Understanding the difference between milling and turning
Anyone planning a project in the field of production technology is often faced with the question: Should the workpiece be produced by turning or milling? The difference between milling and turning is technically clearly defined, but in practice the shape of the workpiece, the desired surface quality, the material and the available machine all play a role.
Both processes are classic machining methods and are among the most important processes in industrial CNC machining. Thanks to modern CNC machines, both CNC turning and CNC milling have developed enormously – from manual processes on the lathe or the classic milling machine to highly automated machining centers.
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Basics: turning and milling at a glance
Turning
When turning, the workpiece is set in a rotating motion while a stationary cutting tool, usually a turning tool, removes material. This process is particularly suitable for rotationally symmetrical shapes such as shafts, screws or bolts. Traditionally, it was carried out on a lathe, but today modern CNC lathes perform the work with the highest precision.
CNC turning is a core process, particularly in mechanical processing at Bharat Forge Daun. Precise CNC turned parts are produced here, which are just as important in the automotive industry as they are in the aerospace and mechanical engineering sectors.
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Milling
In milling, on the other hand, the tool itself – the milling cutter – rotates and removes the material. The workpiece is fixed in place or moved in certain movements. This process enables the production of complex geometries, surfaces and contours that would not be possible with turning.
The flexibility of modern CNC milling machines is particularly important in CNC milling. They allow machining in several axes and create precise CNC milled parts that are just as much in demand in fixture construction as in the production of forming tools.
Weiterführend: Was ist Fräsen?
Differences between turning and milling
The most important difference between milling and turning lies in the movement of the workpiece and tool. When turning, the workpiece rotates while the tool, the turning tool, remains stationary. In milling, it is exactly the opposite: the milling cutter moves while the workpiece is fixed or guided in a specific position.
Grundlagen finden Sie auch in unserem Beitrag: Was bedeutet CNC?
Geometries and shapes
- Turning: ideal for rotationally symmetrical components such as shafts, screws or rings.
- Milling: ideal for complex geometries, 3D shapes and precise contours.
Both processes are used in CNC machining at Bharat Forge Daun – depending on which shaping is required for the component.
Machines and processes
- Turning: on a classic lathe or modern CNC lathes.
- Milling: on a milling machine or high-precision CNC milling machines.
This makes it clear that both processes are independent, but complement each other in practice, as no single process can cover all production requirements.
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Tools in comparison
- Turning: works with the turning tool, which removes chips from the rotating workpiece.
- Milling: uses a rotating milling cutter whose cutting edges remove material in the form of chips.
The choice of the right tool is crucial for the quality of the result. The combination of cutting speed, tool material and CNC control plays a decisive role, especially in metalworking, e.g. with steel or aluminum.
Mehr dazu im Artikel: Was ist Fräsen?
CNC turning – technology and areas of application
CNC turning is the further development of classic turning. Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) controls all movements, feeds and cutting speeds.
- Components: ideal for cylinders, shafts, screws and rotationally symmetrical parts.
- Materials: mainly metals such as steel or aluminum, but also plastics.
- Machines: modern CNC lathes allow multi-axis machining.
- Advantages: high precision, good surface quality, efficient series production.
Our CNC turned parts in the field of mechanical processing
CNC milling – technology and areas of application
In CNC milling, a CNC controller takes over the entire machining process. Milling cutters move in several axes to create complex shapes from a raw part.
- Components: perfect for complex 3D geometries and precise contours.
- Machines: from 3-axis to 5-axis CNC milling machines.
- Advantages: high flexibility, processing of a wide variety of materials, combination of several processing operations.
More about our CNC milled parts in fixture construction
Processing operations in comparison
How turning works
- The workpiece rotates around the spindle at high speed.
- Chips are removed with a turning tool.
- Typical machining: external and internal turning, facing, grooving, threading.
How milling works
- The milling cutter rotates at high speed.
- Complex shapes are created through feed movements.
- Typical machining: face milling, pocket milling, profile milling, 5-axis machining.
More about CNC machining in toolmaking
Restrictions on the procedures
Despite all the advantages, both methods have specific limitations:
- Turning: limited to rotationally symmetrical parts; less flexible for complex geometries.
- Milling: more complex when producing long, slim shafts; higher machine costs.
The right decision therefore depends heavily on the desired shape, the material and the quality and productivity requirements.
Zum Artikel: Was ist Zerspanung?
Interim conclusion
Turning and milling are not competing, but complementary manufacturing processes. While CNC turning has its strengths with shafts, screws and cylindrical components, CNC milling is perfect for complex shapes, surfaces and contours.
Thanks to modern CNC machining and the increasing use of multitasking machines, it is possible to combine the advantages of both processes and optimize production processes.
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Turning and milling in multitasking machines
The combination of turning and milling in a single machine is regarded as a key future trend in modern production technology. Such multitasking machines make it possible to fully machine a workpiece in just one operation – without multiple reclamping or switching to different machines.
