Contract CNC Turning Services and Parts Manufacturing

Custom CNC Turning

In CNC turning, the cutting tool typically moves in a linear fashion while the work piece rotates. This is different from CNC milling, where the work piece is stationary while the cutting tool moves.

Turning is used to create a variety of shapes, including complex designs and geometries. It’s highly efficient for producing parts that are symmetrical around an axis of rotation. Major examples are as cones, cylinders, or shafts.

CNC Turning Machine Operating

CNC Turning vs CNC Milling

  CNC Turning CNC Milling
Operation Method In turning, the work piece rotates on a spindle, and the cutting tool is stationary. The tool is fed into the rotating work piece to remove material and produce the desired the shape. It involves using a rotating cutting tool that moves along multiple axes to create shapes, holes and etc in the work piece. The work piece is stationary and the cutting tool moves to remove material.
Parts Produced Ideal for creating cylindrical parts such as rods, shafts, and bushings. It is most effective for parts with a round shape. Ideal for creating complex shapes and features like slots, holes, grooves, and contours. Milling offers more versatility.
Axis of Motion Operate on 2 axes (X and Z). Operate typically on 3 to 5 axes. This multi-axis movement is the key for versatility to be able to produce more complex parts.
Material Removal The work piece spins, and the cutting tool moves linearly, parallel or perpendicular to the axis of the work piece. The cutting tool rotates against the work piece, cutting away material as it moves along different axes.

Turning Materials

Metals

  • Carbon Steel

  • Aluminium

  • Stainless Steel
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Zinc Alloys
CNC Turning Parts
Plastics

  • PA (Polyamide nylon)
  • POM (Polyoxymethylene)

  • PMMA (Acrylic)

  • PC (Polycarbonate)
  • (PEEK)
  • ABS
CNC Plastic Turning

Quality Control

  • Purpose: To identify obvious defects such as surface scratches, tool marks, or burrs.
  • Tools: Magnifying glass, microscopes, or the naked eye.
  • Applications: Initial screening to ensure parts meet visual quality expectations.
  • Purpose: To measure the dimensions of parts to ensure they meet specified tolerances.
  • Tools: Calipers, Micrometers, Height Gauges, CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), Go/No-Go Gauges
  • Purpose: To inspect the first part produced to verify the setup and ensure compliance with specifications before full production.
  • Documentation: Detailed inspection reports for traceability.
  • Purpose: To evaluate the smoothness or roughness of a part’s surface.
  • Tools:
    • Profilometers: Measure surface roughness (Ra, Rz).
    • Comparators: Visual reference charts for surface textures.

Design for Turning

  • Prioritize Simplicity: Opt for straightforward geometries to reduce costs and manufacturing complexities.
  • Specify Tolerances Wisely: Overly tight tolerances can increase production costs. Define them based on functional needs.
  • Material Selection: Choose materials that balance performance and machinability. Aluminum and mild steel are economical for prototyping.
  • Include Finishing Allowances: Allow for material removal during surface finishing processes like polishing or anodizing.
  • Secure holding: Design the part to be easy to fix and hold securely.

CNC Turning Machines Types

  • 2-Axis Lathes: These are the most basic CNC lathes, designed for simple turning operations.

  • Multi-Axis Lathes: Machines with additional axes (such as Y-axis or sub-spindles) enable more complex machining, including milling and drilling, in a single setup.

  • Swiss-Type Lathes: Ideal for small, high-precision parts, Swiss lathes support the workpiece with a guide bushing, minimizing deflection and increasing accuracy.

  • Vertical Lathes: Used for machining large, heavy components, such as those found in cement, mining and energy industries.

CNC Turning Machine