Precision CNC Turning Services

Creating complex cylindrical components with exceptional surface finishes and tight diametrical tolerances. We turn your designs into high-performance parts.

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A sophisticated dual-head turn-mill CNC machine creating a complex part

How CNC Turning Works

CNC turning is a machining process that uses a lathe to create parts with rotational symmetry. A bar or rod of raw material is held in a chuck and rotated at high speed. As it spins, a stationary cutting tool is moved along the workpiece to remove material and create the desired geometry.

This process is ideal for producing external and internal features, such as tapers, threads, grooves, and steps. Modern CNC turning centers often include "live tooling," which are rotating tools that can perform secondary milling, drilling, and tapping operations without removing the part from the lathe. This turn-mill capability allows for the creation of very complex parts in a single, highly accurate setup.

A close-up of a CNC turned aluminum part with threads and an anodized finish

When to Choose CNC Turning

Turning is the go-to process for any part that is fundamentally cylindrical.

High Accuracy on Diameters

The nature of the turning process allows for extremely tight control over diametrical dimensions, resulting in highly accurate fits for shafts, bores, and other critical interfaces.

Excellent Surface Finishes

Turning can produce very smooth surface finishes (low Ra values), which is essential for sealing surfaces, bearing journals, and high-performance cosmetic parts.

Efficient for Round Parts

For parts that are primarily cylindrical, turning is a much faster and more cost-effective method of manufacturing than building the same shape with 3D printing or milling it from a large block.

Common Applications: Shafts, Axles, Pins, Bushings, Fasteners (Screws, Bolts), Fittings, Spacers, Knobs, Nozzles.

CNC Turning FAQ

What is "live tooling" or "turn-mill"?

Turn-mill centers are advanced lathes equipped with rotating cutting tools in addition to standard stationary turning tools. This allows the machine to perform milling operations (like creating flats, keyways, or off-center holes) on the part while it is still held in the main spindle. It combines turning and milling into one setup, increasing accuracy and reducing lead time.

Can you create threads on turned parts?

Yes, absolutely. We can create a wide variety of internal and external threads using single-point threading or thread mills. Please specify the thread type (e.g., M6x1.0, 1/4"-20) clearly on your 2D drawing.

What is the straightness and concentricity I can expect?

CNC turning provides excellent straightness and concentricity. While our standard tolerance is generous, we can hold much tighter tolerances for these attributes upon request. If you have critical requirements for runout or straightness, please specify them in your technical drawing.