Rapid CNC Turning Services
With 3Q Machining’s various CNC services, CNC turning is frequently requested for a certain category of parts. Turning is a CNC machining process in which the workpiece is rotated at speed in a chuck. Unlike with CNC milling, the cutting tool does not spin.
Turning can be carried out on metals like aluminum, magnesium, steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, titanium and nickel alloy, as well as plastics like nylon, polycarbonate, ABS, POM, PP, PMMA, PTFE, PEI, PEEK. CNC turning machines are also known as lathe machines.
Advantages of CNC turning
1. Cylindrical parts: CNC turning machines are ideal for creating round or cylindrical parts. Lathes create these parts quickly, accurately and with excellent repeatability.
2. Range of processes: Although generally used for parts of a certain shape, CNC turning can still be used to carry out a variety of cuts, including drilling, boring, threading and knurling.
3. Professional quality: To discover the more general advantages of CNC machining with 3Q, see our CNC machining services page.
What is CNC TURNING
CNC turning is a particular form of precision machining in which a cutter removes material by making contact with the spinning workpiece. The movement of the machinery is controlled by computer instructions, allowing for extreme precision and repeatability.
Turning is different to CNC milling, in which the cutting tool rotates and is directed from multiple angles at the workpiece, which is usually stationary. Because CNC turning involves rotating the workpiece in a chuck, it is generally used to create round or tubular shapes, achieving far more accurate rounded surfaces than would be possible with CNC milling or other processes.
The tooling that is used with a CNC lathe machine is mounted to a turret. This component is programmed to make certain movements and remove material from raw materials until the desired 3D model is formed.
Like CNC milling, CNC turning can be used for the rapid manufacture of either prototypes or end-use parts.
CNC TURNING METAL PARTS
Aluminum machining is main material, but CNC turning can also be used to process metals like magnesium, steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, titanium and nickel alloy.
CNC turning is commonly used for mechanical and aspect components, which are often made from aluminum, the most machinable metal. Aluminum parts can be made with high strength and accuracy, as well as a superior surface finish.
CNC TURNING PLASTIC PARTS
While precision machining is typically used for metals, 3Q Machining can also provide CNC turning services for plastic parts. Materials available for CNC turning include nylon, polycarbonate, ABS, POM, PP, PMMA, PTFE, PEI, PEEK, providing more accurate parts than 3D printing.
The important thing you should know
CNC Milling: Questions & Answers
Plastic: ABS, PC, ABS+PC, PP, PS, POM, PMMA (Acrylic), PAGF30, PCGF30, Teflon, DHPE, HDPE, PPS, PEEK.
Metal: Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel (17-4, Inconel 625 & 718), Magnesium, Titanium, Zinc, Brass, Bronze, Copper.
These are the most common materials for CNC prototyping and production parts. Besides that, we can work with any type of machinable plastic and metal we can purchase from the stock market.
What’s more: We are able to create a custom plastic block or bar for the material such as PA GF50, PPS GF50. To discover further plastic materials we can do, please contact our team.
CNC machining starts with a computer, on which designers prepare a part using CAD (Computer-aided Design) software. This digital part is then converted into a format that can be recognized by a CNC machine.
Instructions are sent to the CNC machine in the form of “G-Code” after which the machine can start cutting.
Most CNC machines have a “worktable” and work holding device to keep a block of material — known as the “workpiece” — in place. The worktable may or may not move, depending on the style of the machine.
When machining starts, the cutting tool makes contact with the workpiece, cutting away layers of material. The tool and/or workpiece is moved and/or rapidly rotated according to the G-Code instructions so that cuts are made in exactly the right places until the part is finished.
CNC machining is a fast, accurate and versatile solution for making end-use plastic and metal parts in any quantity, without the need for investing in hard tooling or expensive set-ups. No matter how simple or complex the parts.
Color: Pantone Number
Logo: AI
Drawing: DWG/STP/IGS/SOLIDWORKS etc.
Sample lead time: 7days
Tooling lead time: 35 days
Production lead time: 7~30days
Usually we book the shipment with your appointed forwarder, or can ship to your warehouse with our shipment company
We also working with DHL/FEDEX/UPS for long term relationship to have competitive express shipment with fast delivery.
As-Machined: The most popular and cost efficient way for inner functional components. Fine and even tool path is also good for aspect parts.
Bead Blasted: The part is left with a matt appearance. Range of 120 to 320 beads allows us to create different roughness to the surface.
Anodized: Type II creates a corrosion-resistant finish. Parts can be anodized in different colors—clear, black, red, and blue are most common—and is usually associated with low silicone element series of aluminum. Type III is thicker and creates a wear-resistant layer in addition to the corrosion resistance seen with Type II.
Powder Coat: This is a process where powdered paint is sprayed onto a part which is then baked in an oven. This creates a strong, wear- and corrosion-resistant layer that is more durable than standard painting methods. A wide variety of colors are available to create the desired aesthetic.
CNC machines include CNC mills, CNC turning machines (or lathes), CNC routers, and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) machines.
CNC mills have rotating cutting tools that are moved to different areas of the workpiece to make cuts and can be used to make many different pats. CNC lathes work the other way, rotating the workpiece against a stationary cutting tool, and are used to make cylindrical parts.
CNC routers are similar to CNC mills, but have less power and cannot cut the hardest materials. They can, however, be faster than CNC mills.
EDM uses electrical discharges (sparks) instead of a sharp cutting tool to cut material. No physical contact is made between the tool and the workpiece.
CNC machines are often defined by their number of axes. More axes mean they can move their tool and/or workpiece in a greater number of ways, giving greater cutting flexibility and the ability to make more complex parts in a shorter time.
3Q Machining is known as one of the best CNC machining companies in China in terms of quality, speed, and customer service. With high-quality CNC machines, we can easily achieve +/- 0.02mm of tolerance and can even get within +/- 0.01mm. But keep in mind that it can have an impact on the cost.
MOQ: From 1 piece to ~3000pcs each color each part
Sample payment: 100%
Tooling payment:50% deposit, 50% balance after sample approval
Product order payment: T/T 30% deposit, 70% after pre-shipment inspection
It’s no problem to arrange third party inspection before shipment, please book the inspection date 7 days in advance
