Our CNC turning service delivers custom prototypes and production parts in as little as one day. With advanced CNC lathes equipped with live tooling, we can efficiently machine features such as axial and radial holes, flats, grooves, and slots.

CNC turning is ideal for:

  • Functional prototypes and final-use components
  • Parts with cylindrical features
  • Components requiring axial and radial holes, flats, grooves, and slots

Design Guidelines for CNC Turning

Our core guidelines for CNC turning focus on key design considerations to enhance part manufacturability, improve surface aesthetics, and minimize production time.

US Metric
Maximum Dimensions Diameter 3.95 in. 100.33mm
Length 9 in. 228.6mm
Minimum Dimensions Diameter 0.16 in. 4.07mm
Length 0.05 in. 1.27mm
Wall Thickness 0.020 in. 0.51mm
Angle 30° 30°
Tolerances +/- 0.005 in. +/- 0.13mm

Additional Notes on CNC Turning Guidelines:

  • Small features are permissible, but the diameter in any area should be no less than 0.030 inches (0.76mm).
  • Sharp conical points are acceptable as long as the angles exceed 30 degrees. Walls thinner than 0.020 inches (0.5mm) are generally too fragile to withstand the machining process.

Materials for CNC Turning

We offer a variety of metal materials ideal for different part applications and industries. You can select from aluminum, brass, low carbon steel, stainless steel, steel alloys, and titanium for your turned parts.

  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Low Carbon Steel
  • Steel Alloy
  • Stainless Steel
  • Titanium

Surface Finish Options for Turned Parts

Turned parts generally have a very smooth surface finish. The cylindrical areas of the part are typically much smoother when using a lathe compared to a mill, so keep this in mind when deciding on the machining method for parts that can be produced using either method. Features created with live tooling, such as flats and slots, may show visible tool marks.

If needed, metal parts can be bead blasted for a fine matte finish. Hard metals like steel and stainless steel can also undergo a light bead blast to deburr edges, removing metal slivers and smoothing out sharp or rough areas.

Aluminum Edges may have visible toolmarks, can be broken with light bead blast, or have sharp edges with visible toolmarks
All other metals Edges can show visible toolmarks or be broken with light bead blast

Quick-turn Finishing

Here are the conditions to receive parts in as little as 4 days (1 day for expedited processing + 3 days for plating):

  • Eligibility for Aluminum 6061/6082 and 7075 materials
  • Threaded holes must be sealed
  • Masking not available

Premium Finishing Requirements

If you have AS9100 and ITAR compliance needs, consider our domestic precision machining service. For more intricate anodizing and plating needs, you can utilize our extensive digital network of manufacturers. This network is ideal for parts requiring specialized materials or finishes, like titanium or nickel, or unique color options.

Material: Aluminum

Surface Finish: Broken Edge

Material: Aluminum

Surface Finish: Bead Blast

Material: Aluminum

Surface Finish: Sharp Edge

Anodizing and Chromate Coating Details

Anodize Hard Anodize Chromate
MIL-A-8625 Type II, Class 2 (Blk)
MIL-A-8625 Type II, Class 1(Clr)
MIL-A-8625 Type III, Class 2 (Blk) MIL-DTL-5541 Type II, Class 3 (Clr)

Quick-turn Finishing

  • Eligibility for Aluminum 6061/6082 and 7075 materials
  • Threaded holes must be sealed
  • Masking is not available

High-requirement Finishing

If you have AS9100 and ITAR requirements, consider our domestic precision machining service. For more intricate anodizing and plating needs, connect with our digital network of manufacturers. This network is ideal for components needing specialized materials or colors, such as titanium or nickel.

What is CNC Turning?

CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process where a metal rod is rotated while a cutting tool removes material to shape the final part. Our CNC lathes are equipped with live tooling, allowing us to machine flat surfaces and holes. We also offer both outside diameter (OD) and inside diameter (ID) threading.

Turned parts can be delivered as-machined with visible tool marks or undergo bead blasting for a smoother finish. Once the production run is complete, the parts are inspected, packed, and shipped promptly.