Turning Center Vs Lathe – An Ultimate Comparison

Lathes and turning centers share a common goal, which is shaping your workpiece. However, these two machines come with distinct features. Understanding the difference between lathe and turning machine is essential as it can help you select the right equipment for your respective application.

What is a Turning Center

A turning center is an advanced machine designed to implement functions such as turning and milling in metalworking and woodworking. They come with a rotating axis and are mostly computer-controlled.

Benefits of Turning Centers

Turning centers are essentially advanced lathe machines supplemented by computer controls. As such, they offer numerous rewards including;

• Multi-Axis Capabilities: With a turning center you hardly need other machines since it can perform various tasks including drilling and turning. This is made possible by the numerous axes found in turning centers (More than 2).
• Computerized Control: They are primarily computer-controlled and this makes them highly accurate and reliable. They deliver precisely shaped components and minimize the need for human labor.
• Improved Safety: Turning centers often feature shields and interlocks, which safeguard you from the cut fragments and the machine’s moving parts. They are also enclosed and this elevates their safety.
• Reduced Labor Costs: Turning centers are highly automated thanks to the deployment of advanced computer controls. This greatly shrinks the need for human intervention while boosting precision.
• High Precision:They undertake numerous machining operations while delivering exceptional results. This is made possible by the utilization of computer controls, which minimize the probability of errors.
• Consistent Products: Thanks to their high automation level, they are capable of performing machining operations on different components while delivering similar results. This ensures that all your products are accurately machined thus fostering consistency.

Primary Functions of a Turning Center

Turning centers are immensely revered due to their advanced multi-functionality. You can deploy them in distinct manufacturing processes to undertake distinct operations such as;

Turning

Turning centers are primarily designed to turn or rotate your respective workpiece to facilitate the implementation of machining processes like milling. This is made possible by the inclusion of a spindle that revolves your workpiece while subjecting it to a cutting tool.

Milling

Turning centers come with milling tools that include a milling cutter, which allows them to undertake functions such as contouring and tapping. This is undertaken as your workpiece is rotated by the spindle.

Facing

You can utilize your turning center to create a smooth and flat surface on one end or side of your workpiece. This is done using the turning center’s cutting tool, which extracts unwanted parts from your workpiece.

Drilling

Drilling is a complex process that involves creating holes of specified dimensions and shapes in your workpiece. Certain turning centers come equipped with drill heads and drill bits, which you can use to puncture holes in your workpiece.

Thread Cutting

Owing to their high computerization level, turning centers are capable of engraving precise threads on your workpiece. These threads can be internal as is the case with nuts or external as is the case with bolts. This operation is particularly pivotal in the automotive industry.

Taper Turning

You can utilize your turning center to shrink your component’s diameter gradually by extracting the unwanted parts. To accomplish this task, simply load your workpiece on the rotating spindle and draw it close to your machine’s cutting tool. Taper turning is essential in the production of machine components, especially conical-shaped components.

Contouring

By installing the right cutting tool, you can carve varying shapes into your workpiece. This may include grooves, which facilitate the interlinking of machining components. The automation of turning centers makes certain that your workpieces feature precise and consistent contours.

What is a Lathe

A lathe is an essential tool employed in glass processing, metalworking, and woodworking to shape or cut off unwanted materials from distinct components.

Lathe machines are available in distinct configurations and this allows their utilization in distinct applications.

Benefits of Lathes

Lathe machines have come a long way since their inception. The original lathes were primarily hand-operated but today, you can find a computer-controlled lathe. This advancement has come with a myriad of benefits, which include;

• Highly Accurate: If you are shaping or designing components that must exhibit accurate and consistent designs, lathes are your perfect tool. CNC lathes in particular are highly precise and this guarantees you high-quality components characterized by accurate dimensions.
• Can Handle Distinct Materials: With a lathe, you can extract unwanted parts from workpieces made from distinct materials. You can process glass components, shape wooden apparatuses, or design varying metallic pieces.
• Easy Operation: Whether you are a first-time user or an experienced user, you will find operating a lathe machine quite easy. Lathes feature user-friendly controls and their primary components are easily accessible.
• Highly Efficient: The majority of lathe machines available in today’s market are highly automated and this helps them streamline production processes. You can process numerous workpieces continuously with minimal stoppages thereby saving time. It also minimizes wastage.
• Cost-effective: Although the different variations of lathes command different fees, they are generally affordable. They also contribute to a more cost-efficient production process since they lower labor costs and minimize wastage.
• Versatile: You can exploit your lathe to accomplish a myriad of machining operations. However, certain operations may necessitate customization. Some common operations undertaken by lathe machines include cutting, turning, threading, and knurling.

Primary Functions of a Lathe Machine

One of the stand-out benefits of lathe machines is their versatility. This means that you can exploit them to fulfill varying production operations. These operations include;

• Parting Off: Using a lathe, you can cut your workpiece into two or more pieces. This is made possible by the high-grade cutting tool installed in lathe machines.
• Turning: Just like a turning center, a lathe features a revolving component or axis, which moves your workpiece in a rotating motion. This paves the way for distinct machining processes like knurling and facing.
• Taper Turning: By tilting your lathe’s tailstock at a specified angle, you can gradually reduce the size of your workpiece’s diameter on one side. This will result in the creation of a conically-shaped workpiece.
• Knurling: A lathe can also imprint certain textured patterns on your workpiece thereby enhancing its griping capabilities. However, to knurl your workpiece, you will need a knurling tool, which can replace your lathe’s cutting tool.
• Reaming: By installing a reaming tool onto your lathe machine you can smoothen holes drilled into your workpiece. This process is known as reaming and it requires a reamer that is slightly bigger than your drilling bit.
• Threading: Once you install a threading component onto your lathe, you can engrave unique threads on your component. These threads can be internal or external. You can engrave external threads on screws and bolts and internal threads on fittings such as nuts.
• Grooving: Using a lathe, you can cut unique patterns and channels on your workpiece. Simply set your cutting tool to cut to a certain depth and place your workpiece strategically.
• Drilling and Boring: To accomplish this operation, you will need to replace your cutter with a drill bit. You can adjust the drill bit’s size and positioning to achieve the perfect hole. Furthermore, you can broaden the drilled hole using a boring tool.

