A CNC lathe mill is a hybrid machine that combines the turning capabilities of a lathe with the milling functions of a machining center. This integration allows manufacturers to produce parts with both cylindrical and prismatic features in one setup, eliminating the need to transfer workpieces between separate machines.
The machine operates primarily as a CNC lathe, holding and rotating the workpiece while cutting tools remove material. At the same time, milling spindles or driven tools are incorporated, enabling operations such as slotting, drilling, and contouring. This dual functionality reduces setup time and improves workflow efficiency.
CNC lathe mills are designed to handle complex geometries and multi-process components. By consolidating turning and milling, the accuracy of dimensional features is maintained, since all machining occurs under a single clamping. This approach also minimizes potential alignment errors.
In practice, CNC lathe mills are widely used for parts that require both rotational and milled features, such as shafts with keyways, housings with bolt patterns, or components with off-axis holes. Their ability to perform multiple operations in one cycle makes them a valuable solution for diverse production environments.