What’s the Difference Between CNC Milling and CNC Turning?

CNC milling and CNC turning are two distinct machining processes that use CNC systems, and they differ in several key ways.

CNC turning is primarily used to create conical or cylindrical surfaces. It involves the use of a lathe, which is a machine tool that rotates the workpiece around an axis of rotation. Various operations like cutting, drilling, turning, and threading are performed using a single-point turning tool (SPTT) that maintains direct contact with the workpiece throughout the process.

In contrast, CNC milling is employed to produce flat surfaces using a milling machine. This process utilizes a multi-point cutting tool or milling cutter. Unlike turning, milling relies on intermittent cutting and involves multiple machine steps.