Turning Centers

What are turning centers?

A turning center is essentially a lathe with a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) controller. The workpiece spins in a chuck mounted on a mandrel and fixed tooling makes contact while the part rotates in order to shape it.

What is the difference between a turning center and a machining center?

A milling center (commonly referred to as a 3-axis (hyperlink) or 5-axis (hyperlink) machine center) is a machine on which the tool rotates and machines the part while it’s mounted on a fixture remaining stationary.

Benefits of turning centers vs machining centers:

• The milling spindle’s high-torque, high-speed head provides fast, accurate and aggressive metal removal capabilities
• Second spindles can offer back-side finishing or sequential part processing
• Rotary tool spindles deliver the milling, drilling and tapping performance of a machining center
• Twin spindle, twin turret configurations provide innovative part-processing opportunities
• Full circumference C-axis headstock brake designs
• Y-axis functionality offers greater range of part geometry machining
• Powerful, built-in NC controlled tailstocks allow for automated processes
• MX Hybrid Roller Guides provide durability and reliability for long-term accuracy
• Optional long boring bar deep-hole capability offer extremely productive machining
• User-friendly, high functionality CNC controls simplify programming and increase productivity
• Bar feeder, gantry loader and articulating robot compatibility increases production and enables lights-out operations