CNC turning and CNC milling are part of the machining capabilities we offer at M-CNC. When it comes to CNC milling vs turning, understanding the difference between the two will help determine which method is best suited to the precision engineering project you have in mind.
CNC machining
To start, you’ll need a basic understand of what CNC machining is, as CNC machining is the overarching term that encompasses both CNC turning and milling.
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. In CNC machining, CAD/CAM software is used to make a 3D design of a part, which is turned into a sequence of instructions. These instructions are sent to a CNC machine, which then controls the various tools needed to create the part: lathes, mills, etc. This is done by a process of removing excess materials from a solid block until the desired part is formed.
CNC machines can precision engineer even complex parts to an incredible degree of accuracy; CNC turning and milling are two of the manufacturing processes used to to do this. Both processes can work with a wide range of materials, including aluminium, steel and titanium.
What is CNC turning?
CNC turning is a subtractive machining process and a specific type of CNC machining.
The raw material, or workpiece, that will eventually become the finished part is rotated at high speed. As it is rotated, a cutting tool creates the desired shape. CNC turning is different to other rotational machining processes as it involves rotating the workpiece itself, rather than the cutting tools.
The CNC turning process is often supervised by a skilled machinist, who will make adjustments as needed. However, unlike a traditional lathe, modern CNC turning machines are numerically controlled. This ensures precise results and meticulous adjustments to the tools used, the rotation speed, spindles, and more.
When to use CNC turning
CNC turning is mostly used to manufacture cylindrical or symmetrical parts quickly and in high production volumes. Workpieces tend to also be cylindrical in shape, although hexagonal- and square-shaped workpieces can also be used.
Parts that are manufactured using CNC turning have an incredibly smooth and high quality finish.
What is CNC milling?
CNC milling is a type of CNC machining that is done using various axes. The most traditional of these is 3-axis machining, which can move cutting tools in three directions (i.e. across three axes). These axes are called X, Y and Z. The simpler the design, the less labour intensive the manufacturing process is – as it requires less human intervention. This will save on overall cost for the project.
At M-CNC, we are also capable of performing 5-axis and 9-axis machining. This offers an even greater degree of flexibility and enables us to precisely manufacture incredibly complex parts.
When to use CNC milling
CNC milling is most suited to the manufacture of very complex components. This is how we are able to machine intricate designs according to the high levels of quality and accuracy demanded by prestigious industries, such as the aerospace, automotive, and security and defence sectors.
CNC milling produces complex parts at super fast speeds to an incredibly precise degree of consistency and accuracy. Components can also be produced to high volumes.
