Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining encompasses CNC turning and CNC milling operations which are similar processes, but not exactly the same.
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In the simplest terms, a CNC machine is a computer-controlled lathe that’s used to manufacture industrial parts. The raw material is attached to the milling spindle with a chuck that holds it in place. The spindle rotates at different speeds, turning the material while the milling cutter shapes it into the desired part. As the machining processes are computer-controlled, the raw materials are shaped into the desired parts with a high degree of precision.
CNC turning is a cost-effective and efficient method which is most effective when creating cylindrical and round parts that are designed by computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. The program controls the machining processes and the raw material is cut using a single-point cutting tool.
Common parts created by CNC turning include contact pins, valves, couplings, shafts, pins, hydraulic fittings, nuts, bolts, bearings and housings.
CNC turning can be used to manufacture parts for almost any industry. However, precision engineering is absolutely vital for some industries. Therefore, the sectors most likely to need high quality components created by CNC turning are:
While CNC turning uses a single-point cutting tool, CNC milling uses a cutting tool that works on up to five different axes enabling the rotating cutting tool to turn in three different directions. The tools spin at thousands of RPM and the table rotates on several axes, enabling the milling machine to cut the material into shape easily and precisely.
This means the milling machine can utilise a series of different milling operations, for example end milling, hollow milling and face milling, to create virtually any shape you need. CNC milling is therefore used to create complex parts that can also include features such as holes, slots, and notches.
There are many industries where the use of high quality, precision-engineered parts is vital. If even the smallest part fails, it will have a major impact on productivity, so the investment in a bespoke part that fits precisely and is made of high quality materials, such as PTFE or PEEK, is likely to save thousands in repairs and lost productivity later. The industries we most commonly produce CNC-milled parts for are:
CNC milling is an incredibly efficient process, producing parts and components more quickly than traditional manufacturing processes and, most importantly, with tight tolerances and a greater degree of accuracy than any other process. This is why we invest in cutting edge CNC milling machines that give us the advantage of accuracy, a quicker turnaround, and a more cost-effective process.
CNC milling is a highly precise and efficient method for shaping materials into complex parts. Unlike CNC turning, where the material rotates, CNC milling keeps the workpiece stationary while a rotating cutting tool moves along multiple axes to carve out the desired shape.
Put simply, there are two key differences between the type of CNC machine. A CNC turner uses a single-point cutting tool with three axes, whereas a CNC mill’s cutting tool is a five axis one. In CNC turning, the material is rotated while the cutting tool remains static; in CNC milling, the raw material is held in place while the tools rotate around it.
Which one you use depends on your CNC machining needs. For the simple parts, it is likely that CNC turning is the best method; the more complex the part, the more you will need to rely on milling for your CNC machining needs. If you would like to discuss which CNC machining process is better suited to your needs, call us on .
Key differences:
Whether you need to design and develop a prototype part, need a short run or a large order, require simple or complex designs, talk to one of our specialists about the best CNC technology for your needs.
The material you use for each part is a vital consideration. We specialise in manufacturing parts made with engineering plastics and polymers such as polyethylene, nylon, PolyOxyMethylene and polyimide. Engineering plastics are perfect for jobs that require parts with a high degree of mechanical strength, thermal and chemical resistance. Our experts will work with you to find the best materials for your parts, but in the meantime, check our Chemical Compatibility Tool which will help you discover the best materials to use with particular chemicals they will come into contact with.
Our specialists will also advise you on whether CNC turning machines or CNC milling machines are the most appropriate method to create your parts.
AFT Fluorotec has been manufacturing high quality precision engineering parts for many years. Thanks to our expertise and willingness to invest in innovative technology and CNC programming, we offer comprehensive CNC milling and CNC turning services and can produce parts that range in size from less than 1mm to more than 1 meter.
Our specialists will help you decide on the best materials for the job. If there is no readily available material, we have the expertise to create a custom blend to produce the material with the qualities you need. We are one of just two UK companies with the capability to do this in-house, creating the best blend for the part.
We have many years of experience precision engineering plastics parts whatever the size or desired shape, and however simple or complicated your design. We are renowned for our high quality products, fast turnaround times, and customer service excellence.
Call us on to discuss your CNC machining needs.
