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CNC turning is a machining process that creates exact parts with cylindrical shapes, like shafts and sleeves.
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A pre-programmed computer program controlling the cutting tool enables high accuracy levels, making CNC turning capable of everything from simple to intricate parts. Another advantage is that this technology is compatible with almost any material – including a wide range of polymers and metals.
How CNC turning works
Turning is a subtractive manufacturing process also known as lathing. Like milling, turning machines also operate with a geometrically determined cutting edge. Instead of the tool, the workpiece is moving in a rotary way. Additionally, the cutting tool can move horizontally.
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​Three of the most commonly used turning operations are step turning, facing, and threading. 
CNC turning use cases
Turning is particularly beneficial if the shape of the part is centrally symmetric (i.e., resulting in conical end parts). Turning has high accuracy and surface finish standards, resulting in high repeatability and comparably short lead times. 
CNC turning by the numbers
Max Build Size: 400 x 1000 mm (standard size)
Minimum Wall Thickness: 0.2 mm (depending on material and geometry)
Dimensional Accuracy: ISO 286 Tolerance grade 7 (0.015 mm for a 6mm diameter)
Lead Times: Starting at 14 days 
Key feature: Diverse range of materials
CNC turning materials are suited for a wide range of use cases. The materials, including metals and polymers, offer different properties, such as strength, durability, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity, which can be tailored to specific applications and requirements.
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Using a wide range of materials means you can choose the most cost-effective option for your projects.
Why choose MakerVerse for machined parts?
"MakerVerse really took the time to understand our project and help us. Working together was a great experience, as they were always so open and transparent about all the parts we ordered."
Camilla Chitvanni
Co-Head of Engineering
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Source industrial-grade CNC turning parts
MakerVerse gives you the flexibility to source parts however you need. Get instant quotes and quickly order parts with on-demand manufacturing. Our team of experts will work with you for large or complex orders to develop, align, and supervise a manufacturing quality plan from start to finish.
Available finishes
Anodizing
This electrochemical process increases the thickness and toughness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. Anodizing provides a protective, corrosion-resistant, and decorative finish.
Black oxidizing
Also known as blackening, this process creates a black oxide coating on the surface of metal parts. Black oxidizing provides a durable and corrosion-resistant finish.
Hardening
A heat treatment process that improves the strength and durability of metal parts by heating them to a specific temperature and then rapidly cooling them. Hardening increases the parts' wear resistance and fatigue strength, making them more durable.
Painted
Additional color is applied to the printed part, often by a professional spray painting system. The part is properly prepared through accurate cleaning and a clearcoat to get the desired output.
Sandblasting
Abrasive sand is applied to the component under high pressure. This provides functional benefits (achieving a certain surface roughness) and optical advantages (polishing the surface).
Tempering
The metal part is heated to a specific temperature and then slowly cooled to achieve the desired level of hardness and toughness. Tempering improves the strength and toughness of the metal parts, making them more resistant to impact and wear.
Popular CNC turning materials
The MakerVerse platform offers 100+ different materials for your CNC machining projects. Here are some of the most popular metals and polymers.
Aluminum
Main characteristics
A good balance of strength, hardness, and dynamic properties values characterizes aluminum and its related alloys. It's a lightweight, malleable metal that is easy to machine and has good corrosion resistance.
Use cases
Aluminum is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries for parts such as housings, brackets, and heat sinks.
Brass
Main characteristics
Brass is a corrosion-resistant alloy made from copper and zinc. The main benefits are that its easily machinable and has good thermal and electrical conductivity.
Use cases
Brass is often used for decorative applications and in plumbing, hardware, and electrical components.
PA
Main characteristics
PA (Polyamide), also known as nylon, is a strong, lightweight polymer. It offers good wear resistance and low friction.
Use cases
This polymer is often used for gears, bearings, and structural components in various industries, from automotive to consumer goods.
PTFE
Main characteristics
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), also known as Teflon, is a highly heat-resistant and low-friction polymer. This material also offers excellent chemical resistance.
Use cases
PTFE is commonly used in applications that require non-stick properties, such as bearings, seals, and electrical components.
POM
Main characteristics
POM (Polyoxymethylene), also known as Acetal, is a strong and stiff polymer. It offers good dimensional stability combined with low friction.
Use cases
Various industries often use POM for gears, bearings, and electrical components.
Steel
Main characteristics
Steel is characterized by high yield strength and strong corrosion resistance. It's a multi-purpose metal offering both good weldability and machinability.
Use cases
Steel is widely used for everything from vales to fittings to medical instruments. Many industries, from aerospace to food processing, use stainless steel.
Superalloys
Main characteristics
Superalloys are high-performance alloys offering excellent heat resistance, strength, and corrosion resistance.
Use cases
Superalloys are commonly used in the aerospace and energy industries for heavy-duty parts such as turbine blades, exhaust systems, and heat exchangers.
Titanium
Main characteristics
Titanium is used extensively due to its high strength and low weight ratio. It also offers high corrosion and oxidation resistance.
Use cases
Due to titanium's biocompatibility, it is used for medical and dental applications. Its high strength and comparatively low weight make it appealing for high-performance parts like gearboxes and connecting rods in racing cars and bionic brackets in the aviation industry. 
Tooling steel
Main characteristics
Tooling steel is characterized by a high tensile strength and a high toughness. It can be used in higher temperatures since its mechanical properties remain stable at high temperatures. Heat treatment can further optimize mechanical properties.
Use cases
This metal is often used for tooling inserts for injection molding, extrusion tool inserts, or for functional prototypes. Furthermore, this tooling steel can be used for tooling and fixtures.
Customer support
Have any special requests for your project? You can reach out to us with your specific material requests at any time under customersupport@makerverse.ai
Resources: CNC machining
These 23 tips will help ensure the manufacturability of your CNC machined parts.
Learn how to reduce CNC machining costs without sacrificing your part's quality.
CNC machining or 3D printing? Learn which manufacturing method is best for your project.
