JSWAY | Leading CNC Lathe Manufacturer Since 2007
What Is The Difference Between CNC Milling And CNC Turning?
CNC milling and CNC turning are two of the most common types of machining processes used in the manufacturing industry. Both techniques utilize computer numerical control (CNC) technology to achieve precision and accuracy in the production of parts, but they differ in terms of their operational principles and the types of shapes they can create. Understanding the key differences between CNC milling and CNC turning is crucial for optimizing production processes and improving overall efficiency in the manufacturing industry.
CNC milling is a machining process that involves using rotary cutters to remove material from a workpiece. The workpiece is securely clamped to a table and can be moved in multiple directions, allowing the milling machine to create complex shapes and designs. CNC milling machines come in various sizes and complexities, with some capable of performing simultaneous operations on multiple axes. This versatility makes CNC milling an ideal choice for producing parts with intricate geometries and tight tolerances.
One of the primary advantages of CNC milling is its ability to produce both prismatic and non-prismatic shapes. Prismatic shapes have straight edges and flat surfaces, such as cubes and cylinders, while non-prismatic shapes have curved or irregular surfaces. CNC milling can achieve high levels of precision and accuracy, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.
In a CNC milling operation, the cutting tool rotates at high speeds, while the workpiece remains stationary or moves along multiple axes. The cutting tool can be made of various materials, such as carbide or high-speed steel, depending on the material being machined. CNC milling machines can also be equipped with additional features, such as coolant systems and chip conveyors, to improve efficiency and prolong tool life.
CNC turning, on the other hand, is a machining process that involves rotating a workpiece on a lathe while a cutting tool removes material from the surface. The cutting tool moves in a linear motion along the length of the workpiece, creating cylindrical shapes or profiles. CNC turning is commonly used to produce parts with rotational symmetry, such as screws, bolts, and shafts, as well as complex contours and features.
One of the key advantages of CNC turning is its ability to create parts with excellent surface finishes and dimensional accuracy. The turning process can achieve tight tolerances and smooth surfaces, making it ideal for applications that require high precision and consistency. CNC turning machines vary in size and complexity, with some equipped with multiple tool turrets and automatic tool changers for increased efficiency.
In a CNC turning operation, the workpiece is held in a chuck or collet and rotated at high speeds, while the cutting tool moves along the length of the part. The cutting tool can be made of materials such as carbide, ceramic, or high-speed steel, depending on the material being machined. CNC turning machines can also be equipped with features such as bar feeders and parts catchers to automate the production process and reduce cycle times.
The key differences between CNC milling and CNC turning lie in the types of shapes they can create, the orientation of the cutting tool relative to the workpiece, and the types of machines and tooling required. CNC milling is best suited for producing prismatic shapes with complex geometries, while CNC turning excels at creating cylindrical parts with rotational symmetry. The choice between CNC milling and CNC turning depends on factors such as the geometry of the part, required tolerances, and production volume.
Applications of CNC milling and CNC turning are widespread in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, and general manufacturing. CNC milling is used for producing complex components in the aerospace industry, while CNC turning is essential for creating critical components in automotive and medical applications. Both techniques are crucial in the electronics industry for manufacturing high-quality electronic components with precise dimensions and tight tolerances.
In conclusion, CNC milling and CNC turning are versatile machining processes that play a critical role in the manufacturing industry. By understanding the differences between these techniques and their respective applications, manufacturers can optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and achieve high levels of precision and quality in part manufacturing. Selecting the right machining process for specific manufacturing needs can help maximize efficiency, quality, and consistency in part production. Whether producing automotive components, aerospace parts, medical devices, or electronic components, CNC milling and CNC turning can help achieve manufacturing goals with precision, accuracy, and efficiency.
I. Functional role
Slideways are the “track” between the guide rail and the moving parts. They convert the rotary (or linear) thrust of the servo motor into precise linear motion of the machine table, spindle box or turret, while withstanding cutting reaction forces, shocks and vibrations. Once the slideway fails, the positioning accuracy and surface quality of the whole machine will drop directly.
II. Common structure family
Linear ball slideway
Steel balls are in point contact with the raceway, low friction and fast response, suitable for high-speed and light-load Swiss-type lathes or vertical machining centers.
Linear roller slideway
Cylindrical rollers are in line contact with the raceway, high rigidity and large load capacity, the first choice for heavy-cutting equipment such as turn-mill centers and gantry five-face machines.
Dovetail slideway
Triangular interlocking surface, extremely strong lateral force resistance, often used in grinders or ultra-precision machining units that require micro-feed.
Hydrostatic/hydraulic slideway
Oil film supports moving parts, almost zero wear, used for mirror grinding or heavy-duty boring machines, but demanding on the oil supply system.
On September 3, 2025, China solemnly commemorated the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Behind the pageantry that displayed national strength and a commitment to peace, countless Chinese manufacturers are injecting their craftsmanship and cooperative spirit into the global economy. JSWAY CNC COMPANY is one of them, answering the call for peace and development in its own way.
For two decades JSWAY has focused on high-configuration, high-precision, high-speed CNC lathes and Swiss-type lathes. Products now reach more than thirty countries and regions, illustrating the principle of “peace through development, excellence through quality.”
True high-end manufacturing is not only technological breakthrough but also stability of quality. JSWAY’s plant houses about forty thousand square metres of floor space, producing Swiss-type lathes, turn-mill centres, gang-tool lathes and turret lathes. Critical components are machined on horizontal machining centres, gantry-type five-face machining centres and precision grinders, ensuring consistent accuracy.
An engineering data centre and joint laboratory use laser interferometers, eddy-current displacement testers, wireless rotary axis calibrators, high-precision digital temperature sensors and real-time machine-error compensation systems to upgrade products continuously.