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CNC turning service

Source high-performing parts in more than 50 different metals and plastics via our network of advanced CNC turning experts. Tight tolerances available, down to ±.0008"

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What is CNC turning?

CNC turning produces parts by mounting a blank on a rotating chuck and removing material using stationary cutting tools. This technology is ideal for manufacturing parts with symmetry along their center axis. Turned parts are typically produced faster (and at a lower cost) than milled parts.

Learn more about CNC milling and turning

Maximum part size for CNC turning

Part size limitations Metric units Imperial units
Maximum part diameter 431 mm 17 in
Maximum part length 990 mm 39 in
Maximum swing over the carriage 350 mm 13.7 in
Maximum spindle through-hole 40 mm 1.5 in
Maximum speed: 1700RPM, Motor power: 640W

Available materials for CNC turning

Industry-leading companies in aerospace, automotive, defense, machinery, medical technology, robotics, electronics, oil & gas, industrial automation and more that require high degrees of detail and complexity come to us for rapid prototypes and production parts.


Example of CNC milling metals
Metals

A wide range of metals for CNC machining, with applications in multiple industries. Ideal for both one-off prototypes and end-use custom parts.

Browse CNC turning metal materials

Example of CNC milling plastics
Plastics

A wide range of plastics for CNC machining, with applications in multiple industries. Ideal for both one-off prototypes and end-use custom parts.

Browse CNC turning plastic materials

CNC turning surface finishes

Enhance part performance by selecting surface finishes that improve the roughness, hardness, chemical resistance and cosmetic features of the finished component.

Browse CNC turning surface finishes

CNC turning tolerances 

We follow ISO 2768 standards for CNC machining.

Limits for nominal size Plastics (ISO 2768- m) Metals (ISO 2768- f)
0.5mm* to 3mm ±0.1mm ±0.05mm
Over 3mm to 6mm ±0.1mm ±0.05mm
Over 6mm to 30mm ±0.2mm ±0.1mm
Over 30mm to 120mm ±0.3mm ±0.15mm
Over 120mm to 400mm ±0.5mm ±0.2mm
Over 400mm to 1000mm ±0.8mm ±0.3mm
Over 1000mm to 2000mm ±1.2mm ±0.5mm
Over 2000mm to 4000mm ±2mm
*Please clearly indicate tolerances for nominal sizes below 0.5mm on your technical drawing.

CNC turning design guidelines

Check the recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features of parts produced with precision CNC turning.

Learn more in our engineering guide to CNC machining


Feature Recommended size Feasible size
Min. feature size Ø 2.5 mm Ø 0.50 mm
Internal edges R 8 mm R 0.25 mm
Minimum wall thickness 0.8 mm (for metals) 1.5 mm (for plastics) 0.5 mm (for metals) 1.0 mm (for plastics)
Holes Diameter: standard drill bit sizes
Depth: 4 x diameter
Diameter: Ø 0.5 Depth: 10 x diameter
Threads Size: M6 or larger Length: 3 x diameter Size: M2

Why should you choose CNC turning?

We have high standards for CNC turning

We manufacture your custom parts according to strict manufacturing standards and ensure all parts and processes adhere to The Protolabs Network Standard.

  • Every custom part gets checked on site by our manufacturing partners according to our guidelines.

  • Inspection reports and other types of quality documentation are available on request to assure the highest quality and compliance.

More resources for CNC turning

Learn more about how CNC turning works and how to design better parts for this machining process.