CNC Turning Center Basics

What is a CNC Turning Center? (Centre)
CNC turning centers are advanced computer numerically controlled machines. They can have 3, 4, or even 5 axes, along with a multitude of cutting capabilities, including milling, drilling, tapping, and ofcourse, turning. Often these machines have an enclosed setup to ensure any cut material, coolant, and components remain within the machine.
What is the Difference Between CNC Turning Centers and CNC lathes?
CNC turning centers are more advanced forms of CNC lathes. Both are machine tools that rotate a bar of material, allowing the cutting tool to remove material from the bar until the desired product is remaining. However, lathes are typically only 2 axis machines and have just one spindle, whereas turning centers can have up to 5 axes and are far more versatile in terms of cutting ability. Furthermore, lathes do not have a protective enclosure around the machine, and simple do not have the high production capabilities of turning centers.
What Are the Types of CNC Turning Centers?
There are two broad categories of CNC Turning centers (centres), which include horizontal turning centers and vertical turning centers.
Horizontal turning centers are far more common than their vertical counterparts. And although the machines are nearly the same, vertical CNC turning centers have an advantage when it comes to parts that are heavy and short.
What is the Difference Between a Machining Center and a Turning center?
Whereas a CNC Machining Center performs a rotating spindle operation, a CNC Turning Center performs a turning type operation.
What are the Machine Axes in a CNC Turning Center?
There are up to five axes that a CNC turning center can operate on, though there are some machines that can operate on 6 axes:
X Axis: Vertical
Y Axis: Horizontal
Z Axis: Depth
A Axis: Rotation Around the X Axis
B Axis: Rotation Around the Y Axis
C Axis: Rotation Around the Z Axis