All machines from the category Turn-mill center

How a turn-mill centre works

A turn-mill centre is a state-of-the-art CNC (computer numerical control) machine tool that enables both turning and milling operations without manual reclamping. A turn-mill centre therefore combines the functions of a turning machine and a milling machine. It therefore fulfils the aspect of economical complete machining of components from all sides without the need for a machine change or manual reclamping.

The basis of a turn-mill centre is a lathe, which, with a significantly high proportion of milling work, enables economical complete machining. In contrast, a mill-turn centre is based on a milling machine or machining centre, whereby the machine is equipped with a (swivel) rotary table with higher speeds in order to be able to economically machine a component with a stationary tool in a rotationally symmetrical manner.

The operation of a turn-mill centre is based on precise control by a CNC system. The operator programmes the machine with detailed instructions that control the movements of the tools and the workpiece. Modern turn-mill centres are equipped with several axes that enable flexible, complex and complete machining. For example, a 5-axis turn-mill centre can work simultaneously in five different directions. As a rule, turn-mill centres are also equipped with a counter spindle so that complete machining of the workpiece is also possible from the rear (the side that is not accessible during machining and the main spindle due to the clamping). The transfer of the workpiece from the main spindle to the counter spindle can be automatic and position-orientated, resulting in a very high accuracy of the contours.

When turning, the workpiece rotates while the cutting tool removes material and creates cylindrical shapes. This process is ideal for machining external and internal contours as well as for drilling and tapping.

Milling is performed by keeping the workpiece fixed while the cutting tool moves in multiple axes. This enables the machining of flat and irregular surfaces, the creation of pockets, grooves and complicated contours. If the turn-mill centre is equipped with five or more axes, simultaneous machining in several directions is possible and thus the production of complex geometries and free-form surfaces. For reasons of performance development, greater tool flexibility and spatial positioning, modern turn-mill centres have (in addition to several turrets) at least one motorised milling spindle.milling spindle in the work area, which in turn can be equipped with various milling and drilling tools stored in the magazine via a tool changer.

Advantages of a turn-mill centre

Turn-mill centres are specially designed for metalworking and offer considerable advantages in terms of precision, efficiency and productivity. A turn-mill centre is able to produce complex components in less time and with a lower error rate, making them an important tool in the modern manufacturing industry.

One of the biggest advantages of turn-mill centres is the reduction in set-up times and the minimisation of workpiece handling. As both turning and milling operations can be carried out in one setup, many intermediate steps that would be necessary when using separate machines are eliminated. This leads to a considerable reduction in production time and an increase in accuracy, as the workpiece does not have to be clamped and aligned manually several times.

Turn-mill centres play a key role in metalworking. Their ability to produce complex parts in a single, automated operation not only improves efficiency, but also the quality of the end products. For companies involved in metalworking, investing in a turn-mill centre is a forward-looking decision that will pay off in the long term through increased productivity and competitiveness.

Applications in industrial production

A turn-mill centre is used in numerous industries, including the automotive industry, aerospace, medical technology and mechanical engineering. These versatile CNC machine tools are suitable for the production of complex workpieces such as engine parts, turbine blades, medical implants, gears, valve housings, crankshafts and precision machine components.

Tools for a turn-mill centre

Various tools are used in a turn-mill centre to perform complex machining operations. The most important tools include

1. turning tools
2. drills
3. milling cutters
4. reamers
5. taps
6. countersinking tools
7. grooving tools
8. boring tools
9. internal machining tools
10. thread milling cutters

These tools enable precise turning, drilling, milling and tapping in a single setup.

Accessories and equipment for a turn-mill centre

Clamping devices such as collets, lathe chucks and tool holders ensure that workpieces and tools are held securely in place. Coolants and lubricants are essential to minimise friction and ensure heat dissipation during the machining process. These operating materials increase the service life of the tools and improve the surface quality of the workpieces. Measuring and testing tools such as calipers, micrometers and coordinate measuring machines are required to ensure the precision and quality of the manufactured parts. In addition, modern control software and programming tools are essential in order to operate the CNC machine efficiently and programme complex machining tasks. Extraction systems and chip conveyors help to keep the working environment clean and increase safety.

Leading manufacturers for turn-mill centres

In our list of manufacturers, you will find companies that produce turn-mill centres for metalworking.

The following terms are frequently searched for: Chiron turn-mill centre, DMG Mori turn-mill centre, EMAG turn-mill centre, EMCO turn-mill centre, FFG turn-mill centre, Hommel turn-mill centre, Index turn-mill centre, OKUMA turn-mill centre, Traub turn-millcentre, Mazak turn-mill centre, Weingärtner turn-mill centre, WFL turn-mill centre, Starrag turn-mill centre, Benzinger turn-mill centre, Waldrich Siegen turn-mill centre, Nakamura Tome turn-mill centre, Spinner turn-mill centre

Choosing the right turn-mill centre

If you want to buy a turn-mill centre, there are several important features and specifications to consider.

• Decisive factors include the number of axes, as a higher number of axes (e.g. 5 axes) enables more complex machining.
• The spindle speed and motor power are also essential to ensure high machining speed and precision.
• Pay attention to the maximum workpiece size and travel distance to ensure that the turn-mill centre meets your specific production requirements.
• Other important features include the presence of automatic tool changers, the type of control unit (CNC system) and the availability of cooling and lubrication systems.

Search now on maschinenauswahl.de for a turn-mill centre that suits your production requirements.