What is the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning?

CNC milling:

Milling is the process of removing material from slid blank to create a shape either finished or semi-finished. In CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling, the workpiece is held in a rigid fixture mounted in a worktable. This table is made for multi-functions and can rotate as well, making two axes of movement. Cutting tools are mounted on the table to remove material to create varieties of complex material.

CNC milling is ideal in making angles shapes, slots, holes and curves, flat surfaces and channels. It is efficient in removing surfaces with high accuracy.

CNC turning:

Computer Numerical Control turning is a subtractive machining process where a cutting tool is placed against a spinning piece to take material off. This is an intricate and detailed method of removing parts using the lathe. Through computer technology, this skill is now enhanced by the ‘Turning Lathe’ basically designed for minute details and to the most rigid of the designs.

Turning Lathe;

Turning lathe is used in CNC turning performing the function of securing and rotating stock or raw material.

It is machined along the dual axis of movement at high speed.

A single point cut the tool shapes and material, resulting in the desired component to be created.

Unlike the traditional lathe of back to ancient Egypt, turning lathe is controlled by computer programs, ensuring the production of exact details with the advantage of being reproduced too.

Difference between CNC milling and CNC turning:

The great advantage of CNC milling and CNC turning is to add details and create patterns that are impossible to do by hand.

CNC milling	CNC turning
CNC milling uses computer programs and cods to drill and cut the material along axes and dimensions according to command entered in the computer.	CNC turning uses computer-controlled machines to create a different final product. The difference is this process use single point cutting tool that insert parallel to the cutting material.
Computer programming allow machines to make precise cuts.	In this, material is rotated at changing speeds and the tool cutting traverses to create cylindrical cuts with exact measurement.
Users can manually override CNC machines to slow or speed up the process.	It is automatic process and speeds can be varied for greater accuracy rather than turning a lathe by hand.

Application of CNC milling and CNC turning:

CNC milling machines:

Drilling and cutting:

The most widely used variety of CNC milling is drilling and cutting; It is a popular industrial solution because of the provision of detailed size and shapes.

Unique shapes and size:

The rotating cylindrical cutter in a CNC milling machine can move along multiple axes to create unique shapes, slots, holes, and details in part.

Used with myriad materials:

CNC milling machines can create precision components from metals, plastic, ceramics and composite materials.

Technical features:

They come equipped with technical features like tool carousals and magazines, automatic tool changer, coolant system and enclosures.

CNC milling serves industries:

Commercial maintenance and electronics.

Prototypes and custom designs of Aircraft and aerospace.

Technology and security.

Telecommunications.

Medical.