Custom CNC Turning Services China
From basic 2-axis lathes to advanced multi-axis Mill-Turn centers with Live Tooling. High-speed cylindrical machining with tolerances down to ±0.005mm.
Why pay for 5-axis milling when your part is primarily cylindrical? Our advanced turning centers integrate C-axis interpolation and Y-axis milling (2+1 and 2+2 setups) to drill, tap, and mill cross-features in a single operation. For extreme precision micro-components, our Swiss-type CNC lathes guarantee flawless production runs.
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Advanced Turning & Lathe Arsenal
Review our full suite of CNC Turning Centers, from heavy-duty slant-bed lathes to ultra-precision Swiss-type machines.
| Machine Type | Primary Brands | Max Turning Dia. | Key Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Axis CNC Lathes | Haas ST Series, Doosan Lynx | Ø 350 mm | Standard shafts, flanges, basic threading. |
| Multi-Axis Mill-Turn (Y/C Axis) | Mazak Integrex, Doosan Puma | Ø 400 mm | Done-in-one complex rotational parts. |
| Swiss-Type CNC Lathes | Citizen Cincom, Tsugami | Ø 32 mm | Micro-pins, medical screws, long shafts. |
The Evolution of CNC Turning
Modern CNC turning is no longer just spinning a bar. By adding driven tools (Live Tooling) and rotational axes, we transform traditional lathes into highly efficient multi-tasking centers.
Fig 1: Kinematics of advanced Mill-Turn centers. Live tooling on the Y/C axes eliminates the need to transfer parts to a separate milling machine.
| Machine Configuration | Kinematics / Capabilities | Ideal Part Features | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 2-Axis Lathe | Moves in X and Z axes only. Spindle rotates, cutting tool is stationary. | Purely cylindrical profiles, external/internal threading, basic shafts, pins, rings. | ~$25 / hr |
| 3-Axis Mill-Turn (2+1 / C-Axis) | Adds Live Tooling (spinning endmills/drills) and a programmable C-Axis (spindle stops and indexes). | Shafts requiring radial cross-holes, bolt circles on the face, or simple milled slots. | $35 - $45 / hr |
| 4-Axis Mill-Turn (2+2 / Y-Axis) | Adds a true Y-Axis to the live tooling turret, allowing milling completely off the center-line. | Flat planes on cylinders, off-center keyways, complex manifold fittings. | $45 - $60 / hr |
| Swiss-Type CNC Turning | Material feeds through a guide bushing. Tool cuts right at the support point, preventing deflection. | Micro-parts (< 32mm diameter), long thin shafts (L/D ratio > 3:1), medical screws. | $40 - $55 / hr |
Engineering Guide: Optimizing Turned Parts
CNC turning is exceptionally fast and cost-effective, but requires careful design consideration to avoid chatter and tooling interference.
Length-to-Diameter (L/D) Ratio
Long, thin parts tend to vibrate (chatter) against the cutting tool on a standard lathe. If your part has an L/D ratio greater than 3:1, we will automatically route it to our Swiss-Type Turning Centers which use guide bushings to eliminate deflection.
Avoid Deep Internal Threads
Machining internal threads (tapping) on a lathe becomes exponentially difficult and expensive as depth increases. Keep internal thread depths to a maximum of 3x the hole diameter.
Maximize "Done-in-One" Efficiency
If your cylindrical part requires a small flat surface or a cross-hole, do not design it as a separate milling operation. Our Mill-Turn centers will handle these features using Live Tooling, saving you setup costs.
The Chinese Supply Chain Advantage
Our competitive CNC turning rates aren't just about labor. The cost advantage stems from a highly integrated manufacturing ecosystem in Dongguan.
- 1. Bar Stock Sourcing: Direct access to bulk raw material mills reduces our base material cost by 20% compared to Western shops.
- 2. Automation: Automatic bar feeders and parts catchers enable 24/7 lights-out production, spreading the machine hourly rate over thousands of parts.
- 3. Local Heat Treat & Plating: Post-processing partners are located within a 10-mile radius, cutting logistics delays entirely.
Turning Cost & Lead-Time Estimator
Input your cylindrical part requirements below. Our algorithm assigns the most cost-effective machine (2-Axis, Mill-Turn, or Swiss) based on L/D ratio and complexity, providing real-time global pricing.
CNC Turning & Mill-Turn FAQ
What is the difference between CNC Milling and CNC Turning?
What is Live Tooling (Mill-Turn)?
How much does CNC Turning cost per hour?
What is the difference between a Swiss Machine and a Lathe with Live Tooling?
How do you calculate RPM and Cutting Speed (SFM) for turning?
What are G71, G41, and G42 in CNC turning programming?
What does "Lights-Out" CNC Turning mean for my part cost?
Scale Your Turned Parts Production
From 100 precision medical pins to 100,000 aluminum automotive spacers. Upload your CAD drawings today for an instant DFM review.
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