The Side Milling and Side Turning Process
Side milling and side turning are two different processes used to produce similar results, but with different approaches. Side milling is performed using a milling machine and a cutting tool, while side turning is performed with a lathe and a cutting tool. The processes involve cutting a material into desired shapes or sizes.
Side milling involves using the cutting tool to cut in a perpendicular direction to the surface of the material. The cutting tool is usually a flat-like shape, like a drill bit or end mill, which is secured to the milling machine and is then run along the surface of the material. The cutting rate varies based on the material and can range from very slow to very fast. Depending on the speeds used, the material can be subjected to more cutting as the milling process progresses, or it can be left in the same shape when it was first cut.
Side turning, on the other hand, is a process used to shape material that is already in a round shape, such as a cylinder or a sphere. It involves a cutting tool that is secured to the head of the lathe and then run along the circumference of the material. The cutting rate also varies based on the type of material. Unlike in side milling, the material is constantly changing shape as it is being cut, and the cuts can be intricate and detailed, depending on the speeds and the tool used.
Both side milling and side turning involve using cutting tools to shape or size material, but the processes are vastly different. The process chosen usually depends on the speed and the nature of the shaping or sizing that needs to be done. Side milling is most often used for creating large pieces or shapes quickly, while side turning is best suited for intricate or detailed cutting. Both processes involve the use of precision tools and machines, and should only be done by trained professionals.
