CNC Turning Service
Instant quotes on custom metal and plastic turned parts. Quick-turn prototypes and production parts in days.
Free standard shipping on all US orders. International prototype pricing includes tariffs. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, IATF 16949:2016, AS9100D certified. ITAR registered.
CNC Turning with Artemis 3D
With access to a network of over 10,000 shops, including those with CNC lathes and turning centers, Artemis 3D provides you with the capacity and capabilities your project needs, while also delivering the most competitive pricing and lead times.
Our machine learning-trained technology platform provides instant manufacturability feedback to ensure that your part is optimized for the CNC turning process and fits the requirements you need.
Our on-demand manufacturing platform can deliver high-quality metal and plastic CNC turning parts for rapid prototyping or low-to-high volume production runs. Get an instant quote from your 3D CAD file today. The price for your turned prototypes includes tariffs and shipping for standard parcels.
CNC Turning Materials
Choose from a wide range of metals and plastics for your custom turned parts
| Material | Available Varieties |
|---|---|
Aluminum Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, excellent machinability | Aluminum 5052Aluminum 7075Aluminum 7075-T6Aluminum 6063-T5Aluminum 7050-T7451Aluminum MIC-6Aluminum 6061-T6Aluminum 2024-T3 |
Brass/Bronze Excellent machinability, wear resistance, decorative finish | Brass C360Brass 260C932 M07 Bearing Bronze |
Copper High conductivity, excellent thermal properties | ETP Copper C110Copper 101 |
Plastics Versatile, lightweight, chemical resistant | ABSAcetal (Delrin)AcrylicG-10 GaroliteNylon 6/6PEEKPolycarbonatePTFE (Teflon)PolypropyleneUHMW PE |
Steel High strength, durable, heat treatable | Alloy Steel 4130Alloy Steel 4140ASTM A36Stainless Steel 15-5Stainless Steel 17-4Stainless Steel 18-8Stainless Steel 303Stainless Steel 304Stainless Steel 316/316LStainless Steel 416Stainless Steel 420Steel 1018Steel A36 |
Titanium Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatible | Titanium Grade 2Titanium 6Al-4V |
Zinc Corrosion resistant, excellent castability | Zinc Sheet Alloy 500 |
Additional alloys and tempers are available upon request. We can source to your project specifications.
Custom Sourced Materials
If you do not see the material stock you are looking for, please choose "Other" under the material drop-down on your quote page and submit for an expert engineering review once you have specified features, tolerances, inspection needs, and quantities required.
Available Finishes
Enhance the appearance and performance of your turned parts
As-Machined
The finish option with the quickest turnaround. Parts are left with visible tool marks and potentially sharp edges and burrs, which can be removed upon request. Surface finish is comparable to 125 μin Ra finish.
Bead Blast
The part surface is left with a smooth, matte appearance. Fine glass beads are applied at high pressure to create a uniform satin-like texture.
Anodized (Type II or Type III)
Type II creates a corrosion-resistant finish in colors like clear, black, red, and gold. Type III is thicker and creates a wear-resistant layer in addition to corrosion resistance.
Powder Coat
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.
Custom Finishes
Don't see the finish you need? Submit an RFQ and we'll look into a finishing process for your custom lathe work.
Ready to Get Started on Your CNC Turning Quote?
Free shipping available for domestic CNC machining orders.
Get Your Instant QuoteApplications of CNC Turning
Rapid Tooling
Because CNC can be applied to virtually any material, it is perfect for rapid tooling, creating fixtures or molds from durable metals and plastics.
Rapid Prototyping
The range of materials available, low cost per unit, and speed of production makes CNC turning a great option for prototyping.
Serial Production
High-quality finish, vast material options, and precise tolerances have made CNC lathe turning a favorable technology for serial production parts.
Advantages of CNC Turning
Rapid Turnaround
Using the latest CNC machines, Artemis 3D produces highly accurate, quick turn parts in as fast as 1 day.
Custom Finishes
Select from a variety of finishes on solid metal and plastic parts, built to precise design specifications.
Material Selection
Choose from over 50 metal and plastic materials. CNC Machining offers a wide variety of certified materials.
High Precision
Offers high-precision tolerances ranging from +/-0.001" – 0.005", depending on customer specs.
Scalability
CNC Machining is perfect for production of 1-10,000+ CNC machined parts with consistent quality.
CNC General Tolerances
Precision turning with tight tolerances for demanding applications
| Description | General Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Distance Dimensions | For features of size (Length, width, height, diameter) and location (position, concentricity, symmetry) +/- 0.005" |
| Orientation and Form Dimensions | 0-12" +/- 0.005", Angularity 1/2 degree. For 24" and beyond please consult our Manufacturing Standards. |
| Edge Condition | Sharp edges will be broken and deburred by default. Critical edges that must be left sharp should be noted and specified on a print. |
| Maximum Part Size | Lathe parts up to 62" (1,575 mm) length and 32" (813 mm) diameter. |
| Precision Tolerances | High-precision tolerances ranging from +/-0.001" – 0.005", depending on customer specs. |
| Surface Finish | Standard as-machined: 125 Ra or better. Additional finishing options available. |
Please check out Artemis 3D's Manufacturing Standards for more information on tolerances per process.
What is CNC Turning?
The Basics of CNC Lathes
A CNC lathe machine, also called live tooling lathes, is ideal for cutting any symmetrical cylindrical or spherical parts. Characteristically, a lathe spins a workpiece on a vertical or horizontal axis, while a fixed shaping instrument moves around it on a more or less linear path. The act of cutting a workpiece on a CNC lathe is called turning.
How CNC Turning Works
CNC lathes use a subtractive method to create the desired shape. With the G-Code created, a blank bar of stock material is loaded into the chuck of the lathe's spindle. The chuck holds the workpiece in place while the spindle spins. When the spindle is up to speed, a stationary cutting tool is brought into contact with the workpiece to remove material until the desired geometry is achieved.
Common Lathe Operations
Types of CNC Lathes
2-Axis CNC Lathes
The most common type of CNC lathe. Ideal for standard turning operations on cylindrical and spherical parts with high precision and repeatability.
Swiss-Type Lathes
Stock material is fed through a guide bushing, allowing the tool to cut nearer to the point of support. Particularly useful for long, slender parts and micromachining.
Multi-Axis Turning Centers
Equipped with live tooling and sometimes a second tool head that operates as a CNC mill, allowing multiple machining operations without moving the workpiece.
Benefits of CNC Turning
Like CNC mills, CNC lathes can be easily set up for high repeatability, which makes them great for everything from rapid prototyping to low and high-volume production. Multi-axis CNC turning centers and Swiss-type lathes allow for multiple machining operations in one machine, making them a cost-effective option for complex geometries that would otherwise require multiple machines or tool changes in a traditional CNC mill.
Why Choose Artemis 3D for CNC Turning?
Instant Pricing
Get instant quotes with our machine learning-trained platform that provides instant manufacturability feedback.
Vetted Network
Access to a network of over 10,000 shops with CNC lathes and turning centers, delivering competitive pricing and lead times.
Quality Assured
ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, IATF 16949:2016, and AS9100D certified. ITAR registered for defense work.
Industries We Serve
CNC turning is trusted across industries for precision cylindrical components
Start Your CNC Turning Project Today
Upload your CAD files and get instant pricing on precision turned parts in over 50 metals and plastics.