Did you know that sheet metal services consist of many different processes? For this manufacturing technique you might use a forming process, but a cutting or joining method could be utilized too. This is actually the same for a CNC machining service. CNC machining is in fact an umbrella term for a few different processes. This includes CNC milling and CNC turning. Both techniques are done with the help of 3-axis CNC systems and are seen as basic machines. Both allow the movement of the cutting tool in three linear axes relative to the workpiece. This essentially means back and forth, left and right, and up and down. However, there is also a big difference between CNC milling and CNC turning as you can read below.
What is CNC milling?
CNC milling is a 3-axis machine, as explained below. This sets a few limits to the geometry of the pieces, but it is still enough to complete most jobs that need milling. This can be done with the help of many different milling tools, while there are also different methods that can be employed. However, you could also use multi-axis milling. This allows 4 or more axes. It includes the rotation of the tool and the work table, which results in an extra dimension of flexibility. Usually 5-axis milling machines for this application. Essentially everything can be milled and manufactured with these machines.
What is CNC turning?
CNC turning, or CNC lathes, is done by holding the workpiece on the spindle while it rotates at high speed. A cutting tool will trace the inner or outer perimeter of the piece, so it forms the geometry. The tool does not rotate, instead it moves along polar directions. This is done radially and lengthwise. CNC lathes are used a lot since they can produce parts at a very high rate, while the cost per unit remains quite low. For larger volumes this is perfect, of course. 5-axis mill-turning CNC machines can be used for this application as well.
What is the difference?
What the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning is, can actually be explained rather easily. There is a very short answer for this question: CNC milling deploys a rotating tool, while CNC turning uses a rotating part for cutting. Both processes thus use different techniques in order to create a part.