We specialise in plastics turning and milling, particularly PTFE and PEEK materials and compounds. CNC lathes are the perfect machine tools for manufacturing parts made out of engineering plastics.
We will design and produce parts in whatever quantity you need, whether it’s a prototype, a couple of replacement parts, a small batch or a large production run.
We understand that sometimes you need a part very quickly, which is why we try to be flexible enough to accommodate the most pressing jobs. Our ability to work to short time scales means we are able to turn around jobs more quickly than other companies. Depending on the job, we could deliver the finished product in as little as one or two days. If you have an urgent CNC machining job, call us now on .
The complexity of the part is dependent on a number of factors including size, curvature, weight, tolerance, thickness, and finishing. Rest assured our state of the art CNC machines will handle even the most complex geometries. A combination of high quality design and precision engineering means we can manufacture even the most intricate designs. Our state-of-the-art CNC milling machine types handle even the most intricate designs, utilizing vertical milling machines and multi-axis capabilities, including the Z axis, for precise shaping.
Symmetry and Geometry - CNC turning is particularly advantageous for parts with symmetrical geometries due to its rotational nature. Parts with rotational symmetry, such as shafts, cylinders, and discs, are ideally suited for CNC turning to ensure uniformity and precision.
Cylindrical & Round Shapes - Turned parts are inherently cylindrical or round, and either solid or hollow, primarily due to the nature of the turning process. This cylindrical form is well-suited for a wide range of applications across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Solid cylindrical parts, such as shafts and pins, provide structural support and transmit motion or power efficiently. Hollow cylindrical parts, like tubes and sleeves, offer lightweight construction and fluid passage capabilities.
Material Starting Form - CNC turning is especially suited for parts that can begin as bar stock or other cylindrical preforms. This starting form minimizes material waste and simplifies the machining process, as the cylindrical shape of the workpiece aligns naturally with the rotational motion of the lathe. Bar stock, typically available in various diameters and lengths, provides a cost-effective and readily available starting material for turned parts.
The company is the world’s best CNC shaft turning machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Complexity and Features - Despite its association with cylindrical shapes, CNC turning can efficiently produce parts with a wide range of complex features. Multi-axis machining and live tooling capabilities, enable the incorporation of intricate geometries such as threads, grooves, and chamfers directly during the turning process. Threads, essential for fasteners and fittings, can be accurately cut using specialized threading tools, ensuring precise pitch and depth control. Grooves, used for O-ring seats or decorative purposes, can be machined with high repeatability and surface finish using custom tooling configurations.
Material Compatibility - CNC turning is well-suited for machining a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. It is particularly effective for softer materials like aluminum, brass, and plastics, as well as certain stainless steel and alloys. These materials exhibit favorable machinability characteristics when subjected to the cutting forces and temperatures generated during turning operations. CNC turning can achieve high-quality surface finishes and dimensional accuracy on these materials, making it an ideal choice for parts requiring excellent aesthetics or tight tolerances.
Production Volume and Efficiency - The production volume of the parts can influence the decision to use CNC turning. While CNC milling may offer advantages for low-volume or prototype production due to its versatility and ability to handle complex geometries, CNC turning excels in high-volume production requirements. The rotational nature of turning allows for continuous and rapid machining of cylindrical parts, resulting in shorter cycle times and increased throughput compared to milling.
Tooling and Setup Requirements - CNC turning typically requires minimal tooling and setup compared to other machining processes, making it suitable for quick turnaround times and rapid production ramp-up. The primary tooling components in turning include cutting inserts, tool holders, and work-holding fixtures, which are relatively straightforward to set up and replace as needed. The simplicity of the turning process also reduces the risk of tool breakage or machine downtime, ensuring consistent and uninterrupted production.
Secondary Operations Integration - CNC turning allows for seamless integration of secondary operations such as drilling, tapping, and knurling within the same machining cycle. This capability eliminates the need for additional setups or transfers to secondary machines, reducing production lead times and costs. For example, tapped holes can be accurately machined directly on turned parts using live tooling attachments, ensuring precise thread alignment and dimensional accuracy.
Surface Finish Requirements - CNC turning can achieve excellent surface finishes on cylindrical and contoured surfaces, meeting the stringent requirements of various applications such as automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. The cutting tools used in turning generate consistent cutting forces and chip formation patterns, resulting in smooth and uniform surface textures.
