What is CNC Turning?
Precision CNC Turning Services
Delivering ±0.015 mm tolerance cylindrical parts via CNC lathes and Swiss machines for shafts, fittings, and connectors in aerospace titanium, medical PEEK, and automotive alloys. Our Ø500 mm × 4,500 mm capacity, live tooling for mill-turn operations, and 100% in-house inspection ensure AS9100D/ISO 13485-compliant components with 30% faster lead times and included material certifications – outperforming marketplace brokers in precision, quality control, and cost efficiency for prototypes through high-volume production.
Standard Turning
Quick QuotePrecision high-volume production for cylindrical shafts, fittings, and connectors via automated lathes with Ø500 mm × 4,500 mm capacity and ±0.025 mm tolerances. Ideal for aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and acetal, this process delivers cost-effective runs of 10k+ parts with 2x faster cycle times than marketplace alternatives—featuring automatic bar feeders, live tooling for cross-drilling, and CMM-validated concentricity (ISO 2768-compliant) for automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics applications.
Mill-Turn
Quick QuoteSingle-setup complex machining integrating rotational turning with milling, drilling, and threading via 11-axis CNC mill-turn centers. Achieve ±0.015 mm positional accuracy on features like flanges, off-axis ports, and contoured profiles in titanium, Inconel®, or PEEK—eliminating refixturing errors and slashing lead times by 40% vs. competitors workflows. Essential for aerospace actuators, medical device housings, and defense components requiring full GD&T compliance and controlled documentation.
Swiss Machining
Quick QuoteMicro-precision turning for long, slender components (L:D ≤ 20:1) with ±0.015 mm tolerances and 0.4 μm Ra finishes using guide bushings and subspindles. Specialized in medical implants (bone screws, surgical pins) and electronics connectors (contact sleeves, terminals) from 0.5–32 mm diameters in stainless 316L, titanium Gr23, or Nitinol—guaranteeing zero deflection even at 0.2 mm wall thicknesses. Includes real-time statistical process control (SPC) reports, surpassing competitors’ capabilities for miniature, high-tolerance applications.
CNC Turning Tolerances
This reference establishes precision benchmarks for standard turning, Swiss machining, and mill-turn operations across critical dimensions like diameters, concentricity, and surface finishes. Process-specific tolerance ranges account for material behavior, L/D ratios, and inspection methodologies to prevent manufacturing non-conformance while balancing functional requirements with cost efficiency. Align your designs with these industry-proven parameters to ensure reliable performance of shafts, connectors, and rotational components in medical, aerospace, and automotive applications.
| Feature | Standard Turning | Swiss Machining | Mill-Turn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter (Ø<50mm) | ±0.025 mm | ±0.015 mm | ±0.015 mm |
| Length | ±0.050 mm | ±0.020 mm | ±0.030 mm |
| Concentricity | 0.050 mm | 0.010 mm | 0.020 mm |
| Thread Pitch (M6-M24) | ±0.15 mm | ±0.10 mm | ±0.10 mm |
| Surface Finish (Ra) | 1.6 μm (63 μin) | 0.8 μm (32 μin) | 1.2 μm (47 μin) |
| True Position | 0.100 mm | 0.030 mm | 0.050 mm |
| Flatness | 0.100 mm | 0.050 mm | 0.075 mm |
Tight/Achievable Tolerances
| Feature | Standard Turning | Swiss Machining | Mill-Turn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter (Ø<50mm) | ±0.015 mm | ±0.010 mm | ±0.010 mm |
| Concentricity | 0.020 mm | 0.005 mm | 0.010 mm |
| Thread Pitch | ±0.10 mm | ±0.10 mm | ±0.10 mm |
| Surface Finish (Ra) | 0.2 μm (8 μin) | 0.2 μm (8 μin) | 0.2 μm (8 μin) |
| True Position | 0.050 mm | 0.015 mm | 0.025 mm |
CNC Turning Materials
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AluminumLightweight, corrosion-resistant, exhibits high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Learn more Available Materials
Finishing Options |
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CopperHighly conductive, malleable metal with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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BrassCorrosion-resistant alloy of copper and zinc, known for its machinability, strength, and acoustic properties. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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BronzeDurable, corrosion-resistant alloy primarily composed of copper and tin, known for its strength and wear resistance. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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Tool SteelHigh hardness, resistance to abrasion, and ability to maintain a sharp edge, ideal for cutting and shaping tools. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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Stainless SteelCorrosion-resistant alloy with excellent strength and durability, primarily composed of iron, chromium, and nickel. Learn more Available Materials
