CNC Machining
CNC lathe machining for high-precision rotational parts — the workpiece spins while the tool feeds along a programmed path.
CNC Turning Services use computer numerical control lathes to remove material while the workpiece rotates at high speed and the cutting tool feeds along a set path. Unlike milling (tool rotates, workpiece fixed), the core trait of turning is that the workpiece rotates — ideal for shafts, sleeves, bolts, and other cylindrical parts.
On a CNC lathe the workpiece spins and the tool feeds. That is the opposite of milling, and it is why shafts, bushings, glands, and concentric bores come off a turning cell cleaner and cheaper than they would from a vise.
Mill-turn and dual-spindle machines add flats, cross-holes, and back-working so many parts never leave the lathe. AIHFABS quotes turning when rotation is the main feature of the design.
Diameter, length, and finish below are planning values. Mirror finishes need a drawing callout.
| Typical tolerance | Spindle speed | Min diameter | Max Z travel | Surface finish | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ±0.01 mm standard; ±0.001–0.002 mm high precision | Up to 20,000 rpm | About 2.0 mm | Up to 1000 mm | Mirror finishes down to Ra 0.05 μm | Simple 1–3 days; complex 7–10 days |
Bar stock in aluminum, stainless, carbon steel, brass, titanium, and shop plastics.
A sharp insert already leaves a fine OD. Polish or plate is added when the seat or the customer face needs it.
Light insert marks along the OD. Fine enough for most shafts, spacers, and non-sealing hardware.
Slow finish pass or polish down toward Ra 0.05 μm on bearing and seal diameters.
Zinc, nickel, or passivation on steels; anodize on aluminum after mill-turn features are cut.
If the part is a shaft with a few flats, start here. If it is a block with a bore, start on milling.
| Process | Lead time | Tolerance | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining ServicesMetals & plastics | From 1–5 business days depending on complexity and finish | ±0.05 mm standard; tighter on request with drawing callouts | Instant quote · typical prototype from $45 |
| CNC Milling ServicesMetals & plastics | Simple 1–3 days; complex 3–7 days; batch 5–15 days | ±0.01 mm standard; ±0.005 mm high precision | Instant quote · typical prototype from $40 |
| CNC Turning ServicesMetals & plastics | Simple 1–3 days; complex 7–10 days | ±0.01 mm standard; ±0.001–0.002 mm high precision | Instant quote · typical prototype from $35 |
| CNC Routing ServicesPlastics & composites | From 2–4 business days | Medium precision (~±0.025 mm class) | Instant quote · typical panel job from $30 |
| 5-Axis CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | From 3–7 business days depending on complexity | ±0.02–0.05 mm on critical features when specified | Instant quote · typical prototype from $80 |
| Precision Machining ServicesMetals & plastics | From 3–8 business days (complexity dependent) | ±0.005–0.01 mm; Ra 0.4–1.6 μm; CPK ≥ 1.33 | Instant quote · quoted to drawing / inspection grade |
| Large Part CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | Quoted per project (fixturing and logistics driven) | Around ±0.025 mm on critical features; large spans project-dependent | Project quote · fixturing and logistics driven |
| Swiss CNC MachiningMetals & plastics | From 3–7 business days; faster on repeat batches | ±0.005 mm standard; down to ±0.0025 mm when specified | Instant quote · most economical in batch runs |
Bar size, grip length, and tailstock or sub-spindle support are set from the solid. Concentric datums should be obvious on the drawing.
First-off diameters are checked before a batch run. CMM or optical reports cover the features you mark as critical.
Think in diameters, lengths, and the faces that locate in the assembly.
| Feature | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Bearing / seal seats | Give diameter tolerance and Ra on the drawing, not only in the model color. |
| Shoulders | Add fillets on diameter steps when fatigue or stress risers matter. |
| Datums | Mark which faces a mill-turn live tool should treat as primary references. |
| Min diameter | About 2.0 mm on standard lathes; smaller pins belong on Swiss. |
CNC machining removes material from solid stock with computer-controlled mills, lathes, and multi-axis centers.
Full process details
CNC Milling Services use computer numerical control (CNC) mills to cut workpieces with rotating tools according to programmed toolpaths.
Full process details
CNC Routing Services use computer numerical control (CNC) routers with high-speed rotating bits to cut, engrave, drill, and shape materials.
Full process details±0.01 mm is a solid planning value. High-precision seats can go to ±0.001–0.002 mm when specified and inspected.
Yes on mill-turn cells. Simple OD/ID work stays on a 2-axis lathe to keep the rate down.
About 2 mm on standard turning. Below that, or with a high L/D, Swiss is the better page.
POM, PEEK, nylon, and PTFE are common. Tell us if the part sees steam, chemicals, or food contact.
Simple work often leaves in 1–3 business days. Complex mill-turn or special finishes run 7–10 days.
AIHFABS quotes custom 3D printing and CNC machining from a CAD upload. Compare SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, DLP, milling, and turning, then add finishing such as vapor smoothing, dyeing, anodizing, polishing, or powder coating in the same order.
Instant quoting is built for prototypes, jigs, housings, and small-batch production. You see material, process, quantity, and lead time together, which keeps engineering changes from turning into a new round of supplier emails.
If this page describes a process, industry, or sample part you want to reproduce, start from the upload flow and match technology plus finishing to your drawing.
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