CNC Lathe (Turning): Mastering Axisymmetric Precision
CNC Lathe (Turning)
CNC Lathe (Turning) is a fundamental subtractive manufacturing process dedicated to creating parts with perfect rotational symmetry. Unlike milling, where the tool moves around a stationary piece, in turning, the workpiece rotates at high speed while a stationary, single-point cutting tool is fed into the material to precisely carve the final shape.
We specialize in high-precision turning, providing rapid, repeatable, and cost-effective production for shafts, pins, bolts, complex sleeves, and custom cylindrical components across all major industries.
We leverage advanced 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling centers to meet the demands of nearly every industry, from highly detailed aerospace components to functional medical device housings and complex tooling inserts.
The Turning Process and Capabilities
Our focus is on utilizing modern turning centers to maximize speed and part complexity, eliminating the need for multiple setups.
1. Standard CNC Lathe Operations
Standard lathes use two axes (X and Z) to produce external and internal cylindrical, conical, and contoured features. Key operations include:
- Facing: Creating a flat surface on the end of the part.
- Turning (OD/ID): Reducing the external (Outer Diameter) or internal (Inner Diameter) size of the workpiece.
- Drilling/Boring: Creating or enlarging holes along the central axis.
- Threading: Cutting internal or external threads (e.g., bolts, screw holes).
2. Live Tooling & Turn-Mill Centers
Our most advanced machines incorporate live tooling, allowing the spindle to perform milling and drilling operations while the part is still chucked in the lathe. This capability transforms the lathe into a powerful Turn-Mill Center.
- Key Advantage: It allows us to add non-cylindrical features (like hex flats, keyways, slots, and bolt patterns) to the side of a turned part in a single setup. This dramatically reduces lead times, eliminates alignment errors, and lowers costs.
Precision and Materials
CNC turning is ideal for achieving the highest degrees of circularity and fine surface finishes quickly, making it a cornerstone for rotational mechanics.
- Tolerances: We consistently hold tight tolerances on diameters and lengths, ensuring components fit seamlessly into your assemblies.
- Surface Finish: Turning naturally produces fine surface finishes (low Ra values), often superior to milling for cylindrical forms.
- Material Expertise: We routinely machine materials essential for turning applications:
- Metals: Stainless Steels (303, 304, 316), Carbon Steels (1018, 4140), Aluminum alloys, Brass, and high-performance Nickel and Titanium alloys.
- Plastics: Delrin (Acetal), PTFE (Teflon), Nylon, and PEEK.
From Prototype to Production
Whether you need a single, complex prototype shaft or high-volume runs of thousands of bushings, our CNC lathe capacity is scaled for your needs.
Ready to manufacture your precise cylindrical components? Upload your CAD files (STEP, STL) now for an instant, competitive quote and begin the journey toward perfect axisymmetric precision.