1. Processing range:
CNC lathe: mainly for the processing of rotary body parts, such as cylinders, cones and threads, etc., suitable for the outer circle, end face, inner hole and thread cutting of shafts and disc parts.
Machining center: The processing capacity is more extensive, and it can handle complex three-dimensional surfaces, grooves, drilling, tapping and other types of processing, which is suitable for the processing of polyhedra such as box parts, special-shaped parts, plate parts, etc.
2. Number of axes:
CNC lathes: usually configured with X-axis (transverse feed) and Z-axis (longitudinal feed) to control the radial and axial movement of the tool.
Machining center: at least X, Y, Z three axes, the common is a three-axis machining center, high-end can be extended to four-axis, five-axis simultaneous machining, to provide more degrees of freedom to adapt to the processing needs of complex shapes.
3. Tool magazine and automatic tool change:
CNC lathes: most are not equipped with tool magazines, and tool changes need to be operated manually, or simple automatic tool change systems, which are suitable for continuous machining of a single or small number of tools.
Machining center: Equipped with a tool magazine as standard, it can automatically replace tools with different functions, such as milling cutters, drills, boring cutters, etc., to achieve continuous processing of multiple processes, and improve efficiency and flexibility.
4. Process and processing capacity:
CNC lathe: Generally, only one or several related processing processes are completed for each clamping.
Machining center: Due to the automatic tool change function, most or all of the processing operations of the parts can be completed under one clamping, reducing the number of clamping and improving accuracy and efficiency.
5. Programming and control:
The basic programming language (e.g., G-code and M-code) is common to both machines, but the machining center may contain more specific programming instructions to control functions such as automatic tool change, multi-axis linkage, etc., due to its more complex functions.