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CNC Turning
CNC turning of prototype parts
CNC turning has a key role to play in the production of metal, alloy and plastic prototype parts. It is also ideal for one-offs and small batches required by machine builders and manufacturers of low-volume, high-value products.
Compared with 3D printing, CNC (computer numerical controlled) turning is more accurate, while being quick and cost-effective. We quote a general tolerance of ±0.1mm for CNC turning but much tighter tolerances are normally achieved without any special measures being taken. Furthermore, customers’ requirements can usually be met for specific tolerances on critical dimensions.
Unlike parts produced using some 3D printing technologies, CNC turned parts benefit from isotropic material properties. This can be crucial for functional prototypes.
Note that we also have CNC milling and can therefore meet all of your CNC machining requirements.
What is CNC turning?
Material is clamped in the chuck or collet of the CNC lathe and then rotated at high speed. A program is run to manipulate cutting tools so they remove material from the exterior, drill and/or bore the centre, and cut external and/or internal threads. Flats or off centre holes can be added using a second operation on the mill. Being fully automatic, including tool changing, the CNC turning centres can run unattended.
Parts are often machined and parted-off in a single setup, but sometimes it is necessary to turn the workpiece around so it can be machined from both ends.
Programming for CNC turned parts
We start with an X_T, STEP or IGES file exported from the designer’s CAD system. This provides the part’s geometry. One of our programmers checks the file, clarifies any issues with the designer, then imports the file into our offline programming software, Mastercam. The software generates toolpaths automatically, including for curved profiles that would be extremely difficult to cut on a manual lathe.
Once the programmer has checked the CNC program, it is downloaded to the turning centre. The automatic tool changer is populated with the necessary cutting tools, the material is loaded and the machine is started.
What materials and finishes are available for CNC turned prototype parts?
Most orders we receive are for parts machined from aluminium, stainless steel, acetal and clear acrylic. Our page about materials for CNC machining for has more information on these materials and the many others we machine.
After machining, CNC turned parts are deburred, cleaned, degreased and inspected. We also offer a broad range of finishing options for CNC machined parts.
CNC turning centres for prototype parts
Our CNC workshop currently has a Haas ST 10 turning centre and a semi-CNC Haas TL-1 toolroom lathe, while a workshop lathe is available for simpler parts not needing CNC control. In addition, we have machining centres (vertical milling machines) for CNC milling.
Materials up to 60mm diameter are stocked for our 3-day CNC production speed, otherwise the maximum diameter we can turn is 100mm.
Inspection of CNC turned parts
CNC turned parts are inspected visually and key dimensions measured with callipers or micrometers. We also have thread gauges and a range of other handheld metrology instruments. In addition, we are unusual among prototyping companies in that we have our own co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM). Find out more about our in-house inspection facilities.
Production speeds
Our CNC machining service is built around flexibility. Lead times are tailored to your project and our in-house capacity, and we’ll confirm what’s achievable when you request a quote.
We also offer a 3-day service, subject to your part meeting our 3-day criteria.
Learn more on our Production Speeds page
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready to go further with CNC Machining, request a quote using the form below.
To discuss your project with our team, or to book a tour of our facilities, please contact us on 01763 249760.
Request a Quote
Please Note: requests for our 3-Day production speed must meet our 3-Day criteria. All final data for our 3-Day production speed is required by 4.30pm.
To request a quote for any of our other technologies/services, such as Vacuum Casting, Model Making and Laser Cutting, please complete this contact form.
CNC Turning FAQ
What is CNC Turning?
CNC turning rotates the material on a spindle while a cutting tool removes material to create cylindrical parts. It’s perfect for shafts, pins, and other round or symmetrical components.
What types of parts are best suited to turning?
CNC turning is most effective for:
- Shafts and spacers
- Bushings and housings
- Threaded components
- Cylindrical parts with precise dimensions
What level of accuracy can you achieve with turning?
We routinely achieve ±0.05 mm or better in CNC turning, ensuring a precise fit for assemblies.
How quickly can you deliver CNC parts?
We typically offer flexible production speeds for CNC parts, depending on part complexity and quantity, as well as our capacity at the time. Timescales will be confirmed as part of the quotation / ordering process.
CNC Machining team
Our CNC machining team produce accurate, high quality parts with an excellent finish from our suite of CNC machines. Request a quote for your next prototype part.
Ian Reinemann
Senior CNC Manager
Kieran Green
CNC Programmer
Dan Summerfield
CNC Programmer
Michal Mikolajczyk
CNC Team Leader
Glenn Watts
CNC Operator / Setter
Carl Sheppard
CNC Programmer/Setter/Operator
James Llewellyn
Trainee CNC Operator Setter