To date, turning remains the most effective technique for machining rotationally symmetric components. The combination of cutting speeds of several thousand revolutions per minute with long-lasting precision tools ensures maximum efficiency and extremely accurate production. Continuous further development has made lathes more productive. Turrets or linear tool carriers for holding multiple tools, tool drives, Y-axes for eccentric machining, and counter spindles are now standard features of modern turning centers. When necessary, a tailstock can support the machining of long workpieces. This equipment can produce complex turned parts within a single working area, thus eliminating the need for additional milling machines in many cases.

    The integration of milling represents the beginning of a development phase that has continued to this day—encompassing complete six-sided machining on turn-mill centers. The powerful turn-mill spindle can rotate around the B-axis, elevating five-axis simultaneous machining to the level of modern CNC milling machines.

   The machine tool flips the workpiece to the back using a sub-spindle to unload the finished part, taking process integration a step further. With the help of innovative technology cycles (such as those offered by DMG MORI), it is also possible to produce gears or perform grinding operations. In-process measurement completes the integration of additional process steps, enabling full-process tolerance inspection and minimizing the workload required for final quality control.