As the variety of CNC lathes increases, the names of many lathes are becoming increasingly difficult to understand. Next, let’s learn about CNC turning and milling centers. Before understanding CNC turning and milling centers, we first need to understand CNC lathes and CNC milling machines separately and see what the differences are between them.
A CNC lathe is a machine tool that primarily uses a cutting tool to perform turning operations on a rotating workpiece. Generally, the cutting tool of a lathe is fixed in a specific position on the machine, while the workpiece, held by a fixture, rotates along its axis. The workpiece is cut when it approaches the cutting edge. Therefore, it is primarily suitable for processing shafts, discs, sleeves, and other workpieces with rotational surfaces, and is one of the most widely used types of machine tools in mechanical manufacturing and repair factories. Common rotating processing machines such as CNC milling machines and drilling machines are derived from CNC lathes. Its processing principle is that the workpiece rotates while the cutting tool remains stationary.
A CNC milling machine is a machine tool that primarily uses a milling cutter to machine various surfaces on a workpiece. In this case, the rotation of the milling cutter is the main motion, while both the workpiece and the milling cutter can move for the feed motion. In other words, the workpiece is fixed in a certain position on the machine tool, and the milling cutter rotates at high speed while held by a fixture. When it touches the workpiece, it processes flat surfaces and grooves on its surface, and can also process various curved surfaces, gears, etc. A CNC milling machine is a machine that uses a milling cutter to perform milling operations on a workpiece. CNC milling machines can process flat surfaces (horizontal and vertical surfaces), grooves (keyways, T-slots, dovetail grooves, etc.), indexing parts (gears, splined shafts, sprockets), helical surfaces (threads, helical grooves), and various curved surfaces. In addition, it can also be used for processing the outer surface and inner holes of rotating bodies, and for cutting operations. Because it uses multi-tool intermittent cutting, CNC milling machines have high productivity. The processing principle of a CNC milling machine is that the workpiece is fixed while the tool rotates.
A CNC turning and milling composite machine, as the name suggests, is a composite machine tool that combines all the functions and features of both a CNC lathe and a CNC milling machine. Its functions include turning and milling, turning, milling and grinding, and milling and grinding. The purpose of this combination is to allow one machine tool to have multiple functions, enabling it to complete multiple tasks in a single setup, improving processing efficiency and accuracy. Because it combines the features of a CNC lathe and a CNC milling machine into one machine, it greatly reduces the floor space required and lowers costs such as rent. Although the unit price of a CNC turning and milling composite machine is relatively high, because it can shorten the manufacturing process chain and reduce the number of fixtures, workshop floor space, and equipment maintenance costs, from an enterprise investment perspective, it can effectively reduce overall fixed asset investment and significantly lower production operation and personnel and equipment management costs.
