What Are The Differences Between Turning, Milling, Planing, And Grinding?

Turning: Refers to lathe machining, which is part of mechanical processing. Lathe machining primarily involves using turning tools to cut rotating workpieces. Lathes are mainly used for machining shafts, discs, sleeves, and other workpieces with rotary surfaces. They are the most widely used type of machine tool processing in mechanical manufacturing and repair factories. Turning is a cutting method performed on a lathe by rotating the workpiece relative to the tool. The cutting energy in turning is primarily provided by the workpiece rather than the tool. Turning is the most basic and common cutting method and holds a very important position in production. It is suitable for machining rotary surfaces, and most workpieces with rotary surfaces can be processed by turning, such as internal and external cylindrical surfaces, internal and external conical surfaces, end faces, grooves, threads, and rotary formed surfaces. The tools used are mainly turning tools.

 

Milling: Involves fixing the workpiece and using a high-speed rotating milling cutter to cut the desired shape and features on the workpiece. Traditional milling is often used for simple contours and grooves. CNC milling machines can process complex shapes and features. Milling and boring machining centers can perform three-axis or multi-axis milling and boring, suitable for processing molds, inspection tools, fixtures, thin-walled complex surfaces, prosthetics, blades, etc. When selecting CNC milling content, the advantages and key role of CNC milling machines should be fully utilized.

 

Planing: Involves using a planing tool to perform horizontal reciprocating linear motion relative to the workpiece for cutting, mainly used for shaping parts. The precision of planing is IT9–IT7, with a surface roughness Ra of 6.3–1.6 μm.

 

Grinding: Refers to the processing method of removing excess material from a workpiece using abrasives and grinding tools. Grinding is one of the most widely applied cutting methods.