Similarities Between a Lathe Machine and a Turning Center

Lathe machines and turning centers are often viewed as identical machines and this is mainly due to the similar traits they share. More often than not, they serve a similar purpose. Their primary resemblances include;

• Rotational Principle: Both machines operate on the rotational principle, which involves subjecting your workpiece to a revolving motion. This is enabled by a rotating component known as the spindle. Machining operations are undertaken as the workpiece rotates.
• Machining Operations: These two elaborate machines are primarily tasked with turning components such as metal parts to allow cutting operations. This results in well-shaped components.
• Workpiece Holding: The turning center as well as the lathe features a headstock and tailstock, which firmly hold your workpiece for processing. These components ensure that your workpiece remains still thus averting inaccurate cutting or drilling.
• Tooling Flexibility: These two machines are known for their versatility and you can change the cutting tool to feature another tool. For instance, you can install a drilling bit or a milling cutter if you intend to drill your workpiece or mill it.
• Automation: In recent years, both turning centers and lathe machines have undergone tremendous advancement. Today, you can procure a CNC turning center or a CNC lathe. This grade of machinery exhibits a high level of computerization.

Distinctions Between a Turning Center and a Lathe

You may find distinguishing a turning center from a lathe quite difficult due to their shared similarities. However, these indispensable shaping tools exhibit several distinct attributes, which makes them suitable for distinct applications. Some of these distinctions include;

Operational Principle

Turning Center:A turning center is considered an advanced lathe machine due to its elevated sophistication and added functionality. It relies on computer numerical control, which greatly elevates its precision and minimizes the need for human intervention.

Lathe: Not all lathe machines are endowed with CNC technology. Their operation principle is quite simple and it involves moving your workpiece in a revolving manner while a cutting tool extracts unwanted material.

Automation

Turning Center: Turning centers are virtually CNC programmed meaning they are highly computerized. This allows them to undertake sophisticated machining operations and deliver exceptional results.

Lathe: Lathe machines are available in varying automation levels. You can find a hand-operated lathe, which is essentially manual, and a CNC lathe, which is highly computerized.

Footprint

Turning Centers: Most turning centers are compact and enclosed. This means that you will require a relatively smaller space to install your turning center.

Lathe: Old-style lathes are quite big and necessitate relatively more space. However, modern units are comparatively smaller. You can procure a lathe machine with varying sizes depending on your production scale.

Number of Axes

Turning Center: Comes with numerous axes, as many as 5 and this makes them more versatile. It has an A-axis, which facilitates your workpiece’s revolving, and a Y-axis, which allows movement of your cutter.

Lathe: Typical lathe machines are endowed with 2 axes, the Z-axis, and the X-axis. These axes are tasked with regulating the axial and radial movement of your lathe’s cutting tool.

Cost

Turning Center: Procuring a turning center will need you to dig deeper into your pockets and this is a consequence of the advanced CNC technology they exploit. However, this relatively higher investment cost is often offset by the machine’s efficiency and productivity.

Lathe: Compared to turning centers, procuring a lathe machine will cost you less. However, procuring an advanced lathe such as a CNC lathe machine will require you to cough up more.

Attribute	Turning Center	Lathe Machine
Number of Axes	Ranges from 2 to 5 axes.	Typically has 2 axes.
Automation	Typically, CNC programmed.	Automation ranges from manual to CNC.
Functionality	Are multi-functional.	Limited functionality.
Cost	Relatively more expensive.	Relatively more affordable.
Complexity	More sophisticated design.	Features a simple design.

Applications of Turning Centers

Turning centers are revered for their multiple-axis and computer-based control which broadens their application. They are currently serving the following purposes;

• Prototyping: Turning centers are widely exploited to manufacture prototypes, which help engineers produce the final product.
• Medical Gadgets: Turning centers are essentially CNC programmed and this allows them to engrave or cut complex patterns on medical equipment.
• Precision Machining: They are often utilized to produce essential components due to their elevated precision and ability to attain a smooth finish.
• Automotive Parts: In the automotive industry, they are utilized to produce gear components, pistons, and other parts.
• Aerospace Parts:Turning centers can handle varied materials and this has driven up their use in manufacturing aerospace components like landing gears.
• Pneumatic Components: They are not only used to produce pneumatic components they are also utilized to manufacture hydraulic components. These include cylinders and valves.

Applications of Lathes

Lathe machines can handle workpieces made from different materials including glass, wood, and metal. This explains why they are prominently used to manufacture;

• Shafts
• Bushings
• Gears
• Couplings
• Bolts and screws
• Pins
• Rings
• Washers
• Knobs
• Handles
• Prototypes
• Glass Table

At TSINFA CNC Equipment, we offer a range turning center and lathe machines depending on your specific needs and requirements – request for quote now.