Steel is a versatile, robust material commonly used in CNC machining. It offers excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and durability. It is ideal for parts that require robust performance in demanding applications such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery.
CNC Turning service
- From 10 to 40,000 CNC parts
- ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001
CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process in which the workpiece rotates while a cutting tool removes material, using 2-axis or multi-axis lathes to produce precise, rotationally symmetrical CNC components.
CNC turning use cases
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Shafts and drive shafts
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Precision bushings and sleeves
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Pins, dowels, and spacers
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Threaded fittings and connectors
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Nozzles and fluid-handling components
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Precision flanges and retaining rings
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Rotational components for aerospace applications
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Precision cylindrical medical components
Materials for CNC turning
Metals
Stainless steel (5)
AISI 316L
AISI 4140
AISI 304
C45
AISI 420
Aluminium alloys (4)
Aluminium alloys are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and easy to machine. They are widely used in CNC machining for applications that require a combination of strength and low weight. Aluminium alloys are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics industries.
Aluminium 5083
Aluminium 6082
Aluminium 6082-T6
Aluminium 7075-T651
Copper alloys (1)
Copper alloys, including brass and bronze, are known for their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. These materials are easy to machine and are often used in applications such as electrical components, heat exchangers and plumbing fittings. Copper alloys also exhibit good corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.
Copper C101
Bronze alloys (1)
Bronze alloys are composed primarily of copper and tin, offering good wear resistance, strength and corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in applications such as bearings, bushings, and gears. Bronze alloys are also valued for their attractive appearance and are used in decorative and architectural elements.
Bronze 12
Brass alloys (1)
Brass alloys are composed of copper and zinc, providing excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. Brass is often used in applications that require low friction, such as fittings, valves and gears. It is also appreciated for its aesthetic properties and is used in musical instruments, decorative items, and hardware.
Brass OT58
Magnesium
Magnesium is a lightweight metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is easier to machine than many other metals and is used in applications where reducing weight is crucial, such as in the aerospace, automotive and electronics industries.
Mild steel
Mild steel, also known as low-carbon steel, contains a small percentage of carbon and is known for its ductility and malleability. It is easy to weld and machine, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including construction, automotive components, and general manufacturing.
Our team of experts is at your disposal
Our engineers support you in material selection, optimising the part for metal 3D printing, and defining the required post-processes and inspections.
DMLS finishing options
Painting
Aesthetic finish and part protection with custom painting on request.
Final result:
- Uniform aesthetic finish
- Customisable colour
- Greater surface protection
Anodising
Anodising for corrosion protection and colouring of 3D-printed aluminium parts.
Final result:
- Greater corrosion resistance
- More wear-resistant surface
- Customisable aesthetic finish
Comparison with other technologies
| Technology | Max. size | Min. detail size | Tolerances | Roughness | Min. detail dimension | Min. internal cut angle | Min. corner radius |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC milling Plastic | 550×550×500 mm | 6×6×6 mm | ISO 2768: Medium ISO 2768: Fine |
Ra 3.2 or 1.6 μm | 3 mm | - | - |
| CNC turning Plastic | 550×550×500 mm | Approximate diameter: 1 mm Min. length: 5 mm |
ISO 2768: Medium ISO 2768: Fine |
Ra 3.2 or 1.6 μm | 3 mm | approx. 30° | 0.5 mm |
Technology
CNC milling
Plastic- Max. size
- 550×550×500 mm
- Min. detail size
- 6×6×6 mm
- Tolerances
- ISO 2768: Medium
ISO 2768: Fine - Roughness
- Ra 3.2 or 1.6 μm
- Min. detail dimension
- 3 mm
- Min. internal cut angle
- -
- Min. corner radius
- -
Technology
CNC turning
Plastic- Max. size
- 550×550×500 mm
- Min. detail size
- Approximate diameter: 1 mm
Min. length: 5 mm - Tolerances
- ISO 2768: Medium
ISO 2768: Fine - Roughness
- Ra 3.2 or 1.6 μm
- Min. detail dimension
- 3 mm
- Min. internal cut angle
- approx. 30°
- Min. corner radius
- 0.5 mm
Pros and cons of CNC turning
Advantages
- High dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances.
- Excellent surface quality on cylindrical geometries.
- Wide range of metals and engineering plastics.
- Mechanical properties of solid stock material.
- High repeatability from one component to another.
- Ideal for diameters, grooves, threads, seats and surfaces of revolution.
Points to consider
- Primarily suited to components with axisymmetric geometries.
- Greater material waste compared with Additive Manufacturing.
- Lead times and costs increase with component complexity.
- Non-axisymmetric features may require live tooling or additional machining operations.
- Multiple setups or secondary operations may be required to complete all machining features.
CNC turning FAQ
What materials can be machined using CNC turning?
CNC turning can process a wide range of metals and engineering plastics, including aluminium, steels, stainless steel, titanium, brass and various engineering polymers. Material selection depends on the required component performance, such as mechanical strength, weight, thermal behaviour, chemical resistance and operating conditions. Material machinability also affects cutting speeds, tooling, surface finish and production costs.
What tolerances can be achieved with CNC turning?
CNC turning can achieve tight dimensional tolerances and high accuracy on diameters, concentricity and cylindrical surfaces. The tolerances that can actually be achieved depend on the material, part dimensions, length-to-diameter ratio, geometry and required surface finish. For components with particularly demanding requirements, functional dimensions and geometric tolerances should be clearly specified on the technical drawing.
What are the main design constraints of CNC turning?
CNC turning is particularly suitable for axisymmetric geometries and surfaces of revolution. Very deep internal diameters, thin walls, long and slender components, or non-axisymmetric geometries can increase machining complexity. Cross holes, slots or milled surfaces may require live tooling, multi-axis machines or additional CNC machining operations.
When should CNC turning be used?
CNC turning is ideal when a component has a predominantly cylindrical or axisymmetric geometry and requires high precision, repeatability and surface quality. It is particularly effective for shafts, bushings, pins, flanges, fittings, spacers, threaded components and other bar-stock parts, both for functional prototypes and series production.
What is the difference between CNC turning and 3D printing?
CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process that starts from solid stock and progressively removes material until the final geometry is achieved. It provides high dimensional accuracy, excellent surface finishes and the mechanical properties of the original material. 3D printing, by contrast, builds the component layer by layer and is better suited to complex geometries, internal structures and shapes that are difficult to access with conventional cutting tools.
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