MANUFACTURING INC.
MANUFACTURING INC.
While CNC milling and CNC turning may seem similar, they are actually two very different machining processes that use distinct equipment and techniques. Milling involves rotating cutting tools that move around a stationary workpiece, while turning rotates the workpiece itself against a fixed cutting tool.
Each method has its own strengths, and understanding how they differ can help you choose the right process for your specific part or project. Whether you need high-detail components or simple cylindrical shapes, knowing the basics of CNC milling and turning will guide you toward the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
CNC milling is a machining process where the workpiece stays fixed in place, while rotating cutting tools move around it to remove material and shape it according to a precise design. These tools can move in multiple directions, up to five different axes on advanced machines, allowing for the creation of complex shapes and detailed features.
Because of this multi-directional movement, CNC milling is ideal for producing parts with intricate contours, curves, and surfaces. Many CNC milling machines can also perform multiple operations at once, making the process faster and more efficient, especially for parts that require high precision and dimensional accuracy.
Thanks to its versatility, CNC milling is an excellent choice for machining complex parts that require a high level of detail and precision. It’s especially useful when creating components with intricate shapes, contours, or features.
Common parts made using CNC milling include:
Engine components
Protective enclosures
Custom-made tools
Fine mechanical parts and mechanisms
CNC milling machines can be equipped with a variety of cutting tools, each suited for different materials and design requirements. For example:
Face milling is used to create flat surfaces.
End milling works well for cutting slots, pockets, or complex profiles.
Hollow milling is ideal for shaping cylindrical features or creating internal cavities.
By using the right combination of tools and techniques, CNC milling can deliver highly accurate and consistent results across a wide range of applications.
CNC turning is a machining process where the workpiece is mounted either horizontally or vertically, depending on the type of machine and the part being produced. Once secured in place by a device called a chuck, the workpiece spins at high speeds while a stationary cutting tool moves along its length to remove material and shape it.
The speed of rotation can vary based on the material, size, and complexity of the part. This process is especially effective for creating smooth, round, or cylindrical components with high precision.
While CNC milling is ideal for producing complex, detailed parts with irregular shapes, CNC turning is better suited for creating components that are round or symmetrical along their axis. This process excels at shaping materials into smooth, consistent forms by rotating the workpiece while the cutting tool remains stationary.
CNC turning is commonly used to produce parts such as:
Conical shapes – components with tapered ends or sloping sides
Shafts – long, cylindrical pieces used in motors, gear systems, or machinery
Custom hollow tools – specialized tools or housings with internal openings
Rods – straight, round bars used in various industrial and structural applications
Because of its precision and efficiency, CNC turning is often the preferred method for high-volume production of round or tubular parts.
CNC milling and CNC turning are both forms of CNC machining, but they operate in very different ways, primarily based on which part of the machine is in motion.
In CNC milling, the workpiece stays in a fixed position, while rotating cutting tools move around it in multiple directions to carve out the desired shape.
In CNC turning, the process is the opposite: the workpiece itself spins, and a stationary cutting tool gradually removes material as the part rotates.
This key distinction leads to several other differences in how each process works and what types of parts they’re best suited for:
CNC milling produces discontinuous chips because the cutting tool repeatedly enters and exits the material as it moves around.
CNC turning can produce continuous, fragmented, or discontinuous chips, depending on the material and cutting conditions, since the cutting is ongoing as the part rotates.
CNC turning provides continuous cutting, which is efficient and ideal for smooth, uniform shapes.
CNC milling involves intermittent cutting, as the tool approaches and withdraws from the surface at various angles.
Turning machines use a single-point cutting tool, which is simpler and ideal for symmetrical cuts along the axis of rotation.
Milling machines use multi-point cutting tools that can approach the workpiece from various directions and axes, allowing for more complex shapes and intricate details.
CNC milling is best for parts with flat, irregular, or angled surfaces, such as housings, brackets, or custom parts with complex geometry.
CNC turning is ideal for cylindrical or round components, like shafts, rods, or bushings, where consistent, rotational symmetry is needed.
Understanding these differences can help you select the right machining process for your specific part design, material, and production needs.
As CNC technology continues to advance, more and more manufacturers benefit from the speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness of CNC Machining Services. At Interscope Manufacturing Inc., we are committed to providing our customers with superior quality CNC machined parts and prototypes. With more than 35 years of experience, we have the in-depth knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment necessary to produce exceptionally accurate parts within even the most stringent specifications.
At Interscope Manufacturing Inc., we make it a point to incorporate the latest automated technology for every step of our manufacturing process. From CAD software to cutting-edge CNC systems, our engineers and technicians will take your project from conceptualization through production.
If you would like additional information about our CNC Milling or Turning services and other machining capabilities, please contact us with any questions.
