1.For machining cylindrical, conical, or threaded parts, choose a CNC lathe. On a lathe, the workpiece is mounted on the spindle; typically, the workpiece rotates while the tool does not. For machining complex contours, flat surfaces, or irregular structures, choose a CNC milling machine. The tool is mounted on the spindle; typically, the workpiece does not rotate while the tool rotates.
2.The cutting speed of a CNC milling machine refers to the linear speed of rotation of the milling cutter tip. Milling cutters are relatively small, so their rotational speeds are very high, some reaching tens of thousands of revolutions per minute. The depth of cut is not easily understood, but it can be considered as the area the milling cutter penetrates into the workpiece; it includes both depth and the width of the cutting edge. Feed rate, taking a plane as an example, is the speed at which the cutter mills along one side of the plane. Based on the three elements of cutting, the material removed can be described as a small spiral, and the tool marks are intersecting.
3.CNC lathes and CNC milling machines operate on different machining principles.
CNC lathes: Workpiece rotates, tool is fixed: The spindle drives the workpiece to rotate, while the fixed tool performs cutting. Primarily used for machining rotating parts (such as shafts, discs, and sleeves).
Typical operations: Turning external diameters, internal holes, threads, grooving, etc. Axial motion: Typically two axes, X-axis (radial) and Z-axis (axial).
CNC milling machines: Tool rotates, workpiece is fixed: The spindle drives the milling cutter to rotate, while the workpiece is fixed on the worktable. Complex shapes are cut through multi-axis linkage.
Typical operations: Milling planes, contours, grooves, drilling, tapping, etc. Motion axes: At least 3 axes (X/Y/Z), advanced models support 4 or 5 axes (e.g., rotary tables).
- Cutting Tools and Cutting Methods
Lathe tools: Mostly single-point turning tools (e.g., external turning cutters, threading cutters), with simple cutting paths.
Milling tools: Multi-flute end mills (e.g., end mills, face mills, ball end mills), achieving efficient cutting through multi-flute rotation.
- Programming Differences
Lathe programming: Commonly uses G-code focusing on radial (X) and axial (Z) commands (e.g., G01 linear turning).
Milling programming: Requires handling multi-axis linkage (e.g., G02/G03 circular interpolation), making the program more complex.
- Applicable Workpiece Types
CNC Lathes: Suitable for symmetrical rotating parts (e.g., screws, bearing housings, flanges).
CNC Milling Machines: Suitable for non-rotating parts or complex geometries (e.g., molds, gears, housings, irregularly shaped parts).
- Composite Machining (Turning-Milling Centers)
Modern high-end machine tools may combine the functions of both (e.g., turning-milling centers), possessing both turning and milling capabilities, reducing workpiece clamping times and improving accuracy.
- Typical Application Scenarios
Lathes: Batch machining of shafts, threads, tapered surfaces, etc.
Milling Machines: Manufacturing molds, precision parts, aerospace components, etc.
