Turning is the word that is used to describe a process that uses a cutting tool with one single point that is placed parallel to the surface needing to be cut. Machining is the action of using a tool like a lathe to shape or cut a piece of metal, wood, or plastic to fit the need you have for it. CNC turning is basically the same thing as CNC machining in the fact that the CNC turning is indicative of someone using a device with computer numerical control to shape the product in question. The process of CNC turning relies mainly on a lathe, while the process of CNC machining can use many different types of machine tools to create the perfect final product.

When CNC turning is performed, a piece of material is rotated while a cutting implement is traversed along its two axes of motion. This action produces cuts in the material that give it precise diameters and precise depths.

The CNC turning can be done on the exterior portion of the piece in question or it can be done on the internal part of the piece. When it is performed on the internal portion of the piece it is known as boring the piece. Have you ever heard the term “bored out Ford”? A bored out Ford would be a vehicle with a Ford engine that had been bored by a turning process.

Turning is not just one process. It can also include the process of threading, drilling, knurling, reaming, and boring. These actions are primarily performed on a lathe that is designed to hold a piece of material while a cutting tool is applied to create precise shapes in the material. There are different types of lathes such as engine lathes, wood lathes and a turret lathe. The application and the type of equipment used will be dependent on the material in question and the final purpose of the item.

On the other hand, CNC machining is done using a lathe, or any other tool that is primarily designed to shape rigid materials such as metal. The tools that you do this with will constrain the piece of material while it is being cut, bored, drilled, or otherwise shaped into what you require. These are basically machines that are designed to help people make things for other machines.

The only real difference between the phrase cnc turning http://www.slidinghead.com and the phrase cnc milling http://www.slidinghead.com are the tools used to perform the job.