CNC Lathe vs. CNC Milling Machines: Choosing the Best Option for Your Industrial Application

10 September 2021

A lot of machining tools have taken over most manufacturing plants. After all, they can carry out a wide array of machining processes and work with different types of workpieces.

Two machining tools that can carry out different machining processes are lathe and milling machines. A lathe is a tool that can rotate a workpiece on a rotating axis so that various machining processes can be generated. A milling machine, alternatively, is a tool that holds the workpiece in place while a cutting component moves to perform machining processes. The movement of both lathe and milling machines can be automated by computer numerical control (CNC) devices.

To help you choose the best machine option for your industrial application, here are some differences between CNC lathe and CNC milling machines.

CNC Lathe Machines

CNC lathe machines basically work by moving the workpieces on a rotating axis while keeping the cutting tools stationary. Hence, these machines can effectively work with applications that require cylindrical- and conical-shaped workpieces. They can likewise create symmetrical products repeatedly and quickly.

A number of operations can be done with CNC lathe machines. Some of these operations are as follows:

• Boring – Boring is the removal of material from an inner surface of a workpiece through a single-point cutting tool. This operation often results in an enlarged and trued-up hole in a workpiece.
• Drilling – Drilling is typically carried out if the workpieces need some holes. This specific operation can then be followed up with boring, reaming, or tapping.
• Reaming – Reaming is another CNC lathe machine operation that is used for workpieces that already contain drilled areas. This operation can part up the drilled holes.
• Tapping – Tapping is a CNC lathe machine operation that can add screw threads to the existing drilled holes. This operation can be effective if it is the only process being added to the workpieces.

CNC Milling Machines

CNC milling machines, on the other hand, operate by letting the tool rotates on its axis while keeping the workpiece fixed on a specific area. The tool used by the machines approaches the workpiece, ensuring that it can generate more complex and intricate specifications.

The following are some of the operations that can be done with CNC milling machines:

• Drilling – Drilling can also be done on CNC milling machines. This specific operation can create holes that are greater than 1.5mm and have four times more depth than their diameter.
• Engraving – Engraving is another CNC milling machine operation that can carve special design features such as artistic embellishments into the surfaces of workpieces.
• Rebating – Rebating is one more CNC milling machine operation that can be done by industries. It optimally cuts slots or grooves into the edge of workpieces to enhance their visual appeal.

CNC milling machines are recommended for works that require versatility as they can work with various tooling options. They can also work with complex processes. CNC lathe machines, alternatively, are great for products that have cylindrical shapes. They can also be beneficial if the products need to be produced continuously without sacrificing efficiency.

To know more about these machines, you can call us at Kinetic Engineering.

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