A turning center is a computerized lathe that spins the workpiece against stationary cutting tools to create cylindrical parts. These machines often include automatic tool changers, multiple axes, and live tooling that allows them to perform secondary milling or drilling operations without moving the part to another machine.
Set up the barfeeder on the new turning center so we can run those pins lights-out.
While a standard CNC lathe just has X and Z axes, a true turning center usually implies extra capabilities like a Y-axis, sub-spindle, or driven tools.
Also heard as
- CNC lathe
Related terms
Lathe
A machine tool that spins a workpiece against a stationary cutting tool.
CNC
Computer numerical control is the automated control of machining tools by a computer program.
Machining center
An automated, computer-controlled machine tool capable of performing multiple milling and drilling operations.
Swiss-turn
A type of lathe where the material feeds through a guide bushing past a stationary tool.