Custom CNC Turning Services
Custom turned components for prototypes and production. Submit cylindrical geometry, threads, materials and drawing tolerances for manufacturing review.
Precision CNC Turning Service
CNC turning produces rotational parts for prototypes, small batches and repeat production. Turning can create simple or complex profiles; off-axis features may require live tooling or secondary milling. Define the stock material, critical diameters, threads and finishing requirements for process planning.
CNC Turning Prototyping
Validate your design faster with custom CNC turning for functional prototypes, fit checks, material testing, and pre-production samples.
Volume CNC Turning
Scale from small batches to larger production runs with repeatable CNC turned parts, stable tolerances, inspection support, and reliable lead times.
CNC Turned Parts and Industries We Support
These projects range from simple spacers and threaded fittings to precision shafts, bushings, connectors, and other critical components used in demanding applications.
Shafts & Pins
Bushings & Sleeves
Threaded Parts
Spacers & Standoffs
Flanges & Connectors
Knobs, Rollers & Wheels
CNC Turning Service Tolerances
Confirm the certification and documentation requirements for your project with YC Precision.
| DESCRIPTION | |
|---|---|
| Maximum Part Size | Typically up to 500 mm diameter and 1500 mm length, depending on material and machine setup |
| Minimum Part Size | As small as 1 mm diameter, depending on part geometry and material |
| General Tolerances | Standard tolerances of ±0.01 mm; tighter tolerances down to ±0.005 mm can be achieved based on the material and complexity of the part. |
| Lead Time | Standard lead times range from 3–7 days for small batches. Expedited services are available, reducing lead time to 24–48 hours depending on part complexity and material availability. |
| RECOMMENDED SIZE | |
|---|---|
| Radii | Minimum internal radius of 0.5 mm recommended. Larger radii up to 3 mm or more can improve tool access and reduce stress concentrations in the part. |
| Threads and Tapped Holes | External and internal threads can be precisely cut. Standard thread sizes from M1.6 and larger are feasible. Ensure a minimum thread length of 1.5 times the diameter for stability. |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | Maintain a minimum wall thickness of 0.8 mm for metals and 1.5 mm for plastics to ensure structural integrity without compromising the machining process. |
| Text | Engraving should have a minimum character height of 2 mm and a depth of at least 0.5 mm to ensure legibility after machining. |
| Holes | Minimum hole diameter of 0.5 mm. For deep holes, maintain a diameter to depth ratio of 1:10 to avoid tool deflection and ensure hole quality. |
| Grooves and Slots | Avoid extremely narrow grooves when possible. Wider features improve tool access and machining stability. |
CNC Turning Materials
Check out some of the common materials for your CNC turning projects.
Plastics
ABS is strong, durable, and offers good resistance to heat and impact. It’s preferred for automotive components and consumer goods.
ABS Beige(Natural)
ABS Black
ABS Black Antistatic
ABS Milky White
ABS+PC Black
ABS+PC White
Polycarbonate is extremely durable and has high impact resistance, along with excellent clarity, used for bullet-proof glass and protective gear.
PC Black
PC Transparent
PC White
PC Yellowish White
PC+GF30 Black
PMMA, or acrylic, is known for its crystal clarity and weather resistance, making it ideal for outdoor fixtures and display cases.
PMMA Black
PMMA Transparent
PMMA White
POM is strong, with a low friction surface and good dimensional stability, perfect for precision parts in mechanical applications.
Dark brown (coffee) POM 100AF
POM Black
POM Blue
POM White
Nylon is versatile, strong, and wears well against friction, commonly used for gears, bearings, and other wear-resistant surfaces.
PA(Nylon) Blue
PA6 (Nylon)+GF15 Black
PA6 (Nylon)+GF30 Black
PA66 (Nylon) Beige(Natural)
PA66 (Nylon) Black
Polyethylene is lightweight and has high resistance to impact, widely used in packaging and containers.
PE Black
PE White
PEEK is renowned for its high temperature resistance and strength, often used in aerospace and medical implant manufacturing.
PEEK Beige(Natural)
PEEK Black
Polypropylene is tough, has excellent chemical resistance, and is used for automotive parts, containers, and in packaging.
PP Black
PP White
PP+GF30 Black
HDPE is known for its high strength-to-density ratio, resistance to impacts, and is used in making bottles and corrosion-resistant piping.
HDPE Black
HDPE White
HIPS is easy to machine and offers good dimensional stability and impact resistance, suitable for prototyping and modeling.
HIPS Board White
LDPE is soft, flexible, and used in applications where heat sealing is required, such as in tubing and plastic bags.
LDPE White
Metals
Aluminum is lightweight yet strong, with excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. Ideal for aerospace and automotive parts.
Alloys
Aluminum 6061, 6061-T6
Aluminum 2024
Aluminum 5052
Aluminum 5083
Aluminum 6063
Aluminum 6082
Aluminum 7075, 7075-T6
Aluminum ADC12 (A380)
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Copper is known for its superior electrical conductivity and thermal properties, making it perfect for electrical components and heat exchangers.
