Milling-turning centres for industrial production
Mill-turn centre vs. milling machine: the most important differences
A mill-turn centre and a CNC milling machine differ fundamentally in terms of their functionality and versatility. While a milling machine was developed exclusively for milling operations, a mill-turn centre combines both milling and turning processes in a single machine.
Functionality
A milling machine specialises in the removal of material using rotating cutting tools. It is used to create grooves, pockets or complex contours. A mill-turn center, on the other hand, can also perform turning operations in which the workpiece rotates to create cylindrical or conical shapes.
Versatility in application
By integrating turning and milling functions, a mill-turn centre is able to produce complex workpieces in a single operation. The key component here is a work table that can be driven at a sufficiently high speed, even when loaded with a clamped workpiece, in order to carry out economical turning operations with a stationary/clamped turning tool. This reduces reclamping operations and increases precision. Milling machines, on the other hand, are specialised and require additional machines for turning operations.
Advantages of the mill-turn centre in production
Mill-turn centres offer greater efficiency as they combine several work steps in one machine. This saves time and minimises sources of error - an advantage that is particularly important for complex components.
Structure of a mill-turn centre
The basis: machine bed and housing
The machine bed forms the foundation of a mill-turn centre and ensures stability during machining. It is usually made of robust grey cast iron or a similar material to minimise vibrations. The housing is completely enclosed to retain chips and coolant and increase safety.
Rotary table and clamping system
The drive in the rotary table (worktable) is responsible for rotating the workpiece. For safety reasons, mill-turn centres are equipped with a control device for maximum permissible imbalance so that the centrifugal forces generated cannot exceed the holding forces under any circumstances. The clamping system is essential for process reliability. The reason for this is that cubic workpieces are generally only rotationally symmetrical to a limited extent. Rotationally symmetrical workpieces are therefore also machined on mill-turn centres that are based on a lathe.
Milling head and tool magazine
The milling head performs the milling operation and can move in several axes. Machines are often equipped with a turret head that can hold both milling and turning tools. The tool magazine offers space for a large number of tools and changes them automatically to speed up the machining process. For turning operations, it is possible to clamp the turning tool in the milling head in a position-orientated manner.
CNC control
The CNC control is the heart of the mill-turn centre. It precisely controls all movements of the tools, spindles and axes. With modern control systems, complex programmes can be created that enable simultaneous machining in several axes.
Guide systems and coolant supply
Precise guide rails and ball screw drives ensure exact movements of the axes. The integrated coolant supply keeps tools and workpieces cool during machining and reduces wear.
The machining process
The machining process usually begins with milling. Here, the workpiece usually remains fixed while the milling head is moved in several axes in order to carry out precise milling work such as the creation of grooves, holes or complex contours. The machine then automatically switches to turning mode with a rotating table/workpiece and stationary turning tool.
Applications in industrial production
Typical workpieces that are produced with a mill-turn centre are
- Worm gears for gearboxes
- Valve housings in the energy sector
- Sensor housings in electronics production
- Turning-milling combination components such as flanges
- Housings for pump systems
- Small series components for prototype development
Mill-turn centres can machine a wide range of metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass, titanium, magnesium and nickel alloys. Thanks to their precision and versatility, they are ideal for machining hard materials such as tool steel as well as light metals for aerospace applications.
Tools for a mill-turn centre
Numerous tools are used in a mill-turn centre to enable turning and milling operations. Typical examples are
- Turning tools for cylindrical moulds
- Roughing cutters for rough material removal
- Finishing cutters for fine surfaces
- Taps for the production of threads
- Drills for precise drilling
- Reamers for fine machining of bores
- Moulding cutters for special contours
- Face milling cutters for flat surfaces
- Grooving cutters for grooves and pockets
The choice of tools depends on the material, shape and complexity of the workpiece.
Accessories and equipment for a mill-turn centre
Clamping systems hold workpieces securely and precisely. A crucial component is the tool magazine, which provides a variety of milling and turning tools such as end mills, turning tools and drilling tools. A tool changer ensures that tools can be changed quickly.
Coolants and lubricants are essential to cool tools and workpieces during machining and minimise friction. A chip conveyor ensures the efficient disposal of metal chips, while filter systems clean the coolant and reduce operating costs.
Measuring equipment such as probes and testing devices are essential for quality assurance. Cleaning agents, vices and zero-point clamping systems are also part of the accessories to increase flexibility and precision.
Leading manufacturers of mill-turn centres
In our manufacturers directory, you will find companies that produce mill-turn centres for metalworking.
The following terms are frequently searched for: DMG Mori mill-turn center, Hermle mill-turn center, Grob mill-turn center, POS mill-turn center, Stama mill-turn center, Emco mill-turn center, Mazak mill-turn center, DN Solutions mill-turn center, Bimatec Soraluce mill-turn center, Bumotec mill-turn center, FFG mill-turn center, milling centre
Selecting the right mill-turn centre
If you want to buy a mill-turn centre, there are several important features and specifications to consider.
- A key criterion is the number of axes, as multi-axis machines enable complex machining in a single operation. Commonly used are 4-axis and 5-axis mill-turn centres.
- The turning and milling capacity should match the size and shape of the planned workpieces.
- The spindle speed and torque determine the machining performance, especially when processing hard materials.
- The tool magazine capacity is also crucial in order to be able to switch flexibly between different tools.
- A precise CNC control system ensures repeatable results and efficient work processes.
- In addition, robust clamping systems and an efficient coolant supply are essential.
- Modern machines also offer automation options such as workpiece changers and integrated measuring technology.
- Quality, ease of maintenance and the manufacturer's support should also be taken into account to ensure reliable results in the long term.
Find the mill-turn centre that suits your production requirements now at maschinenauswahl.de.