Performs turning and milling in a single setup on one machine, creating complex parts with precision.
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What's CNC Turning Milling Machining
Processing efficiency and precision are the eternal goals pursued in the field of machining. With the continuous development of numerical control technology and machining process technology, machining technology has emerged accordingly. Turn-milling machining integrates almost all cutting processes suitable for metal and engineering plastic materials, ranging from basic turning, milling, drilling, boring, and tapping to advanced five-axis simultaneous contour machining and eccentric machining. Its core value lies in the seamless integration of these processes through a "single setup," enabling operations such as rotary body turning, planar and surface milling, and various hole machining. This makes it particularly suitable for producing parts with complex geometries, high surface finish, and tight tolerance requirements.
Brightstar CNC Turning Milling Machining Capability
BrightRapid operates advanced multi-axis turning mill centers and employs a skilled technical team. Utilizing the latest CAD/CAM software for process programming, we are capable of handling everything from complex prototypes to mass production, ensuring all parts meet high-quality and precision standards. Components once deemed "impossible to form in a single setup" or "prohibitively expensive"—such as eccentric holes, intersecting internal contours, or deep-hole interrupted threads—can all find a cost-effective solution here.
Advantages of CNC Turning Milling Machining
Enhanced Efficiency: Multiple machining operations are completed in a single setup on one machine, significantly reducing total manufacturing time and eliminating the need for multiple machines.
Improved Accuracy: The elimination of part reclamping and transfers between machines removes potential errors, thereby enhancing part accuracy.
Strong Adaptability to Complex Parts: This technology enables the production of complex geometries—including intricate curves, angled holes, and precise features—that are difficult to achieve with traditional single-process machines.
Reduced Costs: Cost savings are realized through fewer setups, reduced machine changeovers, and lower requirements for labor and equipment.
Applications of CNC Turning Milling Machining
Turn-milling machining technology is particularly suited for complex parts requiring multi-face machining, such as: flanges with radial holes or flats, drive shafts with keyways or side holes, hydraulic valve blocks, irregular connectors, camshafts, and various precision components that combine rotational features with complex geometries. It is the ideal choice for the following industries:
Automotive industry
Turbocharger components, drive shafts, connecting rods and bushings, sensor housings
see more
Why Choose BrightRapid's CNC Turning Milling Machining Services?
In today's competitive market, simplifying production processes, shortening lead times, and reducing costs are crucial. Our CNC Turning Milling machining technology is used for exactly this purpose. It integrates the functions of traditional lathes and milling machines into a single high-performance machine tool, allowing your parts to complete all or most machining operations in a single setup, and brings the following significant effects:
Unmatched Precision and Consistency
Eliminating clamping errors from multiple setups ensures part geometry and positional tolerances are achieved to the highest standards.
Significantly Reduced Lead Times
Combining multiple machines and processes into one operation, dramatically streamlines production, cutting the time from order to delivery by up to 50%.
Lower Total Cost
By reducing the number of machine tools, fixtures, and manual operations, it can cut your total manufacturing costs by 30%.
Simplified Supply Chain
Entrusting complex parts to our one-stop solution eliminates the need to coordinate between multiple suppliers, making management much easier.
Complex Part Manufacturing Capability
Effortlessly handles complex geometries requiring multiple operations such as turning, milling, drilling, tapping, and eccentric machining.
CNC Turning Milling machined Parts Showcase
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Materials for CNC Turning Milling Machining
Our CNC Turning Milling machining services cover a wide range of engineering materials, including lightweight aluminum alloys, high-strength stainless steel, wear-resistant alloy steels, free-machining brass, and even specialty materials like titanium alloys and engineering plastics for cutting-edge applications, meeting your diverse needs from prototyping to mass production.
Metals
Carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, copper, brass, copper alloy, titanium alloy, etc.
Plastic
Common and engineering plastics such as ABS, PP, Nylon, Delrin, Acetal, PVC, PA, PEEK, PE, PC, PET, and PTFE; as well as reinforced and specialty engineering plastics like Garolite G-10, FR-4, PMMA (Acrylic)
Our CNC Turning Milling Machining Service Process
01
Consultation & Quoting
Providing your 3D models (e.g., STEP, IGES) or 2D drawings, and our engineers will promptly analyze them to deliver a detailed quote with lead time.
