What is the difference between a lathe and a milling machine?

A lathe mainly processes rotating surfaces by rotating the workpiece and the tool making a linear feed motion. When processing the outer diameter of shaft parts, the workpiece speed varies depending on the material and processing accuracy, generally ranging from several hundred to several thousand revolutions per minute. A milling machine performs milling processing by rotating the milling cutter and moving the workpiece. The milling cutter speed range is larger, ranging from several hundred to tens of thousands of revolutions per minute.

Different explanations of the difference between lathe and milling machine：

The processing accuracy of CNC lathes can reach IT6-IT7 level in some precision lathes, and the surface roughness can reach Ra0.8-Ra1.6um, which is mainly suitable for the processing of rotating parts, such as cylinders, cones, etc.;

The processing accuracy of CNC milling machines is generally IT7-IT9 level, with a surface roughness of Ra1.6Ra6.3um, which is suitable for processing parts with various complex shapes such as planes, grooves, gears, etc;

The tools of CNC lathes are relatively simple, and the common ones are external turning tools, internal turning tools, etc, The shape and angle of the tools are designed according to the processing requirements;

There are many types of tools for CNC milling machines, such as cylindrical milling cutters, end milling cutters, keyway milling cutters, etc. Different tools are used for different processing processes and shapes;

The main motion of the CNC lathe is the rotation of the workpiece, and the feed motion is the linear movement of the tool, which makes it advantageous when processing parts with high coaxiality requirements;

The main motion of the milling machine is the rotation of the CNC Milling cutter, and the feed motion can be the movement of the workpiece in multiple directions, which is more suitable for processing parts with complex structures such as multi-planes and multi-slots;

CNC Machine In terms of processing efficiency,for the mass production of simple rotating parts;

CNC lathes have higher production efficiency due to the characteristics of their processing methods; and for the processing of parts with complex shapes and multiple processes;

CNC milling machines can better play their advantages through the characteristics of multi-tool and multi-directional processing, reduce the number of clamping times, and improve overall processing efficiency;

The processing range of CNC lathes is relatively concentrated on the surface of rotating bodies and the processing of holes, threads and other processing related to rotating bodies;

The processing range of CNC milling machines is wider. In addition to plane and groove processing, it can also process complex curved surfaces such as indexing and arcs through accessories such as indexing heads and rotary tables;

The cutting force of CNC lathes is mainly generated by the rotation of the workpiece and the feed of the tool, and the cutting force is relatively stable;

During the milling process of CNC milling machines, CNC milling cutters are multi-blade intermittent cutting, and the cutting force will fluctuate, which requires high rigidity of CNC machine tools and durability of tools;

During CNC lathe processing, cutting heat is mainly concentrated in the contact area between the tool and the workpiece, and heat dissipation is relatively concentrated;

During CNC milling machine processing, due to the multi-blade cutting of the milling cutter, the cutting heat distribution is relatively dispersed, but due to the high milling speed, the total amount of cutting heat generated is also large;

The operation of CNC lathes is relatively simple, and the operator mainly focuses on the rotation of the workpiece and the feed control of the tool;

The operation of CNC milling machines is relatively complex, requiring the simultaneous control of the rotation of the milling cutter, the movement of the workpiece in multiple directions, and the use of various accessories;

Applicable products and industry uses of CNC lathes and CNC milling machines are as follows:

CNC lathes are suitable for processing various rotating parts such as shafts, sleeves, and discs. They are used to manufacture engine shafts, bearing sleeves, etc. in the automobile manufacturing and mechanical processing industries;

CNC milling machines are widely used in mold manufacturing, aerospace and other fields, and are used to process mold cavities and complex structures of aircraft parts.