A CNC-turned part is a component made on a CNC lathe by rotating the workpiece against a static cutting tool, removing material until the part attains the desired shape.

For engineers, manufacturers, and production decision-makers comparing machining options, CNC turning is the standard process for circular parts that need tight roundness and concentricity, including shafts, pins, bushings, and fittings.

This operating principle distinguishes CNC turning from CNC milling. In CNC milling, the workpiece is held stationary in a fixture, and a rotating cutter moves across it along multiple axes.

Because the diameter is generated by a single revolution about the spindle axis, turning produces excellent concentricity and roundness, making it a cost-effective choice for many precision components used across aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics applications.

Advances in CNC part machining have somewhat eliminated the gap between these two types of machining. With a mill-turn center and live tooling, it is possible to cut a diameter, index the spindle to a specific angle, and then drill a cross-hole in a single setup without releasing the part.

The sections that follow explain how CNC lathes work, the turning process step by step, tooling and workpiece materials, common CNC turned part types, design and material selection, cost factors, and when turning makes more sense than milling.

CNC General Tolerances

Unless we have agreed to other tolerances in your Quote, we will work to achieve and hold the tolerances noted below, which will vary per the primary manufacturing method you select. (eg.:Round hole 10mm, tolerance +0.01—0.03mm)

Packing

Product Packaging

PVC BAGS

AIR BCBBLE EILM

CARTON CASES

PLASTIC CASES

WOODEN PALLET

WOODEN CASES