02
Engineering Review (DFM)
Our expert team conducts a Manufacturability analysis, offering professional advice on material selection, tolerances, and structural optimization to maximize your product’s value.
03
Production & Quality Inspection
Parts are manufactured using advanced turning mill centers, with full-process quality checks via CMMs and precision instruments to ensure every product meets specifications.
04
Rapid Delivery
After production, components undergo appropriate surface treatment and protective packaging, then are shipped directly to you via our global logistics network.
Design Guidelines for Turn-Mill Machining
Internal Radius: Always design an internal radius for cavities and contours.
Since milling cutters are cylindrical in shape, they cannot produce sharp internal corners. To ensure machining efficiency and quality, the internal radius should be slightly larger than the standard end mill radius (it is recommended to use R3 or R5 and above). This allows the use of larger, more rigid tools for continuous cutting, thereby avoiding the extended machining time, increased tool wear, and reduced surface quality caused by using small tools to clean corners.
Cavity Depth: Avoid designing excessively deep cavities.
Excessively deep cavities significantly increase machining difficulty, time, and cost. It is recommended that the depth of a cavity does not exceed four times its width to reduce the tool’s length-to-diameter ratio. An overly large length-to-diameter ratio can cause tool chatter and deflection, resulting in reduced accuracy and surface quality, and significantly increase machining time due to the necessity of using small step-downs for layered milling. If a deep cavity is structurally necessary, alternative solutions such as wire EDM, electrical discharge machining (EDM), or breaking down the structure into an assembly should be considered.
Thin Walls: Avoid designing excessively thin walls.
To prevent vibrations, deformations, or fractures caused by cutting forces during machining, and to ensure the structural integrity and dimensional stability of the part, it is recommended that the minimum wall thickness for metal parts should not be less than 1.0 mm, and for plastic parts, not less than 1.5 mm. Additionally, while meeting functional requirements, wall thickness should be kept as uniform as possible to avoid machining defects and surface quality issues caused by localized stress concentrations and vibrations.
Threads: Prioritize standard specifications.
When machining threads on a CNC milling machine, it is recommended that the depth of internal threads does not exceed 1.5 times their nominal diameter. Excessive depth does not enhance the connection performance but instead increases the difficulty and cost of machining. For internal threads larger than M6, thread milling is recommended as it is more efficient and can avoid chip evacuation risks. For small-diameter threads of M6 and below, tapping remains a cost-effective and commonly used method.
Tolerance: Follow the “fit-for-purpose” principle.
It is recommended to apply loose standard tolerances (such as ±0.1mm) to non-critical features, and to specify tight tolerances (such as ±0.025mm or tighter) only on critical dimensions that affect product fit and function. This is because each increase in tolerance grade requires longer setup and machining times, and relies on more expensive equipment and more frequent quality inspections to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I consider using turning mill machining?
If your part contains both turning features (such as external diameters, internal holes, threads) and milling features (such as flats, slots, eccentric holes), then turning mill machining is usually a better choice.
What is the “live tool turret” on a turning mill machine
It is the core component that enables the “milling” function. Unlike the fixed tool turret on a traditional lathe, it can be equipped with “live tool holders” that have their own motors at the tool positions, driving milling cutters and drills to rotate. Meanwhile, the machine’s spindle (C-axis) participates in indexing and positioning, thus enabling milling operations.
Does turning mill machining require high skills from programmers and operators?
A: Absolutely. Programmers need to be proficient not only in turning programming (G-code) but also in multi-axis milling programming (CAM software), and they must understand complex tool interference avoidance and post-processing. Operators also need comprehensive knowledge of machining processes and machine maintenance capabilities.
Can it completely replace a machining center?
No. It excels in parts that are primarily “rotational bodies with complex features.” For parts that are mainly made from square stock or plate material and require extensive milling and multi-sided machining (such as mold cavities, housings), a machining center remains a more efficient choice. The two are complementary.
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Whether your project is in the conceptual stage or ready for production, BrightRapid is your reliable manufacturing partner. With our advanced equipment, technical expertise, and commitment to quality, we help transform your ideas into high-quality precision parts.