CNC Turning Service

Jump to Section

→ Capabilities
→ Materials
→ Surface Finishes
→ About CNC Turning

Our CNC turning process produces custom prototypes and end-use production parts in as fast as 1 day. We use a CNC lathe with live tooling so features like axial and radial holes, flats, grooves, and slots can be machined.

CNC turning is often used for:

• functional prototypes and end-use parts
• parts with cylindrical features
• parts with axial and radial holes, flats, grooves, and slots

Design Guidelines for CNC Turning

Our basic guidelines for CNC turning include important design considerations to help improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.

Additional Notes on CNC Turning Guidelines

• Small features may be allowed, but the diameter in any region should not be less than 0.030 in. (0.76mm). 
• Sharp conical points are allowed; angles should be greater than 30 degrees. Walls thinner than 0.020 in. (0.5mm) typically do not survive the machining process.

Surface Finish Options for Turned Parts

Parts that are turned typically have a very smooth surface finish. The as-machined surface finish of the cylindrical areas will typically be much smoother using the lathe than the mill, so consider this when selecting the machining method for those parts that qualify for either method. Areas cut with live tooling, such as flats and slots, may have visible tools marks.

If desired, the metal parts can be lightly bead blasted leaving a fine matte finish. Hard metals like steel and stainless steel can also have edges broken (deburred) with a light bead blast to remove metal slivers, and sharp or rough areas.

Material: Aluminum
Surface Finish: Broken Edge

Material: Aluminum
Surface Finish: Bead Blast

Material: Aluminum
Surface Finish: Sharp Edge

Anodizing and Chromate Plating Specifications

Quick-turn Finishing

Here are the requirements to get parts in as fast as 4 days (1-day expedite + 3 days for plating):

• Aluminum 6061/6082 and 7075 material eligibility
• Threaded holes plugged
• No masking available

High-requirement Finishing

Have AS9100 and ITAR requirements? Try our domestic precision machining option. If you have more complex anodizing and plating requirements, work with our digital network of manufacturers. The network works well for components that require a specialized color or material option such as titanium or nickel.   

What is CNC Turning?

CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process that rotates a metal rod while a cutting tool is held against the stock to remove material and create final parts. Our CNC lathes are also equipped with live tooling that can machine flat features and holes into the workpiece. Outside diameter (OD) and inside diameter (ID) threading is also available.

Turned parts can then be left as-machined, with visible tool marks, or bead blasted. When the run is complete, parts are inspected, boxed and shipped shortly thereafter.

Resources

Turning to Lathe For Parts with Cylindrical Features

For parts that have cylindrical features, using a lathe may be your best option.

Read Design Tip

How to Design Efficient Parts for CNC Machining

Learn a number of ways to modify your CNC machining design to not only improve functionality, but reduce manufacturing costs.

Watch Webinar

How to Reduce CNC Machining Costs

Use these design and material considerations to cut your machining costs.

Read Design Tip

What is CNC Machining?

How to create efficient, manufacturable metal and plastic parts through design considerations, material selection, and streamlined machining processes.

Read Guide