Finishing Options |
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Alloy SteelEnhanced strength, toughness, resistance to wear and corrosion through the addition of elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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Mild SteelMild steel, also known as low-carbon steel. Mild steel is primarily characterized by having a carbon content of less than 0.2% by weight. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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TitaniumLightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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ABSTough, impact-resistant plastic with good machinability, known for strength and durability. Learn more Finishing Options |
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AcrylicLightweight, shatter-resistant plastic with excellent optical clarity and weather resistance—a durable alternative to glass. Learn more Finishing Options |
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DelrinHigh-strength, low-friction plastic with excellent dimensional stability and resistance to wear and chemicals. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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HDPEVersatile, high-density plastic with strength, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption. Learn more Finishing Options |
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NylonStrong, flexible, abrasion-resistant polymer with excellent wear resistance and low friction. Learn more Available MaterialsFinishing Options |
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PolycarbonateTough, heat- and impact-resistant plastic with high clarity and good dimensional stability. Learn more Finishing Options |
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As Machined StandardSurface finish directly as a result of machining, without any post processing. Learn more Finish Specifications
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As Machined MediumSurface finish is smoother than our standard finish, but no post processing is done. Learn more Finish Specifications
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As Machined FineThis is accomplished by using fine machining with high quality cutting tools. Learn more Finish Specifications
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Bead BlastingParts are glass bead blasted which will result in a textured satin-like finish. Learn more Finish Specifications
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BrushedParts are manually brushed with sand paper to improve surface roughness. Learn more Finish Specifications
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Chromate Conversion CoatingChromate Conversion Coating will be applied to parts with As Machined finish. Learn more Finish Specifications
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PolishingParts are manually polished resulting in a smooth surface roughness. Learn more Finish Specifications
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Powder CoatingEconomical, durable and long-lasting finish with many color options. Learn more Finish Specifications
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Black OxideBlack Oxide coating is applied on As Machined parts to improve wear resistance. Learn more Finish Specifications
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Electroless PlatingElectroless plating is applied to As Machined finish parts. Learn more Finish Specifications
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Anodizing Type 2Anodizing Type 2 is applied on As Machined parts to improve wear resistance. Learn more Finish Specifications
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Anodizing Type 3 (Hard)Anodizing Type 3 is applied on As Machined parts to form a highly durable coating. Learn more Finish Specifications
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CNC Turning Design Guidelines
Follow these critical parameters to ensure manufacturability across standard turning, Swiss machining, and mill-turn operations. This table defines essential thresholds for wall thickness, length-to-diameter ratios, and feature constraints – preventing chatter, deformation, and tooling failures while optimizing concentricity and surface finish. Align your designs with these process-specific recommendations to achieve first-pass success and cost efficiency for shafts, fittings, and rotational components.
