Lathe Machine vs Milling Machine – The Key Differences Explained

If you have not used lathe machines and milling machines, you may find distinguishing them quite puzzling. However, if you examine them thoroughly or use them for some time, you will notice that they are quite distinct.

What is a Lathe Machine?

A lathe machine is an appliance meant to cut out distinct shapes in varying workpieces using an orbiting axis. Using this machine, you can undertake varying machining operations including turning and threading. All you have to do is install a befitting cutting tool.

What is a Milling Machine?

A milling machine is an appliance exploited to impose intricate shapes and patterns on distinct objects using a spinning cutter. You can procure a manually operated milling machine or a computerized one depending on your production scale and demands.

Main Differences Between Lathe and Milling Machines

• Working Method

Lathe Machine: Lathe machines essentially operate by using a motionless cutting tool to extract undesirable parts from your workpiece. The workpiece is typically positioned on a swirling axis meaning that it is machined as it rotates. To prevent unprecedented movements, your workpiece is firmly held by a headstock and a tailstock.

Milling Machine: With milling machines, your workpiece is held and positioned in a motionless state. However, the milling machine’s cutting tool is engineered to undertake the cutting operation while it spins rapidly. This allows you to engrave complex designs and patterns on your workpiece.

• Operational Capabilities

Vertical Lathe Machine

Lathe Machine: Owing to the unique working method of lathe machines, they are more suited to producing cylindrical, symmetrical, and conical components. They accomplish this by subjecting your revolving workpiece to a stationary cutter. You can utilize your lathe machine for;

• Turning.
• Counterboring.
• Threading.
• Knurling.
• Chamfering.
• Facing.

Milling Machine: Their configuration includes a swirling cutting tool or mill cutter and this makes them perfect for producing components with intricate designs. With a milling machine, you can seamlessly machine flat, curved, or irregularly shaped workpieces. They can help you accomplish the following operations;

• Side milling.
• Plain milling.
• Form milling.
• Helical milling.

Milling Machine

• Axis of Operation

Lathe Machine: The vast majority of lathe machines come with a single axis meaning that you can only move your cutting tool longitudinally. However, there are specialized lathe machines equipped with numerous axes.

Milling Machine: These machines support numerous axes often three (X, Y, and Z). However, there are advanced 4-axis and 5-axis milling machines. The availability of multiple axes translates into more movement routes for your milling cutter.

• Cutting Tools

Lathe Machine: Typical lathe machines utilize an insert cutter to trim or machine your workpiece. You can extract the insert cutter from your lathe machine and replace it with a different cutter depending on the demands of your operation.

Milling Machine: The majority of milling machines available today are fitted with an end mill. However, you can change this end mill and insert a different cutting tool depending on the operation you wish to undertake.

Working Principle of a Lathe Machines

Lathe machines function by placing your workpiece on a swirling axis while subjecting it to a motionless cutter.

This workpiece is placed on a platform before being secured using gripping devices like chucks. Alternatively, the workpiece is secured on a live or dead center especially when turning round workpieces.

To commence the cutting process, the base holding your workpiece is rotated at a preset speed. While the workpiece rotates, the respective cutter is gradually lowered until it contacts your workpiece. This results in the extraction of small fragments ultimately leading to the generation of well-shaped or cut components.

Working Principle of a Milling Machine

Milling machines come with a milling table whose primary role is to hold your workpiece and position it for cutting. They also feature a revolving milling cutter mounted on a spindle. Typically, milling machines boast of several axes meaning that you can move your workpiece along these axes.

Once the revolving milling cutter hits your workpiece, it begins shearing off unwanted materials until the desired result is attained. The residual debris or extracted fragments are then cleaned off the lathe machine before shutting it down.

Types of Lathe Machines

• Speed Lathe: This simple machine delivers relatively faster machining times and is specialized for machining soft workpieces.
• Engine Lathe: This compact lathe machine utilizes electric motors to control its machining operations. It is referred to as the engine lathe since it was originally powered by a steam engine.
• Toolroom Lathe: This lathe is renowned for its overall accuracy and ability to accomplish complex machining operations.
• Turret Lathe: This lathe machine is revered for its impressive ability to accomplish varying machining operations thanks to the inclusion of a turret. The turret holds varying cutting tools.
• Bench Lathe: This lathe can be installed on a comparatively small working table or bench making them perfect for hobbyist use.

CNC Lathe Machine

Types of Milling Machines

• Knee and Column Milling Machine: This machine comprises a vertical column and a knee making it easy to use. Its worktable is mounted on the knee making it easier to position your workpiece for cutting.
• Horizontal Milling Machine: This machine is custom-made for machining large and hard objects due to the horizontal spindle positions.
• Vertical Milling Machine: This milling machine can accomplish varied cutting operations thanks to the vertical alignment of its spindle.
• Turret Milling Machine: This machine boasts a revolving head capable of holding numerous yet distinct cutters.
• Universal Milling Machines: This machine allows you to undertake varying milling operations since it combines the operations of vertical and horizontal machines.

Vertical Turret Milling Machine

Cutting Tools & Technology in Lathe vs Milling Machine

Milling and lathe machines often undertake similar machining operations. However, the manner in which these distinct machines accomplish their mission is quite different. They utilize the following cutting tools.

Lathe Machine	Milling Machine
Turning tool	End mill
Boring tool	Face mill
Center drill	Slot drill
Threading tool	Ball nose end drill
Grooving tool	Fly cutter
Chamfering tool	Side mill
Boring tool	Reamer
Facing tool	Roughing end mill

Advantages of Lathe Machines

• Highly Precise.
• Works with varying materials.
• Highly efficient.
• Ability to achieve smooth finishes.
• Can achieve repeatability.
• Long lifespan.

Advantages of Milling Machines

• Can generate parts with complex designs and shapes.
• Highly accurate.
• Supports computer programming.
• Can mill heavy-duty pieces.
• Does not necessitate additional finishing.
• Capacity for high-volume production.

Key Applications

Milling Machines	Lathe Machines
Drilling holes.	Prototyping.
Milling threads.	Decorative turning.
Contour milling.	Machining cylindrical components.
Gear cutting.	Facing.
Milling keyways.	Threading.
Prototyping.	Creating tapered shapes.
Milling slots.	Repairing worn shafts.
Milling flat surfaces.	Facing flanges.

Milling and lathe machines excel in distinct applications due to their distinct features, configuration, and capabilities. Understanding their key differences should help you settle on the perfect machine for your unique machining operation.

At TSINFA CNC Equipment, we design and manufacture a range of CNC machines. Whether you are looking for milling machines, turning machines or drilling machines, TSINFA CNC Equipment is your trusted partner – contact us now.

More Resources:

Cost of CNC Lathe Machine – Source: TSINFA

Numerical Control – Source: WIKIPEDIA