Guide to CNC Turning vs. Milling

Understanding CNC Turning Applications

Modern CNC machining has blurred the traditional lines between turning and milling operations. While CNC machining centers can create round features and lathes now have live-tool capabilities, certain parts remain better suited for specific processes.


Ideal Parts for Turning

  • Cylindrically symmetric components (pistons, hydraulic fittings)
  • Parts with long length-to-diameter ratios
  • Components with v-shaped grooves or concentric features
  • Parts requiring smooth, round surfaces

Size Capabilities

Maximum Diameter2.95 in. (75mm)
Maximum Length9 in. (228mm)
Minimum Diameter0.03 in. (4mm)
Minimum Length0.060 in. (1.5mm)

Available Materials

  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Stainless Steel (select grades)
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Titanium
  • More…

Additional Capabilities

Modern CNC lathes offer enhanced features:

  • Y-axis capability for off-center features
  • Minimum groove width: 0.047 in. (1.2mm)
  • Radial holes down to 0.08 in. (2mm)
  • Axial holes down to 0.04 in. (1mm)
  • Text engraving (minimum 0.020 in./0.5mm width)
  • UNC, UNF, and metric threading options

 Key Advantage: Turning cylindrical parts from bar stock is typically more efficient and produces less material waste compared to milling from rectangular stock.

Example Applications

Good for CNC TurningBetter for CNC Milling
Pint glassesCoffee cups with handles
Dumbbell gripsRectangular valve bodies
Sprinkler hose barbsPicture frames
Salt shakersMilk cartons

Surface Finish Considerations

Turned surfaces typically achieve:

  • Smoother finish than milled surfaces
  • Better roundness
  • Optional bead blasting for matte finish

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Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Aluminum 6061602.68193117
Aluminum 6063732.721468.9
Aluminum 70501472.83490160
Aluminum 7075(Aerospace Grade)1502.81503159
Aluminum MIC-6652.7105N/A
Aluminum 5052602.68193117
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Copper 10165 - 908.89 - 8.9469 - 36576 - 90
Copper C11065 - 908.8969 - 36576 - 90
Copper C17280 - 858.25515 - 585275
Copper C26060 - 828.53103 - 44190
Copper C36063-1308.49124-310138
Brass CZ12190 - 1608.47360 - 500220 - 360
Brass CZ13170 - 1408.5340 - 480200 - 350
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Elongation at Break(%)
Stainless Steel 17-73887.812752046
Stainless Steel 3012178.0320521240
Stainless Steel 3031608.0324020050
Stainless Steel 3161878.0320519340
Stainless Steel 3322008.0329419644
Stainless Steel 4163607.89622009.5
Stainless Steel 4205067.8104020011.5
Stainless Steel 440C495 - 6537.8450 - 1900204 - 2152.0 - 14
Hardness(Shore D)Density (g/cm^3)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Tensile Strength(MPa)Elongation at Break(%)
HDPE50 - 760.92 - 0.990.565 - 1.511 - 433 - 80
UHMW-PE54 - 1200.8 - 1.80.3 - 1.111.6 - 403.5 - 800
PVC801.16 - 1.651.82 - 7.033.45 - 73.12 - 330
ABS/Nylon Blend641.04 - 1.210.9 - 5.327 - 1003.1 - 230
Acrylic600.7 - 1.30.95 - 3.7925 - 851 - 85
Nylon 6676 - 881.02 - 2.70.6 - 2510 - 981 - 300
PTFE11 - 700.7 - 3.350.392 - 0.750.86 - 41.470 - 650
PEEK62 - 941.26 - 1.722.14 - 2411 - 1251.7 - 100
POM-H811.423.27530
POM-C791.412.86740
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Elongation at Break(%)
Titanium(Grade 1)1204.5170 - 31010324
Titanium(Grade 2)2004.51276 - 44810320
Titanium(Grade 4)2654.51480 - 65510515
Ti-6Al-4V(Grade 5)3794.43110011410
Bronze11.6 - 4205.6 - 1469 - 80072.4 - 1380 - 70
Zinc Alloy (Zamak 5)916.720870 - 1007
Steel Alloy AISI 43403887.8597220012.1
Nickel Alloy175 - 2408.44414 - 75820716