| Feature | Standard Turning | Swiss Machining | Mill-Turn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Thickness | ≥0.8 mm (metals) ≥1.2 mm (plastics) |
≥0.5 mm (metals) ≥0.8 mm (plastics) |
≥0.8 mm (metals) ≥1.0 mm (plastics) |
| L/D Ratio | ≤8:1 (tailstock supported) | ≤20:1 (guide bushing) | ≤10:1 (live tool support) |
| Bore Depth | ≤5× diameter | ≤8× diameter | ≤6× diameter |
| Internal Corners | R0.3 mm+ | R0.2 mm+ | R0.3 mm+ |
| Thread Length | ≤3× diameter | ≤5× diameter | ≤4× diameter |
| Groove Width | ≥1.5× tool nose radius | ≥1.0× tool nose radius | ≥1.2× tool nose radius |
| Tolerances (Std) | ±0.075 mm | ±0.015 mm | ±0.015 mm |
| Tolerances (Tight) | ±0.015 mm | ±0.010 mm | ±0.015 mm |
| Surface Finish (Ra) | 1.6 μm (as-turned) | 0.8 μm (as-turned) | 1.2 μm (as-turned) |
| Undercuts | Limited to axial features | Axial + radial possible | Full radial/axial access |
Quality & Certifications Module
Certified Precision, Validated In-House: Your Guarantee of Zero-Defect Parts
Every component is sourced from our vetted ISO/AS9100-certified manufacturing partners, then 100% physically inspected at our facility before shipment. Unlike others, we enforce a 3-stage custody protocol:
| Material Compliance: | We order and validate material certifications (RoHS, REACH, FDA, mill test reports) on your behalf. |
| In-House Verification: |
Dimensional accuracy checks via CMM, VMM, 2D height gauges (±0.01 mm), and precision tools. Critical feature validation against your drawings (hole positions, thread fits, flatness). Visual inspection for surface defects, burrs, and cosmetic flaws. |
| Final Certification: | Full documentation including material certs, CoCs, and inspection logs. |
| We guarantee: | ±0.015 mm tolerances on all
shipped parts (validated in-house). Zero paperwork gaps – we manage all supplier certifications. 100% physical custody – no direct supplier shipments delivering zero-defect compliance from prototype to 100,000+ part production runs. |
Why Choose Us for CNC Turning Services?
Precision engineered parts demand a partner who blends cutting-edge technology with relentless reliability. We deliver complex turned, mill-turn, and Swiss-machined components faster and more accurately than competition, thanks to our direct-access engineering team and hyper-responsive manufacturing ecosystem. With over 200 ISO 9001/AS9100-certified manufacturing partners globally, we scale seamlessly from 1-piece prototypes to 100,000+ part production runs—all while maintaining tolerances down to ±0.0005" and offering medical/aerospace-grade certifications (ISO 13485, AS9100). Our intuitive digital dashboard gives you real-time visibility into every order: track progress, approve revisions, manage deliveries, and download certifications with one click—no more chasing suppliers through opaque platforms.
We guarantee on-time delivery (99.7% track record) and zero-surprise pricing, backed by a 100% quality commitment: if a part fails inspection, we remake it at our cost and expedite shipping. You get enterprise-grade capabilities—Swiss machining for micro-components, 5-axis mill-turn for complex geometries, and anodizing/powder coating or any other finish—without the complexity. Experience the difference: upload your design today for quick quote with no hidden fees.
The Platform Advantage - Unified Oversight for Precision Manufacturing
Our integrated dashboard delivers end-to-end project command—streamlining workflows while ensuring transparency at every stage. Experience seamless coordination from initial request to final delivery, all within a single secure interface.
Submit & Configure with Precision
| RFQ Initiation |
Upload CAD files (STEP, IGES, SLDPRT) and drawings Specify requirements: materials, tolerances, finishes, inspection protocols Request custom documentation: material certs, CMM reports, customs forms |
| Real-Time Quoting |
Receive instant DFM analysis with cost drivers flagged Adjust configurations (e.g., material substitutions) to optimize pricing |
Order Execution & Oversight
| Document Management |
Submit customs declarations, commercial invoices, and HS codes Upload purchase orders or approve terms for payment Access digital invoices with tax/line-item breakdowns |
| Production Intelligence |
Track progress and updates View Shop floor photos/videos Access Inspection reports, quality documents and Material certifications Monitor shipping status with carrier integrations |
Proactive Collaboration & Support
| Engineer Engagement |
Send technical queries and status enquiries to our engineers via encrypted chat Receive resolution timelines for technical queries |
| Quality Assurance Hub |
Access pre-shipment documentation: First-article inspection reports, dimensional reports and quality documents Approve/reject deliverables via annotated media |
| Post-Delivery Excellence |
Initiate reorders with one-click cloning Log support tickets for non-conformances Archive project history (drawings, certs, comms) for audits |
Industries specialized
Aerospace
Automotive
Consumer Products
Medical
Frequently Asked Questions
CNC turning rotates a workpiece while a stationary cutting tool removes material to create cylindrical parts like shafts, bushings, or pins. Unlike milling (which moves the tool around a stationary workpiece), turning excels at high-precision axisymmetric components. Our automated lathes achieve ±0.015mm tolerances and complex geometries 40% faster than manual alternatives .
