The difference between CNC machining center and CNC lathe

CNC machining centers and CNC lathes are common CNC mechanical equipment, but there are big differences between them. 5-axis machining According to the provisions of ISO, when describing the motion of CNC machine tools, a right-handed rectangular coordinate system is used; among them, the coordinate axis parallel to the main shaft is defined as the Z axis, and the rotation coordinates around the X, Y, and Z axes are A, B.C.

Hardware parts processing is to process raw materials (stainless steel, copper, aluminum, iron…) into various parts by lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, polishing and other machinery according to the customer’s drawings or samples, such as: Screws, motor shafts, model car parts, fishing accessories, speaker casings, mobile power casings, etc. Machining is the process of changing the dimensions or properties of a workpiece through a mechanical device. According to the difference in processing methods, mechanical processing can be divided into cutting processing and pressure processing.

Structurally, although they are equipped with CNC systems, CNC machining centers are controlled by at least three axes, while CNC lathes are controlled by two axes. The CNC machining center has a tool magazine, and the CNC lathe uses a tool holder, and the functions are similar. It is used to change the tool when machining the workpiece, but the specific structure is different. The tool holder is an important part of the CNC lathe, equipped with various tools, and its structure directly affects the cutting performance and work efficiency of the lathe. The tool holder is divided into turret type and knife row type. The classification of CNC machining center tool magazines is more than that of CNC lathe tool holders, including disc type, cap type, chain type, flying saucer type, synchronous type, etc. Most tool magazines have a larger tool capacity than CNC lathe tool holders.

The difference between CNC machining center and CNC lathe:

In terms of processing range, the processing range of CNC machining centers is larger than that of CNC lathes. CNC lathes are mainly used for machining rotating parts. CNC machining centers can do many things, such as boring, milling, cutting, reaming and tapping. while CNC machining center is divided into 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis. The more axes, the wider the machining range of the CNC machining center. For example, the U-600 CNC 5-axis machining center used by 2fprototypes company can process complex curved surfaces in the center, which is a function that CNC lathes do not have.

For programming, both use a CNC system. The programming of CNC machining centers and CNC lathes is similar in some respects. CNC lathes are similar to 3-axis or 4-axis CNC machining centers, but CNC machining centers are more complex to program. For example, the programming of a 5-axis CNC machining center is very complex because the spindle center changes from time to time when machining complex curved workpieces.

Using Taiwan’s advanced technology, in line with the principle of customer first. We insist on creating cost-effective precision parts processing services for every customer. If you need CNC machining center processing services, please feel free to contact us. Get a trial quote now info@2fprototypes.com