Turning Center vs. Machining Center: What is the Difference

Probably, you have come across the terms turning center and machining center.

The two machines play an integral role in parts fabrications. But what exactly is the difference between these two machines?

Let’s find out:

What is Turning Center?

A turning center is a CNC machine dedicated to the rotation of a workpiece while a cutting tool cuts it. This machine is used for making cylindrical parts like rods, shafts and other round pieces.

The workpiece is secured in place by a chuck or collet and rotates at high speeds while the cutting tool either stays still or moves linearly to remove material and achieve the desired shape.

Turning centers are multipurpose machines that do facing, threading, drilling and knurling among other operations. Some advanced models have live tooling which allows them to do milling, drilling as well as tapping thus making their capabilities broader.

What is Machining Center?

This is also a CNC machine primarily meant for milling processes. It entails the use of a rotating cutting tool to eliminate materials from an immobile workpiece.

Machining centres are perfect for manufacturing intricate prismatic components having features that include slots, holes and pockets.

Additionally, these machines have automatic tool changers (ATC). It allows them to shift from one type of cutting tool to another automatically thus making it easy during multi-step machining. There are two types of machining centers; vertical and horizontal configurations.

Vertical machining centers (VMCs) are generally used for general-purpose machining while horizontal machining centers (HMCs) work best in complex and high-volume production tasks.

Difference between Turning Center and Machining Center

Selecting the appropriate machine for your particular needs requires an understanding of the differences between turning centers and machining centers.

Although both are important in CNC machining, they have different functions and performance capabilities. Here are some of the main differences that distinguish these machines:

Functionality:

• Machining Center: Concentrates on operations related to milling, where there is rotation of the cutting tool while the workpiece does not move. It is suitable for producing intricate forms that have numerous characteristics.
• Turning Center: Specifically designed for performing turning operations wherein the workpiece rotates as a cutting tool face reshapes it. This machine is suitable for creating round pieces.

 

Axis Configuration

• Machining Center: Workings can be with three to five axes, including X, Y and Z axes for machining. Some of the advanced machines have more than one rotational axis (A and B) for more complicated machining tasks.
• Turning Center:Usually, it works within two to four axes. The most frequent arrangement comprises X axis (cross-slide) and Z axis (longitudinal slide).

Workpiece Orientation

• Machining Center: The workpiece is held fast on the machine table and it usually remain stationary. The cutting tool moves around in different directions while rotating to conduct different activities.
• Turning Center: A spindle holds the workpiece and causes it to rotate around its center. The linear movement of cutting tools facilitates material removal.

Flexibility

• Machining Center: It allows for immense versatility by performing several operations on different materials making it ideal for all kinds of machining requirements.
• Turning Center: Mainly centered around a certain type of turning works. There is minimal adaptability to other functions unless fitted with live tooling.

Tooling

• Machining Center: Has an ATC (automatic tool changer) which has a capacity to hold more tools. The ATC automatically switches tools depending on the programmed operations enabling seamless multi-tool machining.
• Turning Center: Have a turret carrying a number of tools that are placed in such a way that they can perform certain functions. The turret can be spun around so as to place the required tool.

Types of Operations

• Machining Center: Suitable for boring, tapping, drilling, and milling. Multiple tools and axes allow it to perform complicated tasks.
• Turning Center: Most appropriate for operations like facing, turning, boring and threading. Furthermore, advanced designs can also use live tools to perform drilling as well as milling.

Volume of Production

• Machining Center: Commonly employed in cases where the volume of production is medium to large-scale, especially when complex components requiring several machining processes are involved.
• Turning Center:  Perfect for mass production cycles both comparatively smaller and larger. It provides accuracy for repetitive tasks therefore is an exceptional choice for mass production of cylindrical components.

Surface Finish

• Machining Center: Depending on the operation, surface finish quality may vary. Although milling can create tool marks, it is possible to achieve smooth finishes of the highest quality with the use of good parameters and a coordinated tool selection.
• Turning Center: Continuous cutting action and smooth tool movement enable the production of perfect surface finishes on cylindrical parts.

Part Geometry

• Machining Center: Good for those shapes having uneven designs including, all kinds of forms, crevices, perforations and openings. Predominantly employed in production of car parts as well as airplane pieces that are complicated and elaborate molds.
• Turning Center: Suitable for producing parts that primarily possess a cylindrical form or have similar diameters throughout their length. Examples consist of bushings, shafts and other round components.

Period for Setting up and Switching over

• Machining Center: More preparation time is needed because of how complex the operations are and having several tools and fixtures to set up. However, once it has been set up, then there can be quick changeovers using ATC.
• Turning Center: Normal turning activities usually take less set up time. However, addition of live tooling or complex setups may increase the time taken in changing.

When to Choose Turning Center or Machining Center

The choice between a turning centre and a machining centre relies on the precise prerequisites of your manufacturing operations. Here are several ideas that can help you make an informed decision:

Choose a Machining Center When:

1. The output demands different types of materials and involves an adjustable device.
2. Various parts that have complex features such as holes should be machined using the machine.
3. Effortlessly, you need to change between various instruments and processes.
4. You require fast machining with automated processes for medium to large scale production runs.

Choose a Turning Center When:

1. You need to create cylindrical components or parts having consistent diameters.
2. Your focus is on high-volume production with fast completion rates.
3. Your production includes monotonous activities necessitating great accuracy.
4. You need operations such as threading, boring, or facing on circular work pieces.

Conclusion

It is very significant to differentiate turning center from machining centers for the purpose of enhancing your CNC operations. Therefore, purchasing the right machine as per your necessities is an important step in improving productivity, enhancing precision as well as having affordable production.

For all your CNC machines, TSINFA is your trusted partner in China, contact us now.