We machine 50+ materials, including:
Standard tolerance: ±0.075mm . Tight-tolerance capability: ±0.010mm for critical features like sealing surfaces or bearing seats. We use ISO 9001-certified processes with in-process CMM verification to ensure consistency .
Yes. We offer:
Upload STEP, IGES, DXF, or SolidWorks® files for instant quotes. For 2D drawings, include GD&T callouts, material specs, and surface finish requirements. Our AI-powered platform analyzes designs in <2 minutes and provides free DFM feedback.
Rigorous 4-step process:
1. In-process checks: Real-time monitoring with calibrated gauges.
2. Final inspection: CMM, VMM.
3. Material certification: Traceability for alloys/plastics.
4. Compliance docs: Certificates of Conformity (AS9100 available).
Yes. Our Swiss-type and multi-axis lathes support:
Get a quick quote in <2 hours:
1. Click here to upload CAD file
2. Select material, quantity, tolerances
3. Add finishing/assembly options
Receive a detailed quote with cost breakdown in <2 hours.
Standard CNC Turning (Lathe Machining) is ideal for parts with a lower Length-to-Diameter (L/D) ratio (typically < 6:1). The workpiece is held in a chuck, and the tool moves to cut features. It's perfect for bushings, flanges, and connectors.
Swiss Screw Machining is designed for long, slender, and complex parts with high L/D ratios (up to 20:1). The material bar is guided by a bushing right next to the cutting tools, providing immense support and eliminating deflection. This allows for ultra-tight tolerances (±0.005 mm) on features like medical pins, shafts, and miniature components.
Live tooling refers to CNC lathes where the tools can not only turn but also rotate and perform milling, drilling, and tapping operations. This "mill-turn" capability allows us to machine complex parts—like a housing with off-axis holes or a flange with slots—complete in a single setup. This eliminates the cost, lead time, and alignment errors associated with moving a part to a second milling machine.
This is a common challenge that we are expertly equipped to handle. For standard lathes, we use tailstocks and steady rests to support the workpiece. For extremely long and thin parts, we recommend Swiss screw machining, which is specifically designed to prevent deflection and chatter by supporting the bar stock directly at the point of cutting, ensuring exceptional concentricity.
We guarantee concentricity through:
- Precision Workholding: Using certified collets and chucks.
- In-Process Verification: On-machine probing to check runout.
- Final Validation: 100% in-house CMM inspection to measure true positional and geometric tolerances like concentricity, cylindricity, and roundness per your drawing's GD&T callouts.
Yes. We specialize in machining complex internal features using specialized tooling:
- Deep Hole Boring: Using fine-boring bars and high-pressure coolant for depths exceeding 10x diameter.
- Internal Threading: For standard and custom thread forms.
- Internal Grooving: For snap-ring and O-ring grooves.
We provide DFM feedback on minimum recommended bore diameters and depths during the quoting process.
We offer a complete suite of post-processing to meet functional and cosmetic requirements:
- Anodizing (for aluminum parts)
- Passivation (for stainless steel corrosion resistance)
- Plating (Nickel, Zinc, Electroless Nickel)
- Heat Treating (Annealing, Hardening, Tempering)
- Deburring & Polishing to specific surface finishes (e.g., Ra 0.4 μm)
Our connected manufacturing model provides significant advantages:
- Lead Times: 1–3 days for prototypes, 5–10 days for production runs. We are often faster as we avoid multi-vendor coordination delays.
- Pricing: By optimizing bar stock usage and nesting multiple parts, we offer 10–20% more competitive pricing on volume orders. Our quotes include material certifications and standard inspection reports at no extra cost.
Absolutely. Our processes and partner network are certified to the most stringent industry standards, including:
- ISO 13485 for medical devices and implants
- AS9100D for aerospace and defense components