Mill/Turn

NCNC machines with multitasking capabilities are becoming available from leading CNC equipment makers. These machines enable manufacturers to do more work with fewer operations, sometimes enabling components to be completed with a single set-up. A leading example of this new CNC equipment class is a machine capable of doing both milling and turning, all in one operation. Compass Precision has invested in 17 of these so-called mill/turn CNC machining centers, including one in 2022, four in 2021, one in 2020, one in 2019, two in 2018, and three in 2017. Three of the newest machines are NTX and NLX 2500 units from DMG Mori while the others are from Mazak, Nakamura, and Doosan.

Our DMG Mori mill/turn machines have twin spindles, live tools, and an additional Y-axis. They are used as simple lathes, as 4-axis milling machines, or in combination. We can turn both ends of a part as well as mill slots and other non-round features, drill off-axis holes, and create other complex features, all with just one set-up. Our mill/turn machines have bar feeders for unattended operation. All these capabilities increase throughput and enhance quality because of reduced part handling.

Our Mazak Integrex and eight of our Nakamura units have arguably even more impressive capabilities. They can do full 5-axis milling as well as turning of parts up to 12 inches in diameter. The Integrex tool capacity is equivalent to that of a 5-axis machining center, enabling it to be used efficiently in that mode when customer needs dictate.

Compass’s mill/turn machines are extremely well suited for complex aerospace & defense, and medical components whose demanding applications require complex turning and milled surfaces.