Alloys
Copper C101(T2)
Copper C103(T1)
Copper C103(TU2)
Copper C110(TU0)
Beryllium Copper
Brass is durable and has a low friction coefficient, which makes it suitable for fittings, tools, and musical instruments that require precision.
Alloys
Brass C27400
Brass C28000
Brass C36000
Bronze is highly resistant to corrosion and metal fatigue, favored for bearings, bushings, and marine hardware.
Alloys
Tin Bronze
Steel is an alloy with high tensile strength and durability, commonly used in construction and automotive industries for its robustness.
Alloys
Steel 1018, 1020, 1025, 1045, 1215, 4130, 4140, 4340, 5140, A36
Die steel
Alloy steel
Chisel tool steel
Spring steel
High speed steel
Cold rolled steel
Bearing steel
SPCC
Stainless steel is renowned for its corrosion resistance, making it a prime choice for medical devices and food processing equipment.
Alloys
Stainless Steel SUS201
Stainless Steel SUS303
Stainless Steel SUS 304
Stainless Steel SUS316
Stainless Steel SUS316L
Stainless Steel SUS420
Stainless Steel SUS430
Stainless Steel SUS431
Stainless Steel SUS440C
Stainless Steel SUS630/17-4PH
Stainless Steel AISI 304
Magnesium is the lightest structural metal, offering high strength-to-weight ratios, perfect for automotive and aerospace applications where weight is critical.
Alloys
Magnesium Alloy AZ31B
Magnesium Alloy AZ91D
Titanium boasts the highest strength-to-density ratio among metals, highly resistant to corrosion and fatigue, ideal for aerospace, medical, and marine applications.
Alloys
Titanium Alloy TA1
Titanium Alloy TA2
Titanium Alloy TC4/Ti-6Al 4V
CNC Turning Surface Finishes
Select finishes for CNC turned parts according to appearance, corrosion resistance, wear and surface roughness. Compare an as-machined surface with suitable protective treatments, accounting for material compatibility and any coating allowance on critical diameters.
As Machined
As machined finish leaves the surface straight from the CNC machine, providing a cost-effective option with tool marks.
Anodizing
Anodizing increases corrosion resistance and wear properties, while allowing for color dyeing, ideal for aluminum parts.
Polishing
Polishing achieves a high gloss finish, reducing surface roughness and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of metals.
Sand Blasting
Sand blasting uses pressurized sand or other media to clean and texture the surface, creating a uniform, matte finish.
Tumbling
Tumbling smooths and polishes small parts by friction and abrasion in a barrel, offering a consistent but slightly textured finish.
Electropolish
Electropolish is a chemical process that smooths and brightens surfaces while improving corrosion resistance.
Alodine
Alodine coating provides corrosion protection and improves paint adhesion, mainly used on aluminum surfaces.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment alters the mechanical properties of metal to increase its hardness, strength, or ductility.
Brushed Finish
A brushed finish creates a unidirectional satin texture, reducing the visibility of marks and scratches on the surface.
Powder Coating
Powder coating applies a thick, wear-resistant layer with excellent color and texture options, suitable for a variety of surfaces.
Electroplating
Electroplating bonds a thin metal layer onto parts, improving wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and surface conductivity.
Black Oxidize
Black oxidize is a conversion coating for ferrous metals that improves corrosion resistance and minimizes light reflection.
Project Review
CNC Turning Drawing Review and Quotation
Submit the CAD file, material, quantity and critical dimensions for turning review and a project-specific quotation.
Why Choose Us
For a CNC milling project, review tool access, workholding, internal corner radii and inspection datums before production. These details help establish a practical machining route and quotation.
01
High Quality CNC Turning Parts
Experience unparalleled precision in each undertaking. Our advanced turning processes ensure components adhere to tight tolerances, as tight as ±0.01mm, resulting in seamless assembly and operational excellence.
02
Fast Lead Time
Speed up your manufacturing cycle with our efficient CNC turning services. Supported by in-house workshops and modern CNC equipment, we deliver fast lead times without compromising part accuracy or surface quality.
03
Professional CNC Turning Engineering Support
No matter you whenever and whereever, navigate your CNC milling projects with confidence. Our seasoned specialists offer insightful guidance at every step, maximizing design optimization and output quality.
How Does CNC Turning Work?
CNC turning uses a computer-controlled lathe to rotate a workpiece while cutting tools remove material to create round, cylindrical, or threaded features. It is commonly used for shafts, pins, bushings, sleeves, spacers, and other precision parts that require stable dimensions and repeatable quality.
Typical CNC Milling Process:
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | CAD Review Engineers review your drawing, material, tolerance, and finish requirements. |
| 2 | Turning Setup The material is fixed in the lathe or CNC turning center, then tools are selected for facing, drilling, threading, grooving, or boring. |
| 3 | Machining & Inspection Parts are machined, finished if needed, and inspected to confirm dimensions, tolerances, and surface quality. |
Advantages
Advantages of CNC Turning
CNC turning offers several distinct advantages that make it a preferred method for manufacturing precise cylindrical parts. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Precision and Accuracy : Machines are capable of achieving extremely tight tolerances, essential for components that must fit seamlessly into complex assemblies.
