What is a milling and turning machine tool?

A mill-turning machine tool is a hybrid CNC machine tool that integrates milling (tool rotation) and turning (workpiece rotation) functions into a single, fast, powerful, and flexible machine. It can complete complex machining operations faster and more accurately than traditional machining techniques. While other machine tools can only perform a single function at a time, a mill-turning machine tool can complete up to four machining operations simultaneously.

What is a milling and turning machine tool?
Common configurations for machining parts on milling and turning centers

Common configurations for machining parts on milling and turning centers

To effectively handle, operate, and machine parts throughout the manufacturing process, you must first understand the numerous parameters and configuration options available on current mill-turn machining centers. Here are some of the settings options:

Vertical

Vertical:

The spindle of a vertical CNC turning-milling machine is horizontally oriented, and workpieces are held vertically. In this setup, the cutting tools are oriented in the same direction as the holder. Vertical CNC turning-milling centers are stronger and more stable than horizontal counterparts due to gravity.

This design is very effective when cutting large and heavy workpieces since gravity helps to seat these huge items into the holding solidly.

Horizontal

Horizontal:

This is the most popular configuration in many CNC turning centers. However, it is less prevalent in CNC turning-milling machines. The spindle of the CNC mill-turn machine is horizontal in this case, and workpieces are thus held horizontally. The cutting tools have fallen out of the holder’s side.

This design is weaker than the vertical configuration because gravity does not help secure the holding workpiece. As a result, it is rarely utilized for large, heavy workpieces.

Why use a CNC milling and turning machine tool?

Why use a CNC milling and turning machine tool?

A CNC milling-turning machine tool is a computer-controlled precision machining tool used to manufacture precision parts. Operated by a trained operator who inputs a program into the machine instructs it on how to process the workpiece. CNC milling-turning machines achieve high precision and repeatability, making them indispensable tools for manufacturers. Furthermore, they can machine parts with complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to produce using traditional methods. Therefore, milling-turning machines have become essential tools for many manufacturers.

Compared to traditional machine tools, CNC milling-turning machines offer numerous advantages. First, they can be programmed to perform various tasks, meaning they can be used for a wide range of projects. Second, CNC machines offer high precision, ensuring consistent machining results. Finally, CNC machines are relatively fast, improving workshop productivity. Therefore, for any enterprise relying on precision manufacturing, a CNC turning center or CNC milling center is an indispensable piece of equipment.

Our advantages in mill-turn machining

Our advantages in mill-turn machining
Our advantages in mill-turn machining
Our advantages in mill-turn machining
Our advantages in mill-turn machining
Our advantages in mill-turn machining
Capable of processing more complex parts

Capable of processing more complex parts

Milling and turning machines can process more complex and delicate parts without transferring them from one machine tool to another. This opens up endless possibilities. Using this equipment, British manufacturers can take on more complex and higher-precision machining tasks and produce parts at more competitive prices—parts that many manufacturers might have previously either given up on or been unable to produce efficiently.

Automation

Automation

Because most milling and turning machines are relatively new products, they are more automated than traditional machining equipment. Tasks such as loading, probing, and part removal can be automated, freeing up machine operators to do other more interesting and valuable work.

High precision and accuracy

High precision and accuracy

Because mill-turning machines can complete four operations simultaneously, the total machining time for each part is significantly reduced. In addition to faster machining speeds, mill-turning machines also have faster setup times than other machines. The time savings are primarily due to the fact that all operations can be completed with the raw material only once, eliminating the need to adjust the part or move it to another machine after each operation.

Faster Operation

Faster Operation

Because mill-turning machines can complete four operations simultaneously, the total machining time for each part is significantly reduced. In addition to faster machining speeds, mill-turning machines also have faster setup times than other machines. The time savings are primarily due to the fact that all operations can be completed with the raw material only once, eliminating the need to adjust the part or move it to another machine after each operation.

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