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Part of our CNC Machining services, our CNC turning process is suitable for one-off parts, rapid prototyping and series production. It is ideal for producing cylindrical, round and rotational components with tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes. HLH Rapid offers CNC turning services for precision shafts, rods, bushings, threaded parts and custom cylindrical components. Simply upload your STEP file to start your CNC turning project.
CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses computer-controlled lathes to remove material from a solid workpiece efficiently and accurately. The workpiece is rotated while a cutting tool removes material to create the required shape, dimensions and features according to a programmed design.
| Part Size Limitations | Metric units | Imperial units |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum part diameter | Ø500 mm | Ø19.7 inches |
| Maximum part length | 1000 mm | 39.4 inches |
| Aluminium 2014-T6 | Aluminium 6082 | Stainless Steel 301 | Steel 4140 | Mild Steel | Lead Brass CZ112 |
| Aluminium 2024 | Aluminium 7075 | Stainless Steel 304 | EN8 / C45 | Copper C110 | Lead Brass CZ121 |
| Aluminium 6061 | Aluminium 7075-T6 | Stainless Steel 316 | Hot Rolled Steel (HRC) | Aluminium Bronze | Magnesium Alloys |
| Aluminium 6061-T6 | ADC12 | Stainless Steel 409 | Cold Rolled Steel | Bronze | Zinc Alloys |
| Aluminium 6063 | Stainless Steel 201 | Steel 1018 | Low Carbon Steel | Brass C360 |
| ABS | FR-PC | PPSU |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | PEEK | PVC |
| HDPE | PEI | |
| PA (Nylon) | POM (Acetal/Delrin) | |
| PA+GF | Anti-static POM | |
| PBT | PPO | |
| PC | PPS | |
| PC+ABS | PPS-GF40 |
| As-Turned | Black Oxide | Hard Chrome Plating | Polishing | Spray Painting |
| Anodizing | Brushing | Laser Engraving | Powder Coating | Silk Screening |
| Alodine | Electroplating | Painting | Sandblasting | |
| Bead Blasting | Electroless Nickel Plating | Passivation | Smoothing |
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Please use the following formats:
.stl, .obj, .wrl, .step (.stp), .iges (.igs), .3mf, .dxf and .zip
100mb max file size (per file)
If you have a file type not listed, please contact us to discuss first.
UK Office: Suite 11 & 12A, 44 Potternewton
Mount, Leeds, LS7 2DR, United Kingdom
Company Number: 12704810
VAT Number: GB393458263
Factory: Building A, Hongfa Industrial District
Houda Road, Daling Shan, Dongguan,
Guangdong, China
Some of the most common CNC turning operations include:
At HLH, tolerances are controlled to DIN ISO 2768-1 Fine (F) for metals and Medium (M) for plastics as standard for CNC turning. Tighter tolerances available on request.
| Metals With Drawing | Metals No Drawing | Plastics With Drawing | Plastics No Drawing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear Dimension | ±0.01mm | ISO 2768 Fine | ±0.05mm | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Hole Diameters | ±0.008mm | ISO 2768 Fine | ±0.05mm | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Shaft Diameters | ±0.004mm | ISO 2768 Fine | ±0.05mm | ISO 2768 Medium |
To achieve high dimensional accuracy, reduce warping and successful prints, it is important that you design for the process. See the CNC Milling design guidelines below.
| Feature | Recommended Size (Metals) | Recommended Size (Plastics) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 1.0 mm (0.040 in) | 1.5 mm (0.059 in) |
| Minimum Engraved Detail Depth | 0.8 mm (0.031 in) | 0.8 mm (0.031 in) |
| Minimum Engraved Detail Width | 0.5 mm (0.0197 in) | 0.5 mm (0.0197 in) |
| Hole Depth | Up to 4× diameter | Up to 4× diameter |
| Minimum Hole Diameter | 1.5 mm (0.059 in) | 2.0 mm (0.079 in) |
| Minimum Pin Diameter | 2.0 mm (0.079 in) | 2.5 mm (0.098 in) |
| Threads | M2 or larger | M3 or larger |
| Thread Length | Up to 3× hole diameter | Up to 3× hole diameter |
Why CNC turning?
Simply put, the difference between turning and milling lies within the way the machine itself or the raw material moves. In CNC milling, the material is held in place while the cutting tools rotate around it, whereas in CNC turning, the workpiece rotates against a cutting tool.
CNC turning costs typically range from $50 to $120+ per machine hour in the US and Europe. The exact price depends on factors such as part complexity, material, tolerances, machine capabilities, production volume, and the supplier’s location.
In China, CNC turning is often more cost-effective due to lower labor, material, and manufacturing costs, with typical rates starting at around $20 to $40 per machine hour. However, pricing can vary significantly based on the complexity of the part, required tolerances, machine type, material, quantity, and manufacturing location.
For an accurate quote, submit your CAD design, and we’ll get back with a quote within 24 hours or less.
Simple CNC turned parts can often be machined in just a few days, while more complex parts may take several days or even weeks. However, the total lead time also depends on factors such as setup, post-processing, quantity and part complexity.
At HLH Rapid, CNC turning projects can be delivered in as little as 4 days, depending on the requirements of your project.
