Metal Cutting

Turn/Mill & Multitasking Machines

OVERVIEW: Turn/Mill Machines are machines that are capable of both rotating-workpiece operations (turning) and rotating-tool operations (namely milling and drilling). Generally these machines are based on lathes. The machine is typically recognizable as a horizontal or vertical lathe, with spindles for milling and drilling simply available at some or all of the tool positions. With a machine such as this, a part requiring a variety of operations can be machined in one setup, particularly if a subspindle allows the part to be passed from one spindle to another during machining. More recently introduced turn/mill machines depart from the lathe design into something much more like a hybrid machine—combining a lathe’s chucks and spindles with the travels and milling power of a machining center. One of the most significant issues with these types of machines in general is figuring out just which parts to run on them. Many shops have discovered that, even though these machines developed from lathes, they are not necessarily limited to round parts. Various non-round parts can be machined on the same platform as efficiently, if not more efficiently, than on a machining center.

Manufacturing Videos

The Buzz about the B Axis

Video: Turn-Mill Probes for Accurate Camshaft Machining

Featured Zone Content

February 2010

More Efficient Turbine Blade Milling

By: Modern Machine Shop
Video shows a multitasking machine milling a turbine blade in a cycle that few machining centers could replicate....MORE

March 2010

The Value Of Probing On Turn-Mills

By: Modern Machine Shop
Part probing isn’t performed as often on turn-mills as it is on conventional machine tools. It does offer advantages for multitasking machines, though. Includes video....MORE

March 2010

Pinch Milling from Top to Bottom

By: Modern Machine Shop
A multitasking (turnmill) machine that can mill a workpiece top and bottom at the same time has advantages for long, slender workpieces such as turbine blades, propellers and aerospace structural components. Includes video....MORE

December 2009

High-Volume Alternative To Machining Centers

By: Modern Machine Shop
Transfer machines that are flexible rather than dedicated can run large quantities without dedicating labor or floorspace. (Includes video.)...MORE

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January 2012

Increasing Business with Hard Turning

By: Chris Felix
By gaining experience in hard turning, a shop adds to its arsenal a cost-effective alternative to grinding, opening doors to new opportunities. ...MORE

December 2011

A Look at High Precision

By: Chris Felix
Here's an overview of the new features available on a series of multi-process machining centers designed for both bar-fed work and blanks. ...MORE

December 2011

Turn-Mill Center Aids Shop through Recession

By: Lori Beckman
Bryan Cardon chose multitasking as the solution to improve his shop’s workflow. He reduced cycle times and leadtimes for his customers in his Ogden, Utah, machine shop after implementing the Ganesh 32CS seven-axis, twin spindle, turn-mill center. The company also gained new customers and jobs because of this new machine and its capabilities. ...MORE

October 2011

Custom Turning with Only Two Operators

By: Edited by: Lori Beckman
With only two people, the shop provides complete CNC mill-turn services plus CNC milling, CNC turning, inspection, prototyping, production and assembly. ...MORE

October 2011

Manufacturer Turns Inward for New Machine

By: Modern Machine Shop
The Hardinge Workholding Group needed a heavy-duty machine with a rigid structural design that could perform multiple operations. After scouring the market, the group found the right model closer to home than it expected. ...MORE

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