- Efficiency : Once programmed and set up, these machines produce parts quickly and with consistent quality, often requiring minimal supervision, which accelerates production cycles.
- Flexibility : The ability to reprogram the machines for different designs quickly makes them highly adaptable to varying production needs, enhancing operational responsiveness.
- Repeatable : The automated nature ensures that each part is identical, even across large production volumes, crucial for maintaining quality in mass production.
- Reduced Labor Costs : Automation reduces the need for manual intervention, cutting labor costs and minimizing human error, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Material Versatility : The machines handle a wide range of materials, from various metals to plastics and composites, accommodating diverse manufacturing demands.
- Improved Safety : The enclosed, automated operation minimizes human interaction, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a safer workplace.
Applications
Applications of CNC Turning
Here’s an overview of some typical parts made through this process:
- Shafts are fundamental in various machines, serving as axes or pivots. Precision in diameter and surface finish is crucial for their interaction with other mechanical parts.
- Flanges connect pipes, pumps, or valves, requiring accurate machining to ensure a secure fit and avoid leaks.
- Bushings and Sleeves provide smooth surfaces for other parts to move against or through, necessitating exact internal diameters and smooth finishes.
- Pins are small but vital for aligning or holding components together, often needing precise dimensions to fit snugly into place.
- Knobs and Dials are user interface elements for machinery and electronic devices, where aesthetics and precise dimensions enhance usability.
- Wheels and Rollers are integral to systems like conveyors, where consistent shape and smoothness reduce friction and wear.
FAQs
What parts can CNC turning make?
CNC turning produces cylindrical and symmetrical parts around their axis. This process is typically used for manufacturing items like shafts, pins, rods, bushings, and pulleys. It’s also well-suited for creating external threads, internal boreholes, and even complex contours on cylindrical surfaces. The precision of CNC turning allows for tight tolerances and a smooth finish, making it ideal for parts that require exact fits and movements, commonly found in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing machinery.
Can you produce plastic turned parts?
Yes, CNC turning is versatile enough to handle various materials, including plastics. Plastics commonly turned on CNC lathes include ABS, Polycarbonate, PTFE (Teflon), Nylon, and Acetal. Each material offers different properties; for instance, Nylon is known for its strength and friction resistance, while Acetal provides excellent machinability and dimensional stability. Turning plastics requires precise control of cutting speeds and tool selection to prevent melting or deformation, ensuring the production of high-quality, precise parts suitable for a range of applications.
What’s the difference between CNC milling and CNC turning?
CNC milling and CNC turning are both subtractive manufacturing processes, but they differ in how the material is removed.
In CNC milling, the workpiece is stationary, and the cutting tool moves across multiple axes to remove material and create the desired shape. This process is ideal for complex parts with various features such as slots, holes, and contours.
On the other hand, CNC turning involves rotating the workpiece while a stationary cutting tool removes material. This method is best suited for producing cylindrical parts, such as shafts, rings, and bolts. While milling can handle more complex geometries, turning is typically faster and more efficient for producing round parts.
What is a CNC turning center, and what types of parts can it produce?
A CNC turning center is a computer-controlled machine designed to manufacture cylindrical parts with precision. It is capable of producing a wide range of components, including shafts, pins, screws, bushings, and other intricate parts. Highly versatile, the CNC turning center can perform various operations such as facing, turning, threading, grooving, drilling, and even complex contouring. Its advanced automation allows for consistent production quality and efficient handling of both simple and complex CNC turning parts across different industries.
How long does CNC turning take?
Turning lead time depends on stock availability, part complexity, tooling, quantity and any secondary operations. Confirm an achievable delivery date after the drawings and production requirements are reviewed.
How much does CNC turning cost?
The cost depends on material, part size, tolerance, complexity, surface finish, and order quantity. Upload your CAD file to get an accurate CNC turning quote.
What affects the cost of CNC turning parts?
Main cost factors include material type, machining time, tight tolerances, threads, grooves, holes, surface finishes, and production volume.
How fast can I get CNC turning parts?
Standard lead times usually depend on material availability, quantity, and finish requirements.
CNC Turning vs CNC Milling: Which Process Do You Need?
Both CNC turning and CNC milling are common subtractive machining processes, but they are used for different part geometries. CNC turning is usually better for round, cylindrical, threaded, or shaft-like parts, while CNC milling is better for flat surfaces, pockets, slots, and complex 3D shapes.
When to Choose CNC Turning Choose custom CNC turning when your part is mainly round, such as a shaft, pin, bushing, sleeve, spacer, or threaded connector. It is ideal for producing accurate CNC turned parts with repeatable dimensions.
When to Choose CNC Milling Choose CNC milling when your part needs flat surfaces, pockets, slots, complex contours, or multiple machined faces. Milling is better for brackets, housings, plates, and parts with non-rotational shapes.
When You Need Both Some parts require both turning and milling features. For example, a cylindrical part may also need flats, cross holes, slots, or off-center features.