. This is the case because they both remove material. There are some significant differences between the two processes, which you can learn about further down in this section.



TURNING

The term "turning" refers to the fact that the part rotates around a central axis. As a result, the cutting tool will remain stationary and will not rotate. However, it will move. It specifically moves in and out of the piece in order to create cuts. Turning is used to create cylindrical items and items that are derivatives of cylinders. Shafts and balusters are examples of such parts, but CNC turning can also be used to create baseball bats.

 

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A chuck will be used to keep the workpiece centered on a rotating spindle. At the same time, a base secures the cutting tool, allowing it to move along the axis as well as in and out radially. The rate of rotation of the piece will have an impact on the feeds and speeds, just as the radial depth of the cut and the rate at which the tool moves along the axis will have an impact.



Milling

CNC milling differs significantly from CNC turning in several ways. During milling operations, the cutting tool will rotate. The workpiece will be secured to the worktable and will not be able to move in any way, essentially. The tool can be moved in any of the three directions: X, Y, and Z. CNC milling, on the other hand, is typically capable of producing more complex shapes than what is possible with the help of CNC turning. Products in cylindrical shape are possible, but a wide range of other shapes are also feasible. In a CNC milling machine, a chuck will be used to hold the tool in a rotating spindle while the machine is running.

The cutting tool will be moved in order to create patterns on the surface of the workpiece. Milling does have some significant limitations. This is concerned with whether or not the tool has access to a cutting surface. Access can be improved by using thinner and longer tools, but these can deflect, resulting in a substandard product.


Vertical milling is a type of milling that is vertical

Vertical milling is the type of milling that is most commonly used. This type of milling machine is comprised of a spindle or cutting head that is vertically oriented. It secures and rotates the cutting tool in relation to the piece that is being worked on. As a result, the cutting head is oriented vertically, and the other machine components must shift along one or more axes in order to move the material to the proper location so that the machine can mill properly. The spindle will then be able to move up and down. This is required for material removal, which is accomplished by the cutting head pressing against the workpiece.