Various industries use custom machining services that help in fabricating replacement parts, repair and maintenance, customized designs and so on. Such services are valuable for any pharmaceutical, automotive, optics, defense or machinery industries. The entire process is called as CNC or computer numerical control machining where computer are used to control the machine tools. Lathes machines, grinders, routers and mills are some of that tool which can be easily controlled by computers. These are two types of procedures that are widely performed in industries- cnc milling and turning. Both procedures are used to create pattern on metals or any other material used in industry. However, there is a little difference in both procedures.
cnc milling and cnc turning difference:
Computer uses special software to control the tools which is the similarity in both the procedures however milling and turning itself are different processes. The difference can be seen in the end –product they produce whereas the entire process from the beginning is same for both cnc milling and turning.
What is a cnc milling?
A milling machine is controlled by software where the operator has to give commands to the computer to create a specific pattern. A G-code engineering language is used in coding the program where G-code command controls the feed rate, location, speed and other movements of milling machine. These commands are used to cut or shape the metal. Moreover, the computer can also be used to control the drills and turns of mill. Therefore, the speed of the process can be easily controlled by the computer without involving into any manual process. The end products include arms, pulleys, valves, linkages and other mechanical parts.
What is cnc turning?
Parallel to the metal a cutting tool with single point tool is inserted during the process of turning. The tool is fixed whereas the metal rotates which enable the tool to cut the metal precisely in required diameter and depth. In most of the procedures the metal is cut in round shapes or in tubular shapes. This process can creates the outer cuts as well as the inner cuts in the metal which allow the operator to cut the metal more deeply and make multiple cavities in processed material.
There is only a slight difference in both these procedures which produces different end-products. A CNC milling device is grouped as per the axes. They are labeled as X, Y and Z which represent the movement of the machine. The Z letter denotes the up-down and vertical movement whereas horizontal movement is represented by X and Y.
Such CNC machines are widely used due to their enhanced capability and decreasing tooling costs that make the entire process more affordable than earlier. For short run production of various difficult mechanical parts and creation of prototype, cnc milling is an ideal solution. It led to the fabrication of components that are precise in dimension and fit to the industrial needs. It can drill every material that is used in industries. However, proper selection of cutting tools can make the process easier and affordable. It will also lead to the reduction of tooling cost but the cutting tools must be properly used and taken care.
