What is CNC turning?

CNC turning is an ideal device for cutting symmetrical cylindrical or spherical parts. Typically, a lathe rotates the workpiece on a vertical or horizontal axis, while a fixed forming tool moves around the workpiece on a straight or curved path.

What is the principle of CNC turning?

CNC turning allows for a variety of operations such as face, threading, knurling, drilling, boring, reaming and taper turning. It works by loading the raw material into the lathe spindle tray after creating the G code. When the spindle rotates, the chuck holds the workpiece in place. Once the spindle reaches speed, the cutting tool makes contact with the workpiece, gradually removing the material until the desired geometry is formed.

What is the difference between CNC turning and milling?

The main difference between CNC turning and CNC milling lies in the relative movement of the machine and raw materials during the machining process. In CNC milling, the material is fixed in position and the cutting tool rotates around the material. In CNC turning, the tool remains in the same position while the material rotates at high speed to form a precise shape.
Other differences include:
Tool types: single point tools are used for turning, and multi-point tools are used for milling.
Applicability: Milling is more suitable for flat and irregular surfaces, while turning is suitable for cylindrical or conical surfaces.
Cutting method: turning continuous cutting, with the tool continuously in contact with the workpiece; Milling intermittent cutting, where the tool continuously engages and disengages from the material.
Chip type: Milling produces discontinuous chips, while turning can produce discontinuous, continuous, and fragmented chips.