{"id":6409,"date":"2020-04-22T12:52:51","date_gmt":"2020-04-22T09:52:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/?p=6409"},"modified":"2024-01-26T15:45:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T13:45:06","slug":"cnc-milling-vs-cnc-turning-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/cnc-milling-vs-cnc-turning-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"CNC Milling vs CNC Turning – the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"

Customers turning to us often ask for CNC machining services<\/a> when looking to create a metal part with an intricate shape. While using this wide term is common and referring to the exact manufacturing method is not necessary, CNC machining entails two different methods.<\/p>\n

They are milling and turning. Both are CNC machining methods but they are not the same.<\/p>\n

CNC refers to computer numerical control, meaning that CNC milling and CNC turning<\/a> use computer systems to guide the cutting machinery.<\/p>\n

Good CAD-CAM software<\/a> can easily translate a 3D model into readable code for CNC machines. This determines the use and movement of tools, cutting paths, etc.<\/p>\n

While our engineers can make the decision regarding suitable operations for a certain part, it could be interesting to know where the difference lies.<\/p>\n

What Is the Difference Between CNC Milling & Turning?<\/h2>\n

The short answer is this – CNC milling uses a rotating tool, while CNC turning uses a rotating part for cutting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

So the two use different techniques to create a part. While milling machines create complex parts from blocks of metal by carving away the excess material, turning is commonly used for cylindrical parts like shafts.<\/p>\n

What is CNC milling?<\/h3>\n

Let’s start with milling. First, there are 3-axis CNC milling machines that are more traditional. The cutting tool can move in 3 directions – X, Y and Z axis.<\/p>\n

While this sets a few limits to the geometry of the parts, it is enough to complete most jobs that require milling. A wide range of milling tools<\/a> can provide different cutting methods like end milling, face milling, hollow milling, etc.<\/p>\n

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