What is the difference between a CNC lathe and a CNC milling machine?
CNC lathes and CNC milling machines are both CNC machine tools. Both machine tools use programs to specify their tool paths. The following is the difference between the two in terms of working principles and uses.
working principle
On the spindle of the CNC lathe is the workpiece, the tools are on the tool holder and makes linear motion in the XZ plane.
On the spindle of a CNC milling machine there is milling cutter, the workpiece is on the workbench. When the milling machine is working, the workpiece is mounted on the workbench or an attachment such as an indexing head. The main motion of the milling cutter is rotation, supplemented by the feed motion of the workbench or milling head, the workpiece can obtain the required processing surface. Because it is multi-tool intermittent cutting, the productivity of CNC milling machines is high.
Uses
The parts processed by CNC lathes are rotating bodies, such as shafts, holes, undercuts, internal and external threads, etc. Drills, reamers, reamers, taps, die and knurling tools can also be used on CNC lathes for corresponding processing. CNC lathes are mainly used to process shafts, discs, sleeves and other workpieces with rotating surfaces.
CNC milling machines can process planes, grooves, various curved surfaces, gears, etc. In addition to milling planes, grooves, gear teeth, threads and splined shafts, CNC milling machines can also process more complex profiles with higher efficiency than planers. In addition, they can also be used to process and cut off the surface of the rotary body and inner holes work, etc.
Summary
CNC milling machines are machine tools that use milling cutters to mill workpieces. CNC lathes mainly use turning tools to turn rotating workpieces. Users should choose the machine tool that best suits them based on their actual situation.