How the multitasking machines work
Multitasking machines combine the principles of classic lathes and modern milling machines. While the workpiece rotates during CNC turning and the turning tool removes the material, CNC milling uses a rotating milling cutter to produce complex contours and geometries. These machining processes are combined in a multitasking machine – controlled by the latest CNC technologies.
Advantages for production
- Greater efficiency and productivity: All processing steps are carried out on one machine, which saves time.
- Fewer rejects: The risk of tolerance deviations is reduced by reducing the number of reclamping operations.
- Shorter production times: The entire production of components can be completed in one process step.
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CNC milling machines – functionality and areas of application
CNC milling machines are among the most flexible CNC machines in industrial production. Thanks to spindle movements and feed in several axes, they can produce even complex shapes with precision.
Typical areas of application for CNC milling machines
- the manufacture of devices for the automotive industry,
- the milling of complex geometries for the aerospace industry,
- the production of prototypes in medical technology.
Weiterführend: Was ist Fräsen?
CNC lathes – precision for rotationally symmetrical parts
CNC lathes are specialized in the production of rotationally symmetrical components. With extremely high speeds and controlled by computerized numerical control, they deliver precise results, even in large series.
Typical fields of application for CNC lathes
- Automotive industry: e.g. for precise shafts and screws.
- Mechanical engineering: production of resistant steel components.
- Medical technology: high-precision parts for implants and surgical tools.
Our CNC machining in fixture construction
CNC turning – strengths in series production
CNC turning is the ideal solution for components that are built around a spindle. Automated processes allow series to be produced efficiently, while at the same time achieving outstanding surface quality.
Typical products are CNC turned parts such as shafts, bolts or screws, which are required in almost every industry.
More about our CNC turned parts in mechanical processing
CNC milling – precision for complex shapes
CNC milling is particularly in demand when geometries go beyond pure cylindrical shapes. Modern CNC milling machines machine workpieces in up to five axes, making complex shapes possible.
Areas of application:
- high-precision CNC milled parts for the aerospace industry,
- Devices and prototypes in toolmaking,
- Components with complex contours for medical technology.
CNC turned parts – typical applications
CNC turned parts are an indispensable part of modern manufacturing. They are produced on CNC lathes and impress with their precise dimensional accuracy and repeatability.
Examples of CNC turned parts:
- Screws and fasteners in automotive production,
- Shafts for drive systems in mechanical engineering,
- precise components in medical technology.
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CNC machining – deciding between milling and turning
The choice between CNC machining by turning or milling always depends on the requirements.
- CNC turning is more suitable for rotationally symmetrical parts.
- CNC milling is the right method for complex geometries and free-form surfaces.
- Both procedures are often combined to achieve an optimal result.
Mehr dazu im Grundlagenartikel: Was bedeutet CNC?
Conclusion: The difference between milling and turning in modern manufacturing
At first glance, the difference between milling and turning seems simple – the workpiece rotates here, the tool rotates there. But in industrial practice, there is much more to it than that. The two processes are not in competition, but together form the basis for modern CNC machining.
CNC turning is particularly impressive for rotationally symmetrical components such as shafts, screws or bolts. With the help of modern CNC lathes, these parts can be produced with high precision and in large series. The process scores points for its excellent surface quality, high repeat accuracy and efficiency in series production.
CNC milling, on the other hand, is the first choice when it comes to complex geometries, contours and surfaces. Modern CNC milling machines work with three to five axes and therefore enable even complicated free-form surfaces to be produced. Typical applications can be found in toolmaking, aerospace and medical technology, where the smallest tolerances are crucial.
In the future, the boundaries between turning and milling will become increasingly blurred thanks to multitasking machines. These systems combine both processes in one machine, enabling even more efficient and precise production. This allows components to be produced in a single operation without the need for reclamping operations or machine changes.
For Bharat Forge Daun, this means that the combination of experience, state-of-the-art technology and a clear focus on quality makes the company a partner that offers the optimum solution for every shape – whether through CNC turning, CNC milling or a combination of both processes.
FAQ – Further questions about turning vs milling
Can holes also be made with milling?
Ja, beim Fräsen können auch Bohrungen erzeugt werden, allerdings effizienter und schneller gelingt das mit einem Bohrer oder im Rahmen des CNC Bohrens in der Zerspanung.
Which materials are particularly suitable for turning?
Metals such as steel, aluminum and brass are best suited for turning. Certain plastics can also be machined with suitable tools. More about metalworking in mechanical production
Is milling or turning more expensive?
This depends on the component: CNC turning is usually cheaper for rotationally symmetrical parts, while CNC milling is worthwhile for complex geometries. Zum Beitrag: Unterschied Fräsen Drehen erklärt
What surface quality can be achieved when turning?
CNC turning can produce very smooth surfaces that often do not require additional processing steps such as grinding. Mehr zu den Grundlagen der Zerspanung
Is it possible to combine milling and turning in a small series?
Yes, multitasking machines are particularly useful for small batches, as they offer flexibility and save changeover times. Our expertise in toolmaking
Are there typical restrictions when milling?
Yes, very long and slim components are difficult to produce with milling, turning is usually the better choice here. More about our CNC lathes in mechanical processing