Cost Considerations - When evaluating the suitability of CNC turning for specific parts, it's essential to consider cost factors such as material expenses, machine utilization rates, and labor requirements. CNC turning offers competitive pricing advantages for parts that align with its strengths, such as cylindrical geometries, high-volume production, and minimal setup complexity. By optimizing tooling strategies, minimizing material waste, and maximizing machine uptime, manufacturers can leverage CNC turning to achieve cost-effective production solutions without compromising on part quality or performance.
Are you in need of precision CNC turning services for your next project? Look no further than Komacut. With our extensive expertise in creating CNC turned and machined parts, as well as our modern facilities, instant quoting and large technical team, whether you require simple cylindrical components or complex geometries, we have the capabilities and experience to meet your exact specifications.
At Komacut, we understand the importance of delivering high-quality parts on time and within budget. Our team of skilled machinists and engineers is dedicated to providing superior craftsmanship and attention to detail in every project we undertake.
Don't settle for anything less than the best when it comes to CNC turning. Get a true instant quote online for up to 100k parts, in different materials and with different surface finishes in seconds, or reach out to discuss your project requirements and discover how we can help bring your vision to life with precision and reliability. Let us be your trusted partner in machining excellence.
What materials can be used in CNC turning?
CNC turning can accommodate a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. Common materials used in CNC turning include aluminum, brass, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, copper, and various engineering plastics such as nylon, acetal, and polycarbonate. CNC turning can also machine specialty materials like ceramics, fiberglass, and certain types of wood, depending on their machinability characteristics and application requirements.
How does CNC turning compare to CNC milling?
CNC turning and CNC milling are both subtractive manufacturing processes that use computer numerical control (CNC) machines to shape workpieces into finished parts. The key difference lies in how the cutting tool and workpiece interact: in CNC turning, the workpiece rotates while the cutting tool remains stationary, whereas in CNC milling, the cutting tool rotates while the workpiece remains stationary.
Can CNC turning produce parts with non-cylindrical features?
While CNC turning is commonly associated with cylindrical parts due to its rotational nature, it can also produce parts with non-cylindrical features using advanced machining techniques and tooling configurations. For example, CNC turning machines equipped with live tooling capabilities can perform secondary operations such as drilling, milling, and threading during the turning process, enabling the creation of complex geometries like grooves, slots, and angled surfaces.
What are the tolerances achievable with CNC turning?
CNC turning can achieve tight tolerances and high precision, making it suitable for applications that demand dimensional accuracy and consistency. CNC turning can achieve tolerances ranging from ±0.001 to ±0.005 inches (±0.025 to ±0.127 millimeters) for most metals and plastics. However, tighter tolerances down to ±0. inches (±0.013 millimeters) or even better can be achieved with careful process optimization, precision tooling, and advanced machining techniques.
What are the advantages of CNC turning over traditional manual turning?
CNC turning machines can operate continuously, 24/7, without the need for operator intervention, leading to higher productivity and reduced labor costs. CNC turning offers increased efficiency, repeatability, and versatility compared to traditional manual turning techniques.
How does CNC turning contribute to reducing material waste and increasing material utilization?
CNC turning machines can precisely control cutting depths and tool paths, minimizing excess material removal and maximizing part yield from raw material stock. CNC turning allows for efficient nesting and clustering of parts on the workpiece, reducing scrap and maximizing material usage per machining cycle.
How does CNC turning accommodate parts with varying complexity levels?
For less complex parts, CNC turning can efficiently produce features such as outer diameters, inner bores, and facing operations using standard turning tooling and techniques. For more complex parts requiring additional features or secondary operations, CNC turning machines equipped with live tooling, sub-spindles, and multi-axis capabilities can perform drilling, milling, tapping, and thread-cutting operations directly on the turning center.
What considerations should be made when selecting cutting tools for CNC turning?
Tool material and coating selection should be based on the workpiece material being machined, with carbide, cermet, and high-speed steel being common options. Additionally, tool geometry, including rake angle, clearance angle, and chip breaker design, should be chosen to match the specific machining application and material properties. Cutting tool inserts with high wear resistance and thermal stability can prolong tool life and reduce machining costs.
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