Mill provides greater versatility for machining various shapes, including flat surfaces, angles, pockets, and complex geometries. It allows for easy tool changes and machining multiple features at once.

Mill's primary function is to remove material from a stationary workpiece using a multi-pointed cutting tool to create flat surfaces, grooves, angles, pockets, holes, and complex contours on various workpiece shapes.

The lathe operates on the principle of rotary machining. The workpiece spins continuously while a stationary cutting tool removes material to achieve the desired shape. Common techniques include:

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A mill is a machine tool used for shaping and creating features on a workpiece by feeding a multi-pointed cutting tool into a stationary piece. Mills offer great flexibility for machining flat surfaces, grooves, angles, pockets, and holes on a variety of shapes, not just cylindrical ones.

Lathes and mills are two fundamental machines used in machining, the process of creating parts by removing material from a solid workpiece. While both may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct functionalities and applications.

The primary function of a lathe is to remove material from a rotating workpiece to create cylindrical shapes or modify their diameter and length. It excels at machining features symmetrical about a central axis.

At Unionfab, we offer a full spectrum of CNC machining services, from CNC turning and milling to routing. Our multi-axis expertise allows us to craft custom solutions for your unique needs.

Precision: Both lathes and mills can achieve high precision with proper setup and tooling. However, CNC lathes often excel in creating parts with tight tolerances for diameters and round features.

A lathe is a machine tool used for shaping and cutting cylindrical workpieces. It works by rotating the workpiece against a stationary cutting tool, allowing for precise control over the shape and dimensions of the final product.

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Speed: Lathes can be very efficient for high-volume production of simple, symmetrical parts. Mills may require more setup time for complex geometries, impacting speed.

Lathe excels at creating cylindrical shapes with smooth finishes and intricate details. It offers good concentricity (accuracy around the center) and can handle long, slender workpieces.

The mill utilizes linear machining. The workpiece remains stationary, and a multi-tipped cutting tool fed by the machine removes material. Common techniques include:

Efficiency: The efficiency of each machine depends on the specific job. Lathes excel at high-volume production of round parts, while mills offer more flexibility for intricate features on various shapes.

Understanding the differences between lathe and mill will help you choose the right CNC machine for your machining project.

If your projects revolve around high-precision, cylindrical parts, a lathe offers efficiency and affordability. For projects demanding intricate features, flat surfaces, and work with diverse materials, a mill's versatility is unmatched.