What is the difference between CNC Lathe and CNC milling machine?

Question

I tried to search the difference between CNC lathe and milling but i didn't find any good explanation.

Answer 1

Lathe is a rotary process in which the tooling is stationary and the work moves. Milling machine is a linear process where the tool moves and the work stays stationary. CNC is 'computer numeric controls' meaning the dimensions are programmed into a computer and it directs the equipment to perform specific functions.

Answer 2

Do you know the difference between a lathe and a milling machine?

The same applies to CNC also.

Answer 3

The same as the difference in any lathe and milling machine. A lathe spins the workpiece to be machined as cutting tools are moved across it in the Z and X axes. A milling machine spins the cutting tool in a spindle and moves the clamped workpiece in the X, Y, Z, and C axes. If you wanted to turn a 4x4 piece of wood into a table leg, a lathe would be the tool for the job. If you wanted to plane the heads on your old flathead Ford, a milling machine would be the tool for the job. CNC's or Computer Numerical Controls are ideal for production equipment because once programmed, they can turn out the same part cycle after cycle and hold tolerances not humanly possible with manual equipment.

Answer 4

I think the lathe`s spindle is horizontal and the milling machine`s spindle is vertical.  Don`t bet on my answer being correct though.