What is the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning?

Most people who are new to industry have a difficult time knowing the difference between CNC Milling and CNC Turning. these two processes seem quite similar. But they differ from how they operate to complete the desired part.

CNC Turning Machines are one of the oldest and simplest forms of machining parts, called “lathes,” and can be either horizontal or vertical depending on the weight and tolerance of the workpiece. The primary function of a CNC Turning Center is that it turns your workpiece. Workpieces for this process are usually round, but can be other shapes — like squares or hexagons.

The workpiece is held in place by an instrument known as the “chuck.” The chuck then spins at various RPMs (depending on the capability of your machine). When this occurs, the machine’s tool moves into the rotating workpiece and begins to shave away material to create the desired shape.

In this picture, we have a CNC Milling Machine with all the above-mentioned components as well. The top part is the Spindle, which holds the Tool. This part spins at high RPMs and moves back and forth, left and right, up and down to mill away the material.The workpiece, which in this case seems to be a gear or clutch, is held in place by the bed. Some CNC Milling Machines have the capability to move the bed in conjunction with the spindle to attain specific shapes at certain degrees. Because of these capabilities, CNC Milling offers cutting solutions for more complex parts, like engine components, custom tooling, intricate mechanisms and enclosures.

Simple In Summary,

1.Cnc turning Machine can handle only cylindrical ,or circular workpiece.While cnc lathe is used for all types of workpiece but relatively less in size.

2.CNC turning machine is turn the workpiece, the CNC milling machine is turn the tool.