CNC machining stands as a swift manufacturing method, transforming digital 3D blueprints into tangible plastic or metal components by strategically removing material. Numerous companies rely on CNC machining services for crafting parts and prototypes, spanning across diverse industries due to its adaptable nature. However, CNC machining encompasses various iterations. Despite sharing a common workflow—software translating digital designs into machine directives for material removal—the machinery for this task varies significantly among different models.

This article explores the fundamental disparities between two such machines: CNC mills and CNC turning (also